Project Focus: FPL launches solar PV facility on Florida’s Space Coast

Officials from NASA have joined Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) to commission FPL's Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center, the new solar 75MW PV power facility formed through partnership between the two organizations.

FPL's Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center is located on NASA property at Kennedy Space Center and is now producing approximately 10MW of solar energy. The facility features around 35,000 solar PV panels from SunPower, installed across 60 acres at Kennedy Space Center. SunPower also designed and built the system alongside a separate 1MW solar power system at the Center.

"NASA is a pioneer in the use of solar power for space exploration, so it's fitting that we're working with FPL to expand the use and R&D of that renewable energy source at Kennedy Space Center where many of those missions were launched," said Robert Cabana, director of the Kennedy Space Center. "This type of commercial partnership with NASA helps provide Florida residents, and America's space program, with new sources of 'green power' that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and improve the environment."

"Florida is poised to be a leader in America's growing clean-energy economy, which naturally includes solar power," said Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, whose district includes the Kennedy Space Center. "Bringing new clean-energy jobs to our communities is one of my top priorities. This joint effort between NASA and FPL is an example of how we can create jobs while investing in common-sense solutions to the economic, environmental and national security challenges we face today."

"We congratulate FPL for its global leadership in the development of solar technologies, and for making solar energy a key part of the nation's economic recovery and the protection of the environment for future generations," said Howard Wenger, president, utility and power plants for SunPower. "Solar power systems can be built quickly anywhere and at any scale, and we are pleased to partner with NASA and FPL on these important projects."