Duke Energy Florida Plans Four New Solar Projects
Duke Energy Florida has filed plans with state regulators for four solar projects totaling 300 megawatts in Orange and Sumter counties.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Utilities
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Duke Energy Florida filed plans with the Florida Public Service Commission to develop four solar projects in Orange and Sumter counties. Combined, the projects would add 300 megawatts of solar capacity.
Why it matters
Duke estimates the projects will reduce the fuel the utility must purchase to generate electricity. The Florida Public Service Commission's review will determine the regulatory path and costs for the proposed investments.
The four projects would add 300 MW to Duke Energy Florida's existing 1,850 MW solar fleet across 25 facilities. Duke has not disclosed the construction cost or capacity breakdown for each individual site.
The players
Duke Energy Florida
The Florida electric utility, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, that owns and operates 25 solar facilities and is seeking regulatory approval for four additional projects.
Florida Public Service Commission
The state regulatory body that reviews and approves utility investments, rates and cost recovery in Florida.
The details
Duke Energy Florida filed plans for the Nova, Bull Creek, Wewahootee and Hogeye Renewable Energy Center projects, with sites in Orange and Sumter counties. The utility also plans to add more than 1 gigawatt of battery storage over the next decade and passes federal production tax credit benefits, estimated at about $75 million annually, on to customers.
Timeline
June 2025: The Florida Public Service Commission approved cost recovery for four earlier Duke solar projects totaling about 300 MW.
January 2027: Construction is expected to begin at the Nova Renewable Energy Center.
February 2028: Nova Renewable Energy Center completion is targeted.
Mid-2028: Full completion of the four proposed solar projects is targeted.
Season Trajectory
The filing follows the commission's June 2025 approval of cost recovery for four earlier Duke solar projects of similar size, extending the same utility-scale solar expansion pattern in Florida. Duke's plan to add more than 1 GW of battery storage over the next decade signals that solar buildout is being paired with storage capacity.
Duke estimates the projects will save customers about $1 billion over their operating lifetimes. Duke also estimates a monthly base-rate increase of 47 to 56 cents per project for a customer using 1,000 kWh, subject to commission review.
The takeaway
Utility solar additions paired with storage can lower fuel purchases and long-term costs, but customers will see the real impact only after the commission sets rates. Watch the commission's review for final cost and capacity details.
What happens next
Construction at the Nova Renewable Energy Center is expected to begin in January 2027, with completion targeted for February 2028.
Further reading
For context on the state's power sector, see the Utilities coverage for Florida.
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