LAKELAND, FL (February 18, 2009) -- Lakeland Electric and SunEdison, North America’s largest solar energy services provider, have started the first roof top installation of what will total 24 megawatts of solar generated power. The full 24 megawatts of solar capacity will include ground-mount and rooftop systems throughout Lakeland Electric’s service area and is expected to be completely operational by 2018. Once built out, the system will provide enough power to sustain approximately 7,200 homes with clean, environment friendly energy.
SunEdison crews are now installing 1,232 solar panels that produce 230 watts each on the roof of The Lakeland Center; the City owned and operated multi-function facility. A total of 283,360 watts will be generated on this single roof top installation that covers approximately one acre. The panels are designed using the latest photovoltaic technology and the installation is engineered to meet 120 mph wind requirements.
This solar initiative is one of the largest utility-sponsored photovoltaic (PV) solar programs per metered customer in the United States. Once completed, the system will average 200 watts for every Lakeland Electric customer. The solar power will ultimately be part of Lakeland Electric’s generation mix that includes natural gas, coal and solar.
“Environmental stewardship is important to our community, to Lakeland city leadership and to Lakeland Electric. It is vital that every utility consider carefully how to meet customers’ increasing needs for electricity and do it in a way that is fiscally and environmentally prudent. Deploying utility-scale solar with no upfront costs is a win-win for Lakeland. We are pleased to be working with SunEdison on this innovative program,” noted Jim Stanfield, General Manager for Lakeland Electric.
Over 20 years, 24 megawatts of solar capacity is estimated to produce enough zero-emission solar electricity to offset nearly 807 million pounds of carbon dioxide produced by traditional energy sources.
“Lakeland Electric is taking a strong leadership position in the utility industry and showing how solar can be incorporated into electricity services. SunEdison is proud to be working with Lakeland Electric to meet their customers’ desire for clean solar electricity,” noted Brian Jacolick, GM, Americas of SunEdison.