Florida Power & Light (FPL) is planning to develop eight new universal solar projects in the state, with completion set for early 2018.
Each of the eight new solar plants will have a capacity of 74.5M, for a total of nearly 600MW, which is enough to power approximately 120,000 homes.
Projected to be cost-effective throughout their operational lifespan, the new solar power plants will comprise over 2.5 million solar panels.
The new solar projects are expected to yield millions of dollars in net savings in the long run for the electric utility’s customers.
FPL president and CEO Eric Silagy said: "As the first company to build solar power generation cost effectively in Florida, we are proud to continue leading the advancement of affordable clean energy infrastructure.
“We have proven that it's possible to cut emissions and deliver reliable service while keeping electric bills low for our customers.”
The eight locations marked for the new solar plants include Alachua, Putnam and DeSoto counties while the other locations are to be announced by the utility in due course of time.
FPL said construction of the solar plants is likely to begin this spring. An estimated 200 to 250 people will be employed during peak construction at each of the sites.
Earlier, the electric utility had announced to build four new universal power plants in the year, but has doubled the number.
Presently, FPL has an operational solar generating capacity of over 335MW, which will deliver enough energy to 60,000 homes.
Image: FPL accelerates major solar energy development projects. Photo: courtesy of Florida Power & Light Company.