Lakeland Electric recently completed the first phase of a 5.5 megawatt (MW) solar farm located on the northwest corner of the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport property. The second phase of the project is slated to begin spring 2012 and once the dual-phased solar farm is completed, it is expected to generate more than 216 million kilowatt hours of clean solar energy over 25 years.
The first phase of the project is built on 40 acres and it includes 9,504 solar panels that will produce more than 9 million kWh of solar electricity per year. The solar farm project generated over 40 local construction jobs that contributed to the vitality of the community during a time of economic downturn. A number of the temporary construction employees hired have been retained as full-time.
"Lakeland Electric is very excited about this project because environmental stewardship and renewable energy options are keys to our success as a utility. 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.” noted Jim Stanfield, General Manager for Lakeland Electric.
The 5.5 MW solar farm was made possible through a strategic solar power service agreement between SunEdison and Lakeland Electric. In the agreement SunEdison will finance and deploy the solar farm with no upfront costs from Lakeland Electric. In return, Lakeland Electric will purchase the power produced at long-term predictable rates for 25 years—adding to Lakeland’s energy mix while helping to improve the environment.
Solar Farm Groundbreaking
Solar Farm “Flip the Switch: Ceremony"