Bringing solar energy closer. One community at a time.
Gulf Power solar trees and canopies are eye-catching, innovative solar structures created to bring solar technology to the hearts of our communities. They provide shade and harness the power of the sun while generating emissions-free energy that benefits all of us.
Why is Gulf Power installing solar trees and canopies?
Florida is in the midst of one of the largest solar expansions in the country. As part of Florida Power & Light, Gulf Power is excited to be a part of leading the future of solar energy through a “30-by-30” plan to install 30 million solar panels throughout out all of Florida by the year 2030.
We’re already on our way with our first project, the Blue Indigo Solar Energy Center in Jackson County, that went into operation on April 1, 2020. Working together as one energy company, the plan is to increase our use of zero-emissions electricity by 2980 megawatts between 2022-2025 in Florida. Plans call for Northwest Florida to get 1117.5 megawatts of the zero-emissions generation, which will be the equivalent to taking tens of thousands of cars off the highway annually.
Many of our large solar energy centers may not be as easily visible to the public, so we are strategically installing solar trees and solar parking canopies in Northwest Florida. Solar trees and solar parking canopies are innovative solar structures that bring clean energy to the heart of local communities. They help transform the host locations into living classrooms for people of all ages to learn about solar.
Solar trees and canopies also serve as reminders of our mission to deliver clean and reliable energy to our customers and communities.
- Teaching the next generation about the value of sustainability is critical, and these projects will showcase solar energy to tens of thousands of people every year.
- These solar trees and canopies create clean energy, but they are so much more. Each location will include unique features like charging stations for electronics or electric vehicles, or edge lights that can be programmed to change colors for a visual experience.
- They also provide an eco-friendly backdrop for families, friends, students and visitors to create lasting memories, all while fostering a renewed sense of community.
- QR codes on each tree and canopy that provide smartphone user information about Gulf Power’s solar commitment.
Solar Trees
- Two 1.85-kilowatt solar trees at the corner of Main and Reus streets, at the crosswalk to the Blue Wahoos Stadium in Pensacola.
- One 1.7-kilowatt solar tree is planned for the boardwalk at the Newman C. Brakin Wayside Park boardwalk in Fort Walton Beach.
- Two 3.4-kilowatt solar trees will be installed on the HarborWalk Village Boardwalk in Destin.
Gulf Power solar trees at the corner of Main and Reus streets in Pensacola, Florida
Solar Canopies
- A 22-kilowatt solar canopy will be installed in the parking lot at the Corrine Jones Resource Center at Sanders Beach in Pensacola. The canopy will provide shade for four disabled parking spaces.
- A 40-kilowatt solar canopy over 20 parking spaces in the Baylen Street parking lot per partnership with One Palafox Place in Pensacola.
Renderings of Gulf Power solar canopies at downtown Pensacola locations.
Learn more about the City of Pensacola's environmental efforts at: https://www.cityofpensacola.com/488/Environment
