Celebrate Solar this Clean Energy Week

Across the Sunshine State, clean energy solutions like solar are creating a brighter future for our planet. That’s why FPL SolarNow is joining organizations around the country to celebrate National Clean Energy Week (NCEW) from September 25 – 29, 2023 and to spread awareness of the clean energy that powers our communities while producing zero emissions. Innovative technologies, from electric vehicles to clean hydrogen, are making carbon-free living a real possibility, and FPL is leading the way toward Florida’s clean energy future.

Florida has come a long way on its clean energy journey, and it was even named the number one state for solar installations so far this year, but there is still work to be done. Measure your own impact on the environment with tools on our website, including FPL’s Energy Dashboard, Energy Analyzer and Carbon Calculator. Even something as simple as switching to a reusable water bottle, instead of plastic, can make a big difference. We invite you to join us in the celebration by learning about the power of clean energy and doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint.

 

See Solar Energy Near You

One of the best ways to see solar energy in action is to 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 and unique structures not only provide shade – they also feed clean energy back into the community. Whether you want to visit a park, zoo or museum, you can see solar structures at popular hot spots near you!

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 history with a trip to Frost Museum of Science or IMAG History & Science Center. Take a walk on the wild side and see leopards, gorillas and sea turtles at Zoo Miami or Loggerhead Marinelife Center. If you’re looking to have an afternoon picnic in the park or relaxing day at the beach, check out Reed Canal Park or Pelican Beach Park.

As you visit our many powered-by-sunshine installations at local attractions across the state, you can also interact with a new innovative addition to some 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.

 

EVolve Your Next Road Trip

If you’re driven about the environment, National Clean Energy Week takes place within National Drive Electric Week, which lasts from September 22 to October 1, and FPL’s EV Expressway is a great way to make your next road trip 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 that you can power up approximately every 25 miles along major highways such as Florida’s Turnpike, I-95 and east-west corridors.

What’s even better is that many of the charging stations can be found near many of our FPL SolarNow partner locations across Florida. Some fun, pre-planned itineraries include:

• Hallandale to West Palm Beach: Take a day trip along Florida’s iconic A1A highway and explore the East Coast’s pristine beaches and parks.
• Jacksonville to St. Augustine: Start the weekend with a trip to Jacksonville and spend the afternoon cooling off in one of Florida’s most popular springs. The next day, make your way to the oldest city in the U.S. and marvel in its history and character.
• Naples to Sarasota: Embrace flora and fauna at the Naples Zoo before exploring Venice’s historic downtown. Then, relax in the clear turquoise waters and soft white sands at the City of Holmes Beach before finally having a close encounter with a shark at Sarasota’s Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

You can also get creative and use the tool’s interactive map to locate FPL EVolution public charging stations and create your own road trip!

 

Experience the Power of Solar Energy

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

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

 

Building a Clean Energy Future

Building a more resilient and sustainable future starts with taking the right steps forward today. That’s why this year FPL announced the construction of 22 new solar energy centers (SECs), adding to the company’s current footprint of 66 SECs, as part of FPL’s Real Zero goal to eliminate carbon emissions by 2045. These new facilities have not only helped make Florida the number one state for solar installations so far in 2023 and promoted a cleaner, healthier planet, they also provide valuable jobs to local communities.

Toward the end of this year, FPL is also planning to begin operating its brand new FPL Cavendish NextGen Hydrogen Hub, which will be powered by the nearby FPL Cavendish Solar Energy Center as it pulls hydrogen out of water and mixes it with natural gas to create a cleaner energy solution.

This Clean Energy Week, join us in supporting and celebrating Florida’s clean energy future by becoming a Solar Insider. You’ll receive regular updates on FPL’s solar projects, our newest technologies, and the work we are doing to cut emissions and lower costs for our customers