Seth Johnson
Duke Energy added nearly 150 megawatts of solar energy to its portfolio after bringing two new locations online—one in Levy County and another in Bay County—the company announced Wednesday.
The Hardeetown Renewable Energy Center in Levy County uses 200,000 single-axis tracking panels on 750 acres. Each solar farm can produce 74.9 megawatts
“Not only are these new solar sites helping advance Florida’s clean energy transition, but they will also provide real savings to committed program subscribers and additional economic benefits to our communities,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president.
In April, Duke Energy finished a 700-acre solar farm in High Springs along with a site in Suwannee County.
More solar could come into western Alachua County after the Gainesville City Commission approved a contract for a 74.9-megawatt facility that is planned near Archer. A solar company also bought 700 acres within the city of Newberry and told the city commission that analysis will determine if a solar farm would work on the location.
Duke Energy also owns two solar sites in southern Columbia County.