Florida is making major strides in solar energy utilization and development. Its commitment to amplifying solar capacity, creating solar jobs, and investing in solar infrastructure has set it apart as one of the nation’s leading states. By examining Florida’s solar energy metrics, it is apparent that the Sunshine State has paved the way as an exceptional blueprint for other states to follow.
Florida added the third-highest new solar capacity in 2022 at a scale of 1.9 GW, demonstrating the state’s steady reliance on solar power. Florida also generated an impressive 14,060 thousand megawatt-hours of utility-scale solar energy in 2023, roughly 8.6% of the total solar energy produced in the US. This increase from 7.9% in 2022 illustrates how Florida progressively enhanced its contributions to the country’s total solar energy production by raising it by 0.7% year-over-year. Furthermore, the state is planning to double its solar capacity from 2023 to 2026 to reach 11.6 GW, representing 5.5 GW of new units.
It’s noteworthy that solar energy accounts for 4% of Florida’s fuel mix. No small fraction, considering the state’s position as the nation’s second-largest electricity producer, bolstering the state’s diverse fuel sources that include natural gas, nuclear power, coal, and others.
The state thrives as a haven for solar energy production, with a significant 16,640 MW of solar energy having been installed throughout the peninsula. This translates into approximately 235,473 solar energy systems installed statewide, which has pegged Florida third behind California and Texas. Furthermore, the impressive amount of solar energy produced in Florida powers over 2 million homes. This indicates that the state generates enough solar electricity to power about 19% of its household total, an indication of the significant strides Florida is making towards renewable energy consumption.
Florida also boasts a vibrant solar industry with a total of 512 solar companies. These enterprises range from manufacturers and installers or developers to various other entities associated with solar energy.
Presently, homeowners in Florida qualify for a 30% tax break for solar panel installations, providing an encouraging financial incentive for households keen on enhancing their solar energy utilization. The 30% tax rebate is projected to remain until 2033 when it will decrease to 26%, then further reduce to 22% in 2034, with the credit scheduled to expire entirely in 2035 unless granted an extension.
The exponential development of the solar power sector in Florida is anticipated to increase even more in the coming years. The state is projected to expand its solar capacity by an additional 19,702 MW in the next five years. For five consecutive years, Florida has held the third spot on the list of the largest solar states, significantly contributing to increased residential solar systems installations.
In a heartening development, Florida Power and Light Company transformed a coal-powered plant into a solar-powered site, contributing to reducing pollution and increasing environmentally-friendly energy production. The 74.5 megawatt-producing site is projected to eliminate over 500,000 tons of carbon dioxide and can power about 14,000 homes. This switch signifies the equivalent of taking approximately 17,000 gas-powered vehicles off the roads annually.
In conclusion, Florida’s commitment to advancing solar energy is not only commendable but also displays substantial growth. With increasing solar energy capacity, the creation of more solar jobs, and a wide array of rebates and incentives offered by local utilities, Florida is leading the way towards a cleaner, renewable energy future.
