Florida has seen significant growth in solar installations, surpassing California and Texas in new capacity. This change has occurred amidst shifts in state policy and rising natural gas prices.
Florida's Solar Growth
Florida added over 3 gigawatts of solar capacity last year, overtaking traditional leaders like California and Texas. According to Sylvia Leyva Martinez, senior analyst at Wood Mackenzie, "This is not a fluke. Florida is now shaping national solar growth." Florida Power & Light alone built over 70% of the new solar infrastructure.
Reduction of Administrative Barriers
Florida has streamlined the process for installing solar panels, removing full site reviews for projects under 75 megawatts. This has allowed for faster construction and reduced costs. Syd Kitson, who created Babcock Ranch, noted that "here, people want solar."
Challenges for Solar Energy
Despite the successes, the situation is complicated by the rollback of federal tax credits for solar and wind projects signed by President Trump. Analysts expect rooftop solar installations in Florida to drop by 42% over the next five years. Meanwhile, energy companies are heavily investing in storage technologies and grid upgrades to keep up with growing demand.
Florida showcases significant progress in solar energy, but future projects may face threats due to a lack of political stability and the implementation of stricter regulations.
