Solar Power Expands Across Florida as Nearly 30,000 Installations Occur in 2022
In Florida, nearly 30,000 residents have embraced renewable energy by installing solar power systems in the year 2022 alone. This marks a significant increase, bringing the total number of solar installations in the state to over 253,000 residential and commercial setups. The enthusiasm for solar energy comes amid the recent U.S. Solar Market Insight Q4 2024 report, which highlights Florida’s impressive growth in solar energy capacity.
Impressive Growth in Solar Capacity
Throughout the first three quarters of 2022, Florida has successfully installed approximately 3.1 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity. This achievement positions the state as the second-largest solar energy producer in the nation, just behind Texas. For perspective, one gigawatt equals one billion watts, showcasing the substantial power generated by solar facilities across the Sunshine State.
Reducing Costs Driving Adoption
A key driver behind Florida’s surge in solar energy systems is the significant decrease in the cost of solar power, which has fallen by 43% over the past decade. According to Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE), this decline has made solar technology increasingly attractive compared to other energy sources. He explains, “The technology price points are actually in the money compared to other generation technology, so it’s actually more cost effective to build a solar plus storage for a large utility than it is to build any other generation unit.”
Utilities Embrace Solar Energy
Criticism once flung at Florida’s investor-owned utilities for minimal investment in solar has turned to praise. SACE commended the efforts of NextEra Energy’s Florida Power & Light, which serves over 12 million residents. The utility has committed to a decarbonization plan named “Real Zero,” aiming for a 70% reduction in carbon emissions by 2025, culminating in a goal of 100% reduction by 2045.
The Future of Solar in Florida
The plan includes expanding solar generation to 90,000 megawatts and boosting battery storage by 50,000 megawatts, alongside maintaining nuclear power facilities and transitioning 16,000 megawatts of natural gas units to operate on green hydrogen. Dawn Shirreffs, Florida director for the Environmental Defense Fund, notes a paradigm shift in energy production, with solar electricity costing around $60 per megawatt-hour (MWh), surpassing the price for new natural gas energy at $70 MWh.
Community Impact and Environmental Benefits
As of the latest data, solar power now constitutes 8% of Florida’s electrical generation portfolio, a number projected to rise to 28% by 2032. This increase is expected primarily from additional solar installations, which help mitigate the reliance on natural gas, responsible for fulfilling 75% of the state’s energy needs.
Susan Glickman, vice president for policy at the CLEO Institute, remarks, “Solar power reduces climate pollution, helping to tackle the issues surrounding climate change and extreme weather.” With around 250,000 Floridians installing solar systems, households are also gaining the benefits of stability in their energy bills while protecting Florida’s environment.
Looking Ahead
Predictions suggest that Florida could become the top-ranked state for residential solar energy by 2028, potentially surpassing California, where solar accounts for 31% of the energy portfolio. However, advocating for increased installations remains essential for achieving this milestone.
The growth of solar energy in Florida paints a brighter picture for renewable energy and indicates a significant shift toward more sustainable energy sources in the coming years.
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
