Pulling Energy from the Sun

You'd think that Florida would, by now, be covered with solar panel arrays pulling energy from the sun that should also create new green industry jobs.

In fact, the "sunshine" state is just now getting serious about the alternative energy source for its favorable environmental and potential economic impact. Renewable energy development is receiving a large chunk of the $90 billion the Obama Administration wants to spend to stimulate thousands of green jobs and interests in Florida are finally vying for a piece of the action.

Most notably, Orlando will soon build what will briefly be one of the largest solar panel fields in the nation. The Orlando Utilities Commission plans to erect more than 30,000 panels at its Curtis Stanton Energy Center, southeast of the city, and another 18,000-plus panels near the International Airport. When completed, the solar power arrays will generate enough electricity to meet the demand of about 1,000 homes and reduce dependency on coal burning.

That project will be over-shadowed by the vast solar panel farm of 190,000 mirrors being planted by FPL Group north of West Palm Beach, which, when completed later this year, will be the world's second largest solar plant.

FPL Group is the parent company of Florida Power and Light, which is looking for substantial savings from this system. It will be the first hybrid, combining the latest solar technology with conventional fuel generating capacity that is already in place. As a result, the utility expects to cut costs by 20 percent because it will not have to replace existing infrastructure, while still reducing environmental impact.

Such innovations suggest lots of potential for economic growth and employment in Florida, where the sun shines most of the time. Entrepreneurs should put on their shades and their thinking caps.

And, That's That...