Duke Energy Florida to invest $521m in new solar projects, bringing savings to customers

Duke Energy Florida is accelerating its commitment to renewable energy, filing plans with the Florida Public Service Commission for the development of four large-scale solar sites. This initiative represents a $521 million investment aimed at increasing the state’s clean energy capacity while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. With nearly 300 megawatts of grid-connected solar power set to be added to the system, the expansion will contribute to more affordable clean energy and greater sustainability for Florida residents and businesses. Over the lifetime of these sites, Duke Energy Florida projects customer savings of approximately $843 million, reinforcing the economic and environmental benefits of large-scale solar integration.

The company, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, serves two million customers across a 13,000-square-mile territory, positioning itself as a key driver of Florida’s transition to carbon-free energy production. This latest solar initiative builds on Duke Energy Florida’s existing renewable energy investments, helping to modernize the state’s electricity infrastructure while maintaining reliability and affordability.

Where Will the New Solar Farms Be Located?

The four solar energy sites will be strategically located in Madison, Sumter, Hernando, and Jefferson counties. Each site is designed to generate 74.9 megawatts of power, contributing to Duke Energy Florida’s broader strategy of expanding utility-scale solar capacity. The company has already commenced construction on the Sundance Renewable Energy Center in Madison County, the Half Moon Renewable Energy Center in Sumter County, and the Rattler Renewable Energy Center in Hernando County. These three projects are expected to be operational by January 2026. Meanwhile, the Bailey Mill Renewable Energy Center in Jefferson County is currently undergoing permitting, with construction scheduled to begin in mid-2025 and full operations anticipated by summer 2026.

Once completed, these facilities will collectively provide enough electricity to power approximately 92,000 homes annually. The transition to reliable renewable energy will also lead to a significant reduction in fossil fuel consumption, with estimates indicating the displacement of 1.2 million cubic feet of natural gas, 15,000 barrels of fuel oil, and 12,000 tons of coal each year.

How Will These Solar Projects Benefit Florida’s Energy Grid?

The expansion of Duke Energy Florida’s solar footprint is expected to strengthen the state’s electricity grid by increasing the availability of affordable clean energy. The newly added capacity will help balance supply and demand while reducing dependence on volatile fuel markets. By integrating large-scale solar power solutions, the company aims to enhance grid resilience while offering long-term economic savings to customers.

During the construction phase, the development of these solar sites will generate approximately 150 temporary jobs per facility, providing an economic boost to local communities. Once operational, the sites will require minimal staffing, ensuring cost efficiency while maintaining continuous energy production. The shift toward clean energy expansion aligns with Florida’s broader environmental goals, reinforcing efforts to lower carbon emissions and support sustainable economic growth.

What Is Duke Energy Florida’s Long-Term Solar Strategy?

Duke Energy Florida is committed to expanding its renewable energy investments with a long-term vision for increasing grid-connected solar power. The company already owns and operates more than 25 solar farms across the state, collectively producing approximately 1,500 megawatts of emission-free electricity. Between 2025 and 2027, Duke Energy Florida plans to construct 12 additional solar sites, including the four announced in this latest filing. These projects will add approximately 900 megawatts of renewable energy capacity, further reinforcing the company’s role in Florida’s transition to a cleaner energy future.

By 2033, Duke Energy Florida projects an overall increase in utility-scale solar capacity to more than 6,100 megawatts. This aggressive expansion reflects the company’s commitment to clean energy expansion and its focus on developing sustainable infrastructure that can support Florida’s growing energy demands. The company’s ability to meet these ambitious targets was demonstrated in January 2025 when it successfully completed its Clean Energy Connection initiative, delivering nearly 750 megawatts of solar generation through 10 newly operational solar farms. This milestone underscored Duke Energy Florida’s capability to execute large-scale solar projects while maintaining reliability and cost-effectiveness for customers.

How Can Customers Participate in Florida’s Solar Expansion?

Duke Energy Florida provides customers with the opportunity to support renewable energy through its solar subscription program. The Clean Energy Connection program enables both residential and commercial customers to subscribe to a portion of the solar energy generated by Duke Energy Florida’s facilities, earning credits on their electricity bills. This approach allows participants to contribute to Florida’s clean energy transition without requiring personal solar panel installations.

The subscription model helps fund the capital and operational costs of solar infrastructure while providing customers with financial benefits over time. By enrolling in the program, customers can actively participate in expanding solar power solutions while benefiting from lower electricity costs in the long run. The initiative aligns with the company’s broader mission to make clean energy accessible and affordable for all Floridians.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Solar Energy in Florida?

Duke Energy Florida’s investment in affordable clean energy marks a significant step in the state’s broader efforts to increase renewable energy adoption. Large-scale solar projects play a vital role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels, enhancing grid stability, and delivering long-term economic benefits to consumers. With continued advancements in solar technology and increasing regulatory support, the expansion of utility-scale solar capacity is expected to accelerate in the coming years.

As Duke Energy Florida integrates more reliable renewable energy solutions into the grid, customers can expect greater access to cost-effective, sustainable electricity. With a growing pipeline of solar projects, the company remains at the forefront of Florida’s transition to a modern, resilient, and environmentally responsible energy system. By 2033, the anticipated 6,100 megawatts of grid-connected solar power will significantly strengthen Florida’s renewable energy portfolio, positioning the state as a leader in the clean energy revolution.