Panhandle to See Florida’s Biggest Solar Project to Date

As the solar revolution continues to expand throughout Florida, more parties are growing interested in becoming a part of it. This time, it’s the Navy and Air force, who is expanding operations.

In a partnership with Gulf Power, the U.S. Military plans to dive headfirst into the solar industry by building three new solar power plants, one in each of three bases along the panhandle. When completed, the plants together are due to pump out more than 120 megawatts, which is enough to power 18,000 Florida homes.

The first of the solar plants would be built at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, pumping out 30 megawatts, with a 40-watt plant built in Navarre at Holley Field, and the last and most powerful plant built at Pensacola’s Saufley Field with a 50-watt output.

All of these plants would be built and owned by HelioSage Energy, the developers of the project, and though costs of the project are confidential, Gulf Power assures the energy would be sold at a similar rate to those currently considered standard rates.

These individual bases would dwarf the output of all other power plants in Florida using solar panels, making them the top three largest solar plants in Florida. While Florida Power & Light has come close, with three plants expected to output 110 megawatts, one of those plants has fallen short, leaving room for Gulf Power to pave a bigger and brighter frontier.

Assuming the Florida Public Service Commission gives the go ahead, Gulf Power expects the power plants could be operational as soon as next year. Officials are even saying the partnership between the U.S. Military and Florida’s energy leaders may help bolster Florida’s current solar status and possibly save taxpayers down the line.