Overview
Balm Solar is a 74.4 MW solar PV facility in Florida, owned by Tampa Electric Co. It contributes to the state's renewable energy capacity under the US IRA and Florida's Renewable Portfolio Standard.
Balm Solar is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Florida, United States, with a capacity of 74.4 megawatts (MW). Owned by Tampa Electric Co, the facility is operational and plays a role in the region's renewable energy generation. This scale places it as a medium-to-large solar installation within the US market. The plant utilizes solar PV technology to convert sunlight into electricity, a mature and widely deployed renewable energy source. Under the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Florida's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), solar projects like Balm Solar benefit from federal tax incentives and state-level renewable energy targets, supporting grid decarbonization and energy diversification. Environmentally, Balm Solar contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based generation. The facility's location in Florida, a state with high solar insolation, optimizes energy production. Its operation aligns with broader US goals to increase renewable energy capacity and mitigate climate change impacts.
Environmental context
Florida's abundant sunshine provides ideal conditions for solar PV generation, maximizing energy yield per installed capacity. Solar farms like Balm Solar require land use, which can impact local ecosystems, but they produce no emissions during operation. The facility supports Florida's transition to cleaner energy, reducing reliance on natural gas and coal.
Frequently asked questions
Balm Solar is located in Florida, United States, near the town of Balm. The facility is situated in Hillsborough County, approximately 25 miles southeast of Tampa.
Balm Solar has a capacity of 74.4 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large solar PV installation. It generates enough electricity to power thousands of homes annually.
Balm Solar is owned by Tampa Electric Co, a utility company serving the Tampa Bay area. The facility is part of Tampa Electric's renewable energy portfolio.
Solar projects in the US benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides tax credits for renewable energy. Florida also has a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that encourages utilities to increase renewable energy generation.
Balm Solar generates clean electricity without direct emissions, helping to reduce greenhouse gases. It supports Florida's renewable energy targets and diversifies the state's energy mix away from fossil fuels.