St. Petersburg City Council authorized Mayor Kriseman to execute a lease with Duke Energy Florida (DEF) for for a solar photovoltaic (PV) car canopy on a portion of the Pelican Parking lot.
With an estimated cost of no more than $2 million, Duke will pay for and own the system and be responsible for the design, permitting, construction and maintenance for the life of the system.
These solar panels will maximize energy production to produce between 400 kW and 650 kW of solar energy at the pier. By way of example, a 400 kW solar installation would generate enough energy to power a minimum of 40 homes per year. The project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 400 metric tons per year—that’s like taking over 100 cars off the road each year or freeing up over 400 acres of forest to absorb other harmful emissions.
Benefits to the community include:
- Shaded parking for approximately 100 spaces in the Pelican Lot
- Education—tied to the Education Center programming
- Important collaboration and step towards transitioning to 100% Clean Energy
- Lease income to offset operation costs
- Supports theme of a sustainable Pier District
- Other considerations include the potential for battery backup and connections for electronic vehicle charging station.
“The city appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with Duke Energy in providing renewable energy within the city limits. This process has taught us a lot, and we look forward to building on the wins with our energy provider to lead the region in its transition to 100% Clean Energy,” said Sharon Wright, city sustainability and resiliency director.
Additional information about the St. Pete Pier is available on the Pier website at: http://www.newstpetepier.com
News item from Duke Energy
Robert A. Coscia says
We are going to install a 18kw solar system and have read and spoke to many with conflicting views on what works best in combination with each other component. Which panels to use, SMA, optimizers, Vs micos, realistic life expectancy of items, etc.
Who in St Pete is the Guru that can explain things using science, technology, logic, proven facts from installations and track record documented results.