US utility Duke Energy Florida is set to construct a Mickey Mouse-shaped solar facility near the Walt Disney World resort in Florida.
Duke Energy confirmed that the park will be arranged as the three circles that make up the Mickey Mouse logo.
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The company will use 48,000 solar panels as part of its 5MW plant, having received approval from the Reedy Creek Improvement District Board of Supervisors.
The board also accepted a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Duke Energy Florida Solar Solutions, a subsidiary of Duke Energy Florida, to purchase solar energy from the facility.
Construction of the Mickey Mouse PV project, expected to begin in mid-summer, will take place on eight hectares of land near World Drive and Epcot Center Drive at Walt Disney World Resort. It is expected to be in service by the end of 2015.
Bill Warren, administrator for Reedy Creek Improvement District, said: “Our new solar facility agreement is another example of how we're always looking at innovative ways to conserve our natural resources. The use of solar energy builds on our commitment to protect the environment and is another step toward realising our long-term sustainability goals.”
In April, Duke Energy announced plans to build up to 500MW of utility-scale solar in Florida by 2024, which is separate from the Disney facility.
