Duke Energy plans 3 new solar power plants in Florida

Duke Energy Florida (DEF) has filed the locations of its three newest solar power plants, which will provide cleaner, smarter energy solutions to benefit customers in Florida, USA.

The Duette Solar Power Plant will be built on approximately 520 acres in Manatee County. Once operational, the 74.5 megawatt (MW) facility will consist of approximately 227,000 single-axis tracking solar panels, capable of producing enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 homes at peak production annually. Once completed, the estimated cost will be US$0.42 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) for a typical residential customer.

The Charlie Creek Solar Power Plant will be built on 610 acres in Hardee County. The 74.9 MW facility will consist of approximately 235,000 single-axis tracking solar panels, capable of producing enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 homes at peak production annually. Once completed, the estimated cost will be US$0.39 per 1,000 kWh for a typical residential customer.

The Archer Solar Power Plant will be built on 630 acres in Alachua County. This 74.9 megawatt (MW) facility will consist of approximately 220,000 single-axis tracking solar panels, capable of producing enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 homes at peak production annually. Once completed, the estimated cost will be US$0.32 per 1,000 kWh for a typical residential customer.

During construction, each solar project creates approximately 200 to 300 temporary jobs. All three solar power plants will be owned, operated, and maintained by Duke Energy Florida and are expected to be finished in late 2021.