When fully operational, the array will span a space of just over five football fields and generate enough electricity to power about 250 homes, and plug directly into Tampa Electric’s overall electricity grid.
Historically, Florida has been slow to take advantage of the energy opportunities its sunny weather provides — the state ranks third in the U.S. for solar potential, but 17th for cumulative installed solar capacity. Florida also doesn’t have a Renewable Portfolio Standard, even though it has one of the highest rates of household electricity consumption in the U.S., due to its high rates of air conditioning usage. Florida utilities have also pushed to scale back energy conservation programs that offer rebates for residents who install better insulation or more efficient windows and appliances.
But there are some in Florida who are fighting to make the state more solar-friendly. In September, three renewable energy groups based in the Southeast joined to create a new coalition that will push the state to pursue more solar-friendly policies.
“It’s a real injustice that the solar market in the Sunshine State is being held back,” said Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy — one of the groups involved in the coalition. “It basically is the largest untapped market in the United States.”
Tampa Bay Utility Is Installing Region’s Largest Solar Array at Tampa International Airport
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