The future is bright for Port Canaveral, now home to forty-two new solar panels in the form of energy producing solar trees. Port Canaveral has partnered with the Florida Power and Light (FPL) SolarNow program to plant solar trees at key locations at the Port where visitors can plug in, charge their devices, and enjoy the much-needed shade. The trees, located on the lawn of the Exploration Tower and Jetty Park, will showcase solar energy and generate zero emissions energy for many years to come.
“Harnessing the energy from the sun here in the Sunshine State makes sense. We commend FPL for their SolarNow initiative and proud to partner with them.” said Port CEO Captain John Murray. “The solar trees fit well with our environmental stewardship and commitment to sustainable balance.”
“We are excited that Port Canaveral has joined our SolarNow™ family,” said Cory Ramsel Senior Director of FPL Project Development. With this partnership on these innovative solar trees, we have the opportunity to show millions of people that come through this Port and the thousands of locals that enjoy everything it has to offer that Florida is truly living up to its name as the Sunshine State.”
A total of five trees have been planted at Port Canaveral, three of which are located outside the Exploration Tower and the other two are located adjacent to the park playground at Jetty Park. Three trees were installed outside the Exploration Tower where many public events are held. Each tree provides visitors with up to 120 square feet of shade, equipped with plugs to charge personal devices and produce 5.1 kilowatts per hour (kWh). The two trees located at Jetty Park generate 6.8 kWh, while providing 200 square feet of shade for park goers. FPL SolarNow™ is a voluntary program that provides FPL customers with an easy way to support the development of solar arrays in local communities.
Canaveral Port Authority Chairman Wayne Justice led the commemoration event joined by Cory Ramsel, FPL Senior Director for Project Development, invited guests and FPL and Port staff. “There’s no better way to welcome solar energy to the Port community than with the arrival of these solar trees. Port Canaveral is committed to sustainability and our partnership with FPL’s SolarNow™ program enhances our commitment to the environment,” said Port Commission Chairman Wayne Justice. “These structures will provide years of service for Port visitors and guests while producing energy and reducing our carbon footprint.”
The solar tree project is the latest of environmental initiatives at the Port, some of which include car charging stations, turtle friendly lighting, environmental stewardship certification, and beach clean-up events.
