Florida Power & Light utility company launches largest community solar program in the United States
Florida-based power utility company, Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) announced it has received approval from the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) to launch FPL SolarTogether community solar program which will ensure the development 20 new solar power plants totaling 1,490 megawatts of solar by mid-2021, making it the largest community solar program in the United States.
The FPL SolarTogether community solar program is supported by organizations like the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and Vote Solar, some of Florida’s largest employers and national chains like Walmart and 7-Eleven and numerous cities and counties such as Miami-Dade and Broward counties
This program is expected to generate $249 million in net cost savings for both participants and the general body of customersa and FPL’s general body of customers are expected to save about $112 million over the life of the solar plants.
This voluntary solar program can help FPL’s customers offset up to 100% of their electricity use with emissions-free solar. Each month, participants will receive a fixed subscription charge based on the amount of their subscription as well as a subscription credit that is determined by the output from the associated solar power plants. Over time, the subscription credit will increase, resulting in a net-zero charge for participation.
FPL SolarTogether also includes an allocated portion of its solar capacity to low-income customers. This component represents the largest low-income solar offering in the country and is also expected to launch later this year.
Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL said:
“This program represents significant forward progress for the solar landscape of not only Florida, but the entire United States. For years, access to solar energy for many Floridians was not economical or easily accessible. Now, FPL SolarTogether will provide more of our customers access to the environmental and financial benefits of solar generation regardless of where they live or how much money they make while helping increase fuel diversity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and launch Florida into a leadership position for solar energy.”
Silagy added:
“By unanimously approving FPL SolarTogether – the largest shared solar program in the country – the FPSC has, once again, reminded the world that Florida is committed to leading by example when it comes to adapting to changing times and meeting customers’ needs while taking a long-term view to keep costs down. In addition to providing unprecedented solar access to customers who choose to participate in the voluntary program, FPL SolarTogether will help keep the air clean and bills low for all of our customers as we march toward installing more than 30 million solar panels by 2030.”
Dr. Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy said:
“The Commission’s unanimous approval of the largest community solar program in the country will help propel Florida to the next level of solar leadership. FPL’s innovative SolarTogether program will provide access to low-cost solar energy for families and businesses across our state that want to make a real difference in tackling climate change by adopting clean, renewable sources of power. We look forward to continuing to work with FPL as the company moves forward with the launch of this groundbreaking program.”
Katie Chiles Ottenweller, southeast director of Vote Solar said:
“SolarTogether opens the door to a greener energy future that comes with cost savings that low-income households need now more than ever. Clean energy solutions to keep bills affordable will mean more Floridians who are struggling to make ends meet can go to bed at night with one less thing to worry about.”
Source: Press Release by Florida Power & Light. Photo via Pixabay C00.
