Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and Daytona International Speedway (DIS) have announced plans to install a commercial-scale solar power system at the racetrack.
An accompaniment to the ongoing USD$400 million DAYTONA Rising redevelopment project, the system will consist of more than 5,000 solar panels. These will be installed on multiple canopy-like structures that will offer shade to patrons while generating clean power for operations at the facility as well as exporting electricity to the mains grid for use by FPL customers.
Additionally, the installation will provide FPL with real-time and long-term data to assist the company in integrating more solar power into the grid in the future.
The project will avoid an estimated 2,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
“By partnering with the Speedway on this exciting project, we’re building a shining example of our affordable clean energy commitment and showcasing Florida’s innovation and advanced economy for the world,” said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL.
Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III says the project will “create a modern and advanced motorsports stadium while improving the fan experience.”
When complete, the 1.7 megawatt array will be the fifth-largest solar panel system at a U.S. professional sports facility and one of the largest in Florida. FPL says it plans to commence construction in the next few months and has set a goal of completing the system by the end of the year.
Daytona International Speedway won’t be the first racetrack in the USA to install solar. One of the first was a 3 megawatt facility constructed at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania in 2010. Last year, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Solar Farm (IMS) was completed and at 9MW, was at that point in time the largest solar power station at any sporting facility in the world.
Florida Power & Light is rapidly building its solar portfolio. In January, FPL announced plans to build three new solar power plants in Florida totaling approximately 225 megawatts of solar capacity; all of which will be operational by the end of this year. The addition of these facilities will see FPL triple its current portfolio of 110 megawatts of solar made up of three large-scale plants.
