FPL To Power Up 25-MW Solar PV System

I would hope that the flip of these solar plant switches to the "ON" position will signify to investors and potential owners that the value of solar is indeed found in Florida. Companies like FPL and Sunpower have been seeing constant profits as a result of turning on solar systems like these. Since the Southeastern US is limited to solar, biomass, and municiple waste burning, these renewable energy generators will continue to be in high demand.

Wise investors and innovators will get involved now, because the backlog will minimize the potential returns for projects.

John Broughton, CTO
www.natlsolar.com

don't forget landfill gas and wastewater treatement facility gas as well. There may also be anaerobic digester options there too. Geothermal heatpumps could also be a valuable asset. They don't produce energy, but the reduce the amount necessary. I wonder what sort of ocean technologies might be applicable in FL. Those are a ways off, but seem reasonable. Offshore wind is certainly other distinct possibility.

It sounds as if Tripp lives (or has) in FL. Our state's many small towns can benefit from a distributed electricity generation system, especially the landfill and wastewater sources he mentioned.
He is also correct about geothermal (and we should try hydrothermal as well) cooling.
We are ideally situated to take advantage of marine energy sources: tidal, wave, and current (the Gulf Stream runs around the state).
Offshore wind has to wait for the development in wind turbines that allows them to operate at low wind speeds. I am hoping the technique of selectively energizing windings does the trick.
We are also blessed with a climate that would allow the growing of algae, both to treat water and for biomass.
I believe wood pellets may be viable here but we have a real NIMBY attitude towards that. Forest management is out, building resort areas is in.

What we lack is leadership. We are mostly an agricultural state slow to embrace new ideas. Why every hospital and hotel in FL doesn't use solar water heating is beyond my understanding. Maybe more do than I realize.

With the local utilities perfectly happy using coal and a PUC that is toothless the status quo will remain for many more years. Our current leaders prefer central energy production, it's easier and promotes less competition.