MIAMI, Fla. — The millions of people who fly into Miami International Airport will now be greeted with a new landmark showcasing the area’s commitment to sustainability.
The Florida Power and Light company partnered with the county to install the nation’s first floating solar array at an airport, which launched Tuesday into the Blue Lagoon next to MIA.
The half-acre, 402-panel floating solar installation is a research project that tests how solar panels perform on water.
“This is the largest floating solar array in the Southeastern United States. We are on the forefront of technology and we’re showing people from around the world that we are very serious about renewable energy and resilience, and that we’re going to be on the cutting edge here in the state of Florida,” said mayor Carlos A. Giménez.
FPL officials say the solar array generates 160 kilowatts of power and prevents 165 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.