How Florida Quietly Became A Solar Powerhouse
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Solar energy is booming across the U.S. and for the first time, Florida is catching up to solar powerhouses like Texas and California. Despite removing climate change from its official state policy in 2024, Florida added more utility-scale solar than California that year for the first time, with over 3 gigawatts of new capacity coming online. Unlike other states where rooftop panels drive adoption, Florida’s growth is led by utilities like Florida Power & Light, which built more than 70% of new solar last year. A state rule that speeds up approvals for mid-sized projects has helped fast-track development. And at the community level, towns like Babcock Ranch are powered almost entirely by solar and are showing what’s possible with hurricane-resilient microgrids. But challenges are looming. Florida still gets most of its electricity from natural gas, and new federal policy is cutting solar tax credits earlier than expected. With rising demand for power and policy pushback, can Florida’s solar boom last? CNBC visited Babcock Ranch and spoke to experts to find out. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:29 Solars in the sunshine state 06:35 The hidden challenges 09:17 What’s next? Produced and edited by: Lisa Setyon Senior Director of Video: Jeniece Pettitt Shot by: Andrea Desky Narration and Production Support: Magdalena Petrova Animation by: Emily Park Additional Footage: Getty Images, Babcock Ranch » Subscribe to CNBC: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBC » Subscribe to CNBC TV: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBCtelevision » Watch CNBC on the go with CNBC+: https://www.cnbc.com/WatchCNBCPlus About CNBC: From 'Wall Street' to 'Main Street' to award winning original documentaries and Reality TV series, CNBC has you covered. Experience special sneak peeks of your favorite shows, exclusive video and more. Want to stand out, grow your network, and get more job opportunities? Sign up for Smarter by CNBC Make It's new online course, How to Build a Standout Personal Brand: Online, In Person, and At Work. Sign up today with coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off the regular course price of $67 (plus tax). Offer valid through September 2, 2025: https://cnb.cx/4nUBgbA Connect with CNBC News Online Get the latest news: https://www.cnbc.com/ Follow CNBC on LinkedIn: https://cnb.cx/LinkedInCNBC Follow CNBC News on Instagram: https://cnb.cx/InstagramCNBC Follow CNBC News on Facebook: https://cnb.cx/LikeCNBC Follow CNBC on Threads: https://cnb.cx/threads Follow CNBC News on X: https://cnb.cx/FollowCNBC Follow CNBC on WhatsApp: https://cnb.cx/WhatsAppCNBC #CNBC How Florida Quietly Became A Solar Powerhouse