Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) and Daytona International Speedway (DIS) have completed the FPL Solar Circuit, a system of more than 7,000 solar panels that generate electricity for the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based speedway’s operations and FPL’s customers.
The FPL Solar Circuit’s total generating capacity is approximately 2.1 MW, and the project consists of three canopy-like structures – located at the Midway, Sprint FANZONE and Lot 10 parking area – covered with solar panels. According to the utility, the clean energy generated by the installation will prevent the emission of an estimated 2,200 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year – equivalent to an average vehicle driving more than 2 million laps around DIS.
The FPL Solar Circuit is also equipped with data-gathering equipment that will be used as part of a multi-year research study the utility is conducting to improve the integration of solar energy and smart grid technologies.
“We’re honored to play a significant role in the redevelopment of such an iconic destination that hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors to our state each and every year and reaches millions of others around the globe,” says Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL.