18th January 2019

Florida utility plans to install 30 million solar panels by 2030

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) has announced a groundbreaking "30-by-30" plan to install more than 30 million solar panels by 2030 and make the state of Florida a world leader in the production of solar energy.

FPL has secured solar sites throughout the state, enabling its bold plan to capture economies of scale and promote the construction of efficient and cost-effective solar generation. The end result will be the largest installation of solar panels by a regulated utility in the world and a 67% fleet-wide reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions rate by 2030 as compared to the national average.

When this effort is completed, FPL expects to be the largest utility owner and operator of solar power in America. As well as embarking upon one of the largest solar expansions in the country, FPL is also making unprecedented investments in battery storage technology, to extend the use of solar energy even after the Sun has gone down.

"FPL is not your traditional electric company," said Eric Silagy, CEO. "We're a technology company that delivers power, and we've long believed in making smart, forward-thinking infrastructure investments to produce tangible, long-term benefits – cleaner air, lower electric rates and reliable service – for our customers and our state. Now we're taking our long-standing clean energy commitment to the next level. Bottom line, this bold, innovative plan is the right thing to do for our customers and for our fast-growing state, and we look forward to working with local and state officials and our regulators to make this vision a reality."

"I am supportive of programs that will provide Floridians with greater access to affordable, clean energy which will help propel the State to a healthier future," said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. "We live in the Sunshine State and solar energy is a natural resource that should be seriously considered. FPL's initiative is important. As Florida's energy needs continue to grow at a rapid pace, it is important that we diversify our energy resources. This is vital to the economic well-being of our State and quality of life for residents."

"FPL's '30-by-30' plan is a monumental commitment to the State of Florida, our clean energy progress and the economic well-being of our cities, counties and all Florida workers and residents," said state Senator Bill Montford (D), Chairman of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

"The best part about this announcement is that we know we can trust FPL to deliver on its promise, because the company has a history of overachieving when it says it will modernise Florida's clean energy mix," said state Senator Wilton Simpson (R), Chairman of the Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee.

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