Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 4:21:45 PM - by Nate Lew

Florida Power and Light Company has announced that one of the nation's largest solar energy facilities will be generating electricity beginning later this month.

According to the utility company, the Next Generational Solar Energy Center in Arcadia, said to be the largest photovoltaic plant in America, will power up on October 22. The project is said to be ahead of schedule and $22.2 million under budget.

Power generated at the facility will reportedly help power more than 3,000 homes with help from 90,000 photovoltaic panels.

"Large-scale solar projects such as FPL's DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center provide Florida with the opportunity to create and attract more clean-energy jobs and produce millions of dollars in new revenue for local governments while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting the effects of climate change," said FPL official Eric Silagy.

The utility company also noted that it is currently working with local officials on a permitting process that could see the facility ultimately expand to produce at least 150 megawatts. The utility is building several other solar energy facilities elsewhere in the state.