A Great Egret walks on panels at the 2-MW floating solar site. Credit: OUC – The Reliable One
Florida utility OUC announced the completion of one of the largest floating solar arrays in the United States, and the largest in the state.
The 2-MW system — located at 5301 S. Conway Rd. in Orlando — consists of two arrays and more than 3,400 solar panels that send energy directly to the grid. One array faces south while the other faces east and west. OUC is extensively researching this hybrid approach to learn how to best position future designs for maximized solar generation. Solar now makes up more than 10% of the utility’s energy portfolio, which is enough to power 50,000 typical OUC-customer homes.
Credit: OUC – The Reliable One
“Thousands of people drive by these arrays every day, reminding them of our commitment to solar energy and innovation,” said Mike Murtagh, OUC chief transformation and technology officer. “Opening our second major solar project in less than a year keeps OUC and its more than a quarter of a million customers on a path to a sustainable future.”
This latest project was made possible through a right of way agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation, which operates the state roadway system. D3Energy led the project’s design and construction. The company also built OUC’s first floating solar array in 2016.
OUC customers interested in powering their homes or businesses with solar energy from projects like this one can enroll in the SunChoice program.
News item from OUC
