Florida Power & Light (FPL) is advancing a series of pilot programs designed to integrate agricultural activities directly into its solar energy infrastructure. By utilizing the green space surrounding solar modules, the utility has successfully established over 40 honeybee projects across 18 counties. These agrivoltaic initiatives allow beekeepers to access remote locations, providing pollinators with new natural resources while simultaneously boosting local farm yields. Beyond beekeeping, the company is testing additional land-management strategies, including livestock grazing and crop cultivation, to determine how renewable energy sites can effectively serve dual purposes for the environment and local agriculture.
The initiative relies on partnerships with local experts, such as third-generation beekeepers, to maintain the hives within the solar energy centers. According to FPL, this approach demonstrates the potential of agrivoltaics, a practice that co-locates solar power generation with agricultural production. By fostering these ecosystems, the company aims to support local food production and enhance the biodiversity of the land surrounding its renewable energy facilities.
In addition to the honeybee projects, FPL is evaluating alternative vegetation management techniques to replace traditional mowing. In DeSoto County, the utility is testing cattle grazing, while sheep are being utilized for land maintenance in Northwest Florida. Furthermore, a collaboration with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the Miami-Dade Solar Energy Center is currently underway. This research focuses on the efficiency of growing crops beneath or near solar arrays, further exploring how land can be optimized to balance clean energy production with sustainable agricultural practices.