See Solar Energy in Action During Clean Energy Week

Across the Sunshine State, solar energy is creating a brighter future for our environment. That’s why FPL SolarNow is joining organizations around the country to celebrate National Clean Energy Week (NCEW) from September 26 – 30, 2022 and spread awareness of the renewable energy that powers our daily lives and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Innovative technologies from solar batteries to electric vehicles are making carbon-free living a real possibility, and FPL is leading the charge toward Florida’s clean energy future.

We invite you to join the celebration by learning about the power of clean energy and doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint!

Take a Solar Tour of Florida

To see solar energy in action, all you have to do is visit some of your local attractions. As part of the FPL SolarNow program, solar trees and canopies have been installed at 70+ locations across the state for people of all ages to learn about the power of the sun. These innovative structures not only provide shade but also feed clean energy back into the community. Whether you want to visit a park, zoo or museum, you can see solar arrays in popular hot spots throughout your neighborhood.

While you’re learning about solar energy, our partner locations have plenty of other fun things to do to continue the celebration. Expand your knowledge and learn about science and space with a trip to Kennedy Space Center or Museum of Discovery and Science. Take a walk on the wild side and see lions, sea turtles and giraffes at Naples Zoo or Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. If you’re looking to have a relaxing day or afternoon picnic in the park, check out Regatta Park or Laishley Park.

Plus, with FPL’s EV Expressway, you can make your trip around town educational and clean! This must-have tool for EV drivers is designed to map out statewide and local routes, including where to charge up using the FPL EVolution public charging network, so you can travel with confidence. After a long day of exploring, you can travel home knowing that you can power up approximately every 25 miles along major highways such as Florida’s Turnpike, I-95 and east-west corridors.

Meet “Sunny” the Solar Tree

As you visit our popular, powered-by-sunshine installations across the state, you may also notice a new innovative addition to select SolarNow solar trees – Sunny, the “talking” solar tree. Sunny is a virtual solar tree that comes alive through your mobile device to deliver fun facts and explain how solar energy works. This interactive exhibit uses augmented reality and 3D to teach the role solar panels play in generating clean energy for homes, businesses and schools. To make Sunny come alive, use your phone to scan the QR code on the sign found at the location.

You can see Sunny at the following locations:

• Palm Beach Gardens Aquatic Complex
• Loggerhead Marinelife Center
• Tradewinds Park
• Barracuda Bay Aquatic Complex
• Cox Science Center and Aquarium
• Zoo Miami
• Margaret Pace Park
• Charles Hadley Park
• Museum of Discovery and Science
• The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
• CB Smith Park
• Port Canaveral
• IMAG History & Science Center
• Babcock Ranch

When you visit, make sure to take a selfie with Sunny and share it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #FPLSolarNow.

Solar in Your Own Backyard

There are so many ways to see solar energy in action, and there’s no better way to learn than by testing it out yourself. To celebrate National Clean Energy Week, try out these simple DIY experiments that teach you and your family about the power of the sun. Watch the video below to learn how to roast delicious s’mores by making a solar oven!

In addition to experiments, the Solar IQ page also features an interactive quiz to test your knowledge as well as educational videos on how solar energy is helping to protect wildlife at local zoos. You can also show your support for clean energy during your next meeting by downloading a picturesque, virtual background.

Leading the Way in Clean Energy

As we celebrate Clean Energy Week, FPL is dedicated to making the Sunshine State a leader in sustainable solutions for the climate.

In Northwest Florida, three large-scale solar energy centers are in operation and 10 solar energy centers are under construction to generate zero-emissions energy for our customers. While many of our large solar energy centers may not be visible to the public, we’ve also started installing solar trees, solar parking canopies and SolarZones in communities like Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Destin and many others.

Last year, the world’s largest solar-powered battery in Manatee County began serving the community, and this year, FPL also announced its Real Zero initiative, which plans to eliminate carbon emissions from its electricity generation by 2045.

This week, join us in recognition of all that clean energy can bring: a healthier planet, cleaner air and a more resilient and sustainable future.