Mount Dora, Fla. – Two solar farms in Mount Dora are poised to supply electricity to a minimum of 500 homes, marking a significant leap towards sustainable energy in the region.
Mayor Crissy Stile expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “This allows everybody who wants to take part in solar and using the sun of Florida to power their house.” The solar farms, set to commence operations on December 1, will offer Mount Dora Electric Utility customers the opportunity to adopt solar energy without the need for personal panel installation.
Stile explained, “What we’ll do is just be able to use what we’ve built right here to be able to save customers money.” The voluntary program operates on a first-come-first-serve basis, empowering customers to choose between powering their homes with 25%, 50%, or 100% solar energy.
Anticipating future uncertainties in natural gas prices, which impact electric utility rates, Stile highlighted the potential for participants to experience a stable bill through the community solar program. While immediate cost savings may not be apparent due to current low natural gas prices, she explained that in the long run, as natural gas prices rise, non-participants could witness fluctuations in their utility bills. In contrast, those enrolled in the community solar program would be shielded from such fluctuations, revealing the long-term cost benefits of solar energy.
Acknowledging the initial solar adjustment fee, expected to raise the average home’s electric bill by around $5, Stile emphasized the prospective stability in bills for program participants as natural gas prices fluctuate in the future.
The voluntary solar program has already garnered significant interest, with at least 10 applications received by the city as of Wednesday afternoon. Mount Dora’s move towards community solar aligns with broader efforts to embrace sustainable and renewable energy sources.