Developed for Tampa Electric (TECO) as part of the utility’s broader push toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, this innovative floating solar installation marks a notable step forward in the company’s clean energy strategy. The 1-megawatt array gracefully spans an existing cooling pond at TECO’s sprawling 1.8-GW coal-fired Big Bend Power Station, occupying roughly 3 of the pond’s 14 acres — a compact footprint that makes clever use of otherwise underutilized water surface. The specially engineered floats provide a rigid, stable foundation for the panels while doing double duty: they also support the electrical wiring that connects the array back to land-based equipment, keeping every cable safely elevated above the water and protected from the elements. Adding to the project’s efficiency, bifacial panels capture reflected sunlight bouncing off the water’s surface in addition to direct sun overhead, squeezing extra generation out of every panel marking the first time Tampa Electric has deployed this double-sided panel technology, and signaling the utility’s willingness to experiment with cutting-edge solar innovations as it charts its path toward a cleaner energy future.
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