FPL | Martin Solar FAQs
 

Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center FAQs

 

What is the Martin Next Generation Solar Center?

The Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center will be the second largest solar facility in the world and the largest solar plant of any kind outside of California. The facility will also be the first hybrid facility in the world to connect a solar facility to an existing combined-cycle power plant, providing 75 megawatts of solar thermal capacity in an innovative way that directly displaces fossil fuel usage. The project will consist of up to approximately 180,000 mirrors over about 500 acres at the existing FPL Martin Plant site. Construction of the plant is planned to begin during the fourth quarter of 2008 with an in-service date during the second quarter of 2010.

How does solar thermal technology work?

The technology uses solar collectors with mirrored surfaces that reflect the sunlight onto receiver that heat up a liquid. This heated liquid is used to make steam that produces electricity. Because solar power can only be generated when the sun is up, this project will only generate electricity during the day. Therefore the energy is not produced on a continuous basis.

What are the benefits of using solar thermal energy?

Sun light is an unlimited resource and is free. The energy produced is clean and emission-free. The panels used do not require fuel or additional cooling water and produce no waste.

How many people will the solar facility serve?

FPL currently projects this facility to produce an average of 155,000 MWh of electricity annually. At its peak, this is enough power to serve the requirements of almost 11,000 homes or 26,000 people.

What are the environmental benefits of this facility?

The expected reduction of system-wide green-house gas emissions as a result of the Martin Solar facility is projected to be approximately 2.75 million tons over a 30-year period. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this is the equivalent of removing over 18,700 cars from the road every year for the entire life of the project. The electricity generated from is estimated to save customers approximately 41 million MMBtu of natural gas, 591,000 barrels of residual oil and 20,000 barrels of distillate oil, helping secure Florida’s energy independence.

Will the project impact any wetlands area?

All impacted areas have been properly mitigated. FPL has a 1,130 acre conservation easement as well as 291 acres of preservation area protected and maintained since 1989.

Will the solar panels give off reflections or glare?

The reflection or glare from solar panels is similar to that of a field of planted crops, such as corn.

Will there be any traffic issues during construction?

Traffic issues are not expected based on the relatively small number of vehicles that will be entering the project site.

What will happen to the plant during a hurricane?

Safety is always our number one concern. FPL will ensure that all equipment conforms to the required structural laws related to wind.