Duke Adds Solar to Energy Projects

Continuing a move by Florida utilities to increase the use of solar energy, Duke Energy Florida plans to open five solar-power plants in 2021, according to a regulatory filing Friday.

The filing at the Florida Public Service Commission indicated the costs of the plants will range from $98 million to $109 million, with each having a capacity of slightly less than 75 megawatts. Two of the projects, known as the Twin Rivers Solar Power Plant in Hamilton County and the Santa Fe Solar Power Plant in Columbia County, are under construction and slated to begin operating in early 2021, according to the filing and a company news release.

The other three projects, known as the Duette Solar Power Plant in Manatee County, the Charlie Creek Solar Power Plant in Hardee County and the Archer Solar Power Plant in Alachua County, are expected to begin operating in late 2021. Duke also recently began operating solar plants in Columbia and Volusia counties, according to the company news release. Florida utilities during the past few years have moved forward with large solar projects as they have become more cost-effective.

Also, utilities have been buoyed by provisions in rate agreements that help them recover project costs from customers.

Article reposted with permission from The News Service of Florida.