OUC—The Reliable One has launched a new floating solar array system in Orlando, which is among the largest of its kind in the United States and currently the largest in Florida. The 2-megawatt installation, located at 5301 S. Conway Rd., features two separate arrays with more than 3,400 solar panels that feed electricity directly into the power grid. One of the arrays faces south, while the other is oriented east and west, as part of OUC’s ongoing research to determine optimal positioning for future projects.
According to OUC, solar energy now accounts for over 10% of its total energy portfolio, providing enough power for approximately 50,000 typical customer homes. This marks an increase in renewable energy production for the utility.
“Thousands of people drive by these arrays every day, reminding them of our commitment to solar energy and innovation,” said Mike Murtagh, OUC Chief Transformation & Technology Officer. “Opening our second major solar project in less than a year keeps OUC and its more than a quarter of a million customers on a path to a sustainable future.”
Earlier this year, OUC inaugurated its largest ever solar energy project with the opening of the Harmony II and Storey Bend Solar Energy Centers. These centers are situated on two different sites totaling about 1,200 acres east of St. Cloud and have more than doubled OUC’s previous solar capacity.
The most recent floating array was developed through an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which manages state roadways. D3Energy led both design and construction efforts; this company also built OUC’s first floating array back in 2016.
Projects like this contribute to diversifying how electricity is generated at OUC. The utility says this approach supports reliable service delivery while keeping costs manageable for customers throughout the year.
OUC offers its SunChoice program for customers who want their homes or businesses powered by solar energy. In 2024 alone, participation in SunChoice helped offset over 10,700 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
For further details about enrolling in SunChoice or learning about other renewable initiatives from OUC—The Reliable One—which serves over 400,000 accounts across Orlando and neighboring areas—visit ouc.com/solarsolutions or www.ouc.com.
