400-Acre Solar Farm to Power Nearly 11,800 Homes

A significant 400-acre solar farm, named the Harvest Sun Solar Plant, is anticipated to receive permitting this summer. This remotely operated facility will be located on land leased by Tampa Electric Co. near the Manatee/Hillsborough County border.

Once operational, the plant will have a capacity of 74.5 megawatts, capable of supplying electricity to approximately 11,800 homes. This marks Tampa Electric's second solar installation in Manatee County, following the completion of the Long Branch Solar Plant earlier this year.

Construction is scheduled to commence this December, spanning a year. The project includes the development of a stormwater management system and measures to mitigate impacts on wetlands and surface waters. Environmental regulations and best management practices will be strictly followed.

Relocation of threatened gopher tortoises impacted by the project will necessitate a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission permit. Additionally, abandoned citrus groves on the property may offer habitat for the threatened crested caracara bird, though no individuals or active nests were observed during surveys.

Nuisance vegetation and 25 trees will be removed, with compensatory payments to the Manatee County Tree Fund. Drought-tolerant, low-maintenance Florida-friendly species will be used for buffers. The site's land availability, transmission line access, cost-effectiveness, and environmental factors made it ideal for this large-scale solar project.