Florida Surpasses California in Utility-Scale Solar Growth Amid Rising Gas Prices

Florida added over 3GW of utility-scale solar capacity in a single year, overtaking California as the national leader in solar expansion. The surge was driven almost entirely by utilities, with Florida Power & Light accounting for more than 70% of the state's new solar infrastructure. "This is not a fluke," said Sylvia Leyva Martinez of Wood Mackenzie. "Florida is now shaping national solar growth."

The state's streamlined permitting process for projects under 75 megawatts has slashed costs and construction timelines, enabling rapid deployment. Unlike California, which relies heavily on rooftop solar, Florida's growth stems from large-scale installations. Syd Kitson, founder of the solar-powered Babcock Ranch community, noted: "One thing Florida got right is acceptance. Here, people want solar. And we're proving it works."

Babcock Ranch's independent microgrid withstood Hurricane Ian in 2022 while much of southwest Florida lost power—a tangible demonstration of solar resilience. With natural gas prices climbing and industrial demand rising, utilities are increasingly viewing solar as the cost-optimal solution even without subsidies.