Duke Energy Florida has announced plans to build four new solar power sites across the state, collectively adding nearly 300 megawatts (MW) of clean energy to the electric grid. These utility-scale projects are part of Duke’s broader transition toward cleaner energy and reflect the growing role of solar in Florida’s energy future.

The sites—located in Bay, Levy, Suwannee, and Highlands counties—will feature a combined total of over 650,000 solar panels. Once operational, they will be capable of powering approximately 180,000 homes at peak output. Construction on the facilities is expected to begin in early 2025, with all four sites scheduled to be completed by year’s end.

This investment is part of Duke’s Clean Energy Connection program, which allows customers to subscribe to solar energy generated from large-scale facilities and receive bill credits over time. While the program gives more people access to renewable energy, the benefits are shared rather than fully retained by individual households.

Florida continues to be one of the fastest-growing solar markets in the U.S., driven by abundant sunshine, high electricity costs, and increased demand for energy resilience. Duke Energy’s investment signals that solar is no longer a fringe option—it’s becoming a mainstream part of how power is generated in the state.

What This Means for Homeowners

When even the utility is investing heavily in solar, it’s a strong signal of where energy is headed. For homeowners, going solar directly allows you to generate your power, lower monthly bills, and keep the full value of your energy production. While utility-scale solar helps green the grid, residential systems put the control—and the savings—into your hands.

At Aspire Solar, we help homeowners across Central Florida take that next step. If you’re curious what solar could look like for your home, we’re happy to put together a free, customized report to get you started.