Overview and Impact on Florida’s Energy Landscape

The Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) and Origis Energy have successfully completed the Rice Creek Solar Energy Center, a key development in the state’s ongoing transition to renewable energy. This facility, located in Putnam County near Palatka, is now providing nearly 75 MWac of clean, carbon-free electricity to 12 municipalities across Florida. With 213,000 solar panels installed, the center will supply enough energy to power approximately 14,000 homes, contributing significantly to the Florida Municipal Solar Project (FMSP), one of the largest municipal-backed solar initiatives in the United States.

Expansion of Florida Municipal Solar Project (FMSP)

Rice Creek Solar is the third of multiple solar sites being developed as part of FMSP. This initiative is helping Florida move toward its clean energy and sustainability goals by expanding access to affordable, renewable electricity. The cities receiving power from Rice Creek Solar include Beaches Energy Services (Jacksonville Beach), Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, and Key West’s Keys Energy Services, among others. Additionally, this project marks the first solar power development for several Florida municipalities, including Havana, New Smyrna Beach, and Newberry.

Collaborative Efforts and Long-term Sustainability

FMPA serves as the project coordinator, while Origis Energy has played a key role as the builder, owner, and operator of the solar facility. This partnership has brought a stable, reliable energy source to Florida’s local utilities and has also contributed to the state’s broader goals of decarbonization and sustainability. As Josh Teigiser from Origis Energy emphasized, the long-term agreements for solar power generation not only provide cost-effective clean energy but also offer a predictable rate structure that helps keep energy bills stable for consumers.

Future Growth and Commitment to Renewable Energy

The completion of Rice Creek Solar is part of the larger vision for the Florida Municipal Solar Project, which will continue to expand in the coming years. A fourth site, Whistling Duck Solar, is already under construction, and the FMSP is expected to grow to seven sites by the end of the decade. With a total capacity of 525 MWac, the project will further strengthen Florida’s renewable energy infrastructure and ensure long-term benefits for local communities and the environment.