As more and more states invest in solar power, Florida is leading the charge. In fact, a recent report shows that the Sunshine State is increasing solar power installation faster than all of the other states. After increasing its solar capacity by more than 100% in 2017, Governor Rick Scott has just announced that the state has signed one of the biggest solar power investment deals with JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.
Jacksonville will soon be home to a new state-of-the-art solar panel manufacturing facility. The manufacturing facility will bring 200 new manufacturing jobs to Florida’s 21.31 million residents and will start producing solar panels this year. Solar panels have known to last more than 30 years of continuous renewable production.
According to Governor Rick Scott, “Florida’s economy is on a roll. Since 2011, nearly 1.5 million private-sector jobs have been created in our state, and more and more companies are choosing to grow in Florida. Thursday’s announcement means that 200 more families in Jacksonville will be able to find a great job. We will continue working nonstop to make Florida the number one destination of job creators.”
Florida already attracts thousands of visitors and new residents every day. And with 7.42 million homes and apartments for sale or rent in Florida, there are plenty of homes available for those hoping to move to the Sunshine State.
JinkoSolar has deployed over five gigawatts of solar panels since 2011 and has been steadily growing in the United States. As a global leader in the solar industry, the company distributes solar products and sells solar services to both commercial and residential customers in several countries and regions around the world. With over 12,000 employees and eight production facilities, this Jacksonville facility is a major investment. The China-based solar panel production company will provide Florida with about seven million solar panels over the next four years.
Once the Jacksonville facility is fully operational, it should have the ability to build 400 megawatts of solar modules each year. JinkoSolar expects to utilize the Port of Jacksonville for most of their importing and exporting activities.
While several other states competed for this major investment, Florida won with its low-cost, business-pro environment, and increasing economic development and job growth. In 2017 alone, Florida added 784 megawatts of solar energy, which was enough to power over 122,000 homes. The increased growth of solar energy puts Florida in the top ten states for solar installation.
Along with the JinkoSolar facility, Florida is expected to continue increasing solar power growth and build several other plants to bring power to residents throughout the state.
