Florida Company Launches Pilot Program to Expand Solar Power

JUNO BEACH, Fla. — In an effort to give more access to solar power options, the Florida Power & Light Company last week proposed a voluntary, community-based, solar partnership pilot program for consideration by the Florida Public Service Commission.

If approved, FPL will install new, solar-powered generating facilities in Florida communities. The program is funded by contributions from FPL customers.

“For customers who care deeply about advancing clean energy — including those who may not have the ability or desire to install their own solar systems — we are proposing to create a voluntary, community-based partnership that is designed to help grow solar in Florida without costing a penny for those who choose not to participate,” said Eric Silagy, president of FPL, in a statement.

The program would allow FPL customers to contribute to the advancement of solar power in the state at a cost of $9 a month. If successful, the program could support the construction of as many as 25 commercial-scale, distributed solar arrays for up to a total of 2,400 kW.

“We know that some of our customers have an affinity for solar power, but we also know that for a variety of reasons, many are not able to install it themselves. This pilot program will allow us, along with the PSC, to truly gauge customer interest in supporting solar power,” Silagy said. “Ultimately, any program we offer must be designed to benefit all of our customers, and this voluntary, community-based solar program is designed with that goal in mind.”

The charitable foundation NextEra Energy will contribute $200,000 each year to the pilot on behalf of Florida nonprofit organizations and national nonprofits dedicated to environmental protection. Customers who sign up for the pilot will have the opportunity to select their preferred organization from a list of several nonprofits, including the Everglades Foundation, Save the Manatee Club and the Florida chapters of the National Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy.

The pilot program is expected to begin accepting customer contributions in 2015.