FPL has announced plans for the biggest community solar power program in America. FPL (Florida Power & Light Company) filed a proposal with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). The proposal is for a new community solar power program.
In the new program, FPL customers will have the opportunity to participate in turning Florida into a global leader in solar energy.
Participating customers will be able to subscribe to a portion of new solar energy capacity. In return, they will get credits which reduce their monthly electricity bills over time.
FPL wants to bring solar to all customers
Eric Silagy, President and CEO of the Florida Power & Light Company, said:
“We’ve been aggressively expanding solar with one goal in mind: bringing more solar to all of our customers cost-effectively while continuing to keep their bills lower than 90 percent of the country.”
“This innovative program is another major step forward in our ’30-by-30′ plan, which is one of the world’s largest solar expansions, and also an unprecedented opportunity for our customers to harness the power of the sun like never before.”
If the PSC approves the FPL SolarTogether program, it will expand solar energy in Florida significantly.
The company plans to install 1,490 MW of new universal solar power at twenty new power plants across the state.
Huge savings
SolarTogether should generate net savings of (estimate) $139 million for customers over the long term. Customers who participate will receive direct credits for the savings on their monthly electricity bills.
Fuel costs will decline for everybody because the program contributes a portion of the savings to all customers.
According to an FPL press release:
“If approved, FPL SolarTogether will be the largest community solar program in the United States. According to the Solar Energy Industry of America’s latest information, a total of 1,298 megawatts of community solar has been installed in the U.S. through the third quarter of last year.”
Silagy added:
“This program will more than double the amount of community solar currently in the U.S. More importantly, FPL SolarTogether will allow individual customers to personally support Florida’s affordable, clean energy revolution while lowering their electric rates and bills over the long term.”
Video – What is solar energy?
Solar energy involves capturing the energy that comes from the sun (sunlight) and converting it into electricity.