Daytona International Speedway (DIS) and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) today showcased construction progress related to FPL’s new Solar Pavilion, one of three new structures that make up the FPL Solar Circuit at the “World Center of Racing.” The commercial-scale distributed solar power installation at DIS complements the $400 million DAYTONA Rising redevelopment project.
The FPL Solar Pavilion and FPL Solar Patio, both of which are canopy-like structures that will offer shade for race fans, and FPL Solar Park collectively consist of more than 7,000 solar panels generating 2.1 megawatts of zero-emissions energy. The three solar structures will be located in the Midway, Sprint FANZONE and Lot 10 parking area. The total weight of the structures (900 tons) represents the equivalent of more than 500 NASCAR stock cars.
“We’re thrilled to see the new solar structures taking shape,” said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III. “These areas represent our commitment to providing a better fan experience as well as leveraging innovative ways to modernize our venue.”
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. Once connected to the FPL grid, the solar energy at DIS will help to power approximately 400 Florida homes per year.
“As an avid race fan myself, it’s an honor to be part of the extraordinary redevelopment of one of Florida’s most iconic sites and tourist destinations,” said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of Florida Power & Light Company. “The thousands of solar panels we’re installing here will provide zero-emissions electricity for our customers and the Speedway’s operations, helping power races that are viewed around the world. Importantly, our efforts here at Daytona are yet another example of our ongoing commitment to expanding cost-effective solar here in Florida for the benefit of our customers, both large and small.”
Upon completion of the installation in January 2016, DIS will become one of the top five U.S. professional sports venues in terms of solar energy capacity. The FPL Solar Circuit at Daytona International Speedway is one of several FPL solar projects that will add 225 megawatts of new, zero-emission solar energy by the end of 2016, cost-effectively tripling FPL’s solar capacity and making Florida one of America’s top solar energy producing states.
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