Duke Energy Proposes 300MW Solar Expansion in Florida as First Phase of Larger Clean Energy Push

Duke Energy

Four New Solar Projects to Deliver Over 650,000 MWh Annually Under 2025–27 Rate Plan

Duke Energy Submits Plans for Major Solar Projects to Florida Regulators

Duke Energy is seeking approval from the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) for four new solar farms totaling 300MW in capacity. This marks the utility’s first step in a broader clean energy initiative under a 2025–2027 rate increase approved last year.

Each solar installation will provide 74.9MW of capacity and together are expected to generate approximately 650,000 megawatt-hours annually. The utility anticipates the first site going online in July 2025, with two more following in January 2026 and the final one in May 2026.

Capacity Factors Suggest Strong Initial Output

Duke’s regulatory filings indicate the four projects will operate with first-year capacity factors ranging from 25% to 26.2%. These metrics reflect actual energy output compared to the projects’ full potential and are influenced by technology and Florida’s solar intensity. Two of the four farms are projected to produce around 172,000 MWh in their first year, while the others are expected to yield about 168,600 MWh and 164,000 MWh, respectively.

Part of Broader 900MW Solar Roadmap Through 2027

The current proposal is part of Duke Energy’s long-term goal to deploy 12 solar farms with a combined capacity of nearly 900MW. The utility intends to build four projects annually between 2025 and 2027. However, the plan allows for flexibility, permitting Duke to delay individual projects by up to one year if necessary.

Before construction can begin, the PSC must approve each project individually—even under the umbrella of the previously authorized rate hike. This procedural checkpoint ensures oversight and accountability as Florida moves toward cleaner energy sources.