2 min read
There’s a new solar farm near Walt Disney World that’s been getting a lot of attention. It takes up 20 acres, features 48,000 photovoltaic panels, is equivalent to about 1,000 residential solar systems, and generates a peak output of about 5 megawatts.
The Disney Orlando solar system is enormous, taking up more space than 17 football fields, but perhaps the most notable feature of the Disney solar farm is its distinct layout. With three giant, combined circles, it’s in the shape of--you guessed it--Mickey Mouse.
Duke Energy built the solar farm next to Disney World and Epcot Center, teaming up with the Reedy Creek Improvement District--Disney’s utilities manager for their four theme parks and many resorts. It's a mutually beneficial aggreement: Disney goes solar, Reedy Creek can manage for less utility expenses, and Duke gets the contract.
In fact, as part of a 15 year agreement, Reedy Creek has agreed to buy the solar power from Duke as part of Duke’s project to build 500 megawatts of solar by 2024 and as part of Disney’s plan to reduce emissions by 50% within the next 4 years.
The farm’s output will exclusively go to power Disney’s extensive park systems and while producing green energy on such a large scale is a relatively new undertaking, Epcot, at least, is no stranger to solar power--the Universe of Energy building has been fuelled by solar panels since 1982!
In fact, the farm’s nearby location to Epcot was not coincidence. Disney officials wanted it to fit with the original theme of the park, whose name used to stand for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.
Bill Warren, administrator for the Reedy Creek Improvement District, is excited about the project. “The use of solar energy builds on our commitment to protect the environment and is another step toward realizing our long-term sustainability goals.”
The solar farm will definitely help Disney to reduce emissions and save on energy expenses. Park officials are also hoping that the large system will entice parkgoers to think about their own carbon footprint a bit more. Certainly we can all expect to see many more creative solar installations, maybe even on a bigger scale.
Curious guests can see the farm from World Drive near the ramp to Epcot but to see the Mickey-shaped design, you’ll need to get an aerial view.
Do you love Disney and want to learn more about solar? Call one of our Energy Specialists at 407.331.9077 or contact us on our website. We’d love the chance to install solar panels into a Mickey Mouse shape for you.
