Staff Reports
Florida Power & Light Company unveiled a multipurpose solar installation at Bayfront Park to provide some clean power for Super Bowl festivities.
The installation covers nearly 400 feet of walkway around the FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park and features seven solar trees. FPL said the 500-panel structure generates about 250 kilowatt-hours of energy, enough to cover the amphitheater’s power consumption during concert season.
The structure isn’t temporary — the utility company said it “will serve as a lasting landmark and symbolize Miami’s sustainable and resilient future.”
The solar installation is a partnership between FPL, Bayfront Park Management Trust, the City of Miami and Live Nation. In addition to generating solar energy, the array serves as a research hub and test bed for groundbreaking “bifacial solar panel” technology, which, unlike traditional panels, is able to produce energy on both sides.
“With hundreds of thousands of football fans descending on our community and millions more worldwide tuning in for the big game, the FPL Solar Amphitheater showcases the bold, innovative spirit of Miami and the city’s relentless commitment to sustainability and resiliency,” said FPL President and CEO Eric Silagy.
”Doubling as a test site, this new solar landmark enables FPL to conduct cutting-edge research as we bring even more affordable clean energy to our customers. Importantly, the solar array demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together toward a common goal.”
Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo, chairman of the Bayfront Park Management Trust added, “The FPL Solar Amphitheater ushers in an era of innovation for this historic park. By day, the solar canopy and trees produce renewable energy and advance our sustainability mission. And, when the sun goes down, the array’s colorful lights add a new dynamic to Miami’s iconic skyline.”
The solar canopy and trees feature LED lighting that illuminate the venue at night and can be programmed to change colors to coincide with special events.
“This is an exciting time for Bayfront Park,” said FPL Solar Amphitheater General Manager Joseph Nieman. “We’re thrilled to be able to help support the growth of renewable energy in Florida and to showcase this great sustainable technology to concertgoers.”
The FPL Solar Amphitheater joins more than a dozen FPL solar installations in Miami-Dade County, including solar trees at parks and the FPL Miami-Dade Solar Energy Center, which can power up to 15,000 homes with solar when the sun is shining.
