Projects like the Gulf Power Blue Indigo Solar Energy Center can help meet the energy needs of our customers while reducing our carbon emissions and lowering costs. Adding 74.5 megawatts of solar would provide clean, safe and cost-effective energy to our customers in Northwest Florida.
We’re excited about developing large-scale solar in Jackson County! The center is still on target to be completed in early 2020.
During operation:
When selecting a location for a solar energy center, we look for sites near existing infrastructure, such as power poles and wires, for efficient connection to the power system. The design of every solar energy center is unique because we look for ways to build around wetlands and other sensitive areas whenever possible.
Today, approximately 11 percent of Gulf Power’s energy mix is from renewable sources such as landfill-gas-to-energy, wind energy from Oklahoma, and three solar fields on military bases across Northwest Florida. Combined, the solar fields consist of 1.5 million solar panels and are capable of generating up to 120 megawatts of electricity.
We’re excited to be part of NextEra Energy, the largest generator of wind and solar energy in the world.
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As sunlight hits the solar panels, the energy from the sun is converted into direct current (DC) electricity before it flows into power inverters where it is converted into alternating current (AC).
The zero-emissions electricity travels through transformers and the voltage is boosted for delivery onto the electric grid for delivery to homes and businesses.
Sun-loving Wild Blue Indigos
At Gulf Power, we have a legacy of restoring the natural ecosystem to support native plants, mammals and reptiles. Our transmission corridors, easements and other properties are managed in a way that they have become oases for wildflowers and other species. We support efforts by the state of Florida to reestablish native wildflowers.
Like all native wildflowers, the beautiful wild blue indigo is important to the Northwest Florida landscape. Blue indigos:
- Seeds need to be planted in late fall/early spring.
- Like moist, well-drained soil.
- Are important to bees, butterflies and other pollinators whose food supply was wiped out by Hurricane Michael.
- Used, historically, as a dye for the fabric of American Indians.
Gulf Power is committed to sharing information and maintaining an open dialogue with customers, public officials, the local community and interested stakeholders throughout the development process. Feel free to contact us at 850-444-6115 or Gulf-Power-Solar@r3m0oVENextEraEnergy.com.
