ORLANDO – OUC – The Reliable One proudly announces construction of the county’s first solar farm is now underway at the Curtis H. Stanton Energy Center. Construction and commissioning are on time, and the more than 30 acres of panels should be producing power by the end of the year.
The 6-Megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) array in East Orange County is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power more than 600 homes. Duke Energy and Regenesis Power LLC are installing, operating and maintaining the system, and OUC plans to purchase that power for the next 20 years.
The panels feature single-axis tracking that allows them to make the most of the sun’s rays throughout the day. They’re also designed to be virtually “hurricane-proof” and the ability to be stowed in the event of a major storm.
“The solar farm not only increases OUC’s portfolio of clean generation, it also provides the opportunity to study the impact a large-scale solar array will have on our electric distribution system,” said OUC Board President Maylen Dominguez. The solar farm, which is scheduled to be complete by the end of the year, will add to an already diverse fleet of clean, reliable generation at OUC’s 3,280-acre Stanton Energy Center, which is home to natural gas, landfill gas and coal. “With construction now under way at the Stanton Energy Center, OUC is one step closer to delivering zero-emission solar power to its customers,” said Duke Energy Renewables President Greg Wolf. “Duke Energy Renewables is pleased to own this project and help OUC provide clean and affordable renewable energy for years to come.” OUC customers who travel along Innovation Way will be able to see the solar generation that will provide renewable energy to their homes and businesses. More than 25,000 PV modules will be easily visible from the road when the project is completed late this year.
“OUC has demonstrated leadership with its renewable energy strategy and they have been exemplary partners throughout the entire pre-construction process. We are pleased to be underway with the actual construction of the projects and look forward to building a highly successful and industry leading solar farm,” said Regenesis Power Chief Operations Officer John Pinholster.
The solar panels will feature a patented single-axis tracking system that increases electricity output by up to 30 percent and can withstand hurricane-force winds in the stow position.
STANTON SOLAR FARM BY THE NUMBERS
Top Photo: Artist rendering of and aerial view of location off Innovation Way.
Bottom Photo: A similar Regensis project featuring the ability to stow the panels for storm protection.
About OUC—The Reliable One Established in 1923 by a special act of the Florida Legislature, OUC—The Reliable One is the second largest municipal utility in Florida. OUC provides electric and water services to more than 221,000 customers in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties. Visit OUC.com to learn more about our commitment to reliability, affordability and sustainability. About Duke Energy Renewables Duke Energy Renewables, part of Duke Energy’s Commercial Businesses, is a leader in developing innovative renewable energy solutions, including wind, solar and biopower projects, for customers throughout the United States. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: www.duke-energy.com. About Regenesis Power LLC: Regenesis Power, LLC is a solar solutions provider enabling utilities, local governments, and businesses to access the full potential of solar energy’s benefits. The company leads the design, construction, finance and operations of commercial and utility-scale solar projects for both photovoltaic and mass-distributed consumer solar thermal solutions throughout the U.S.