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NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — EnvironmentAugust 15, 2026Hillsborough

Florida Power & Light launches pilot project to integrate honeybee habitats at solar energy sites

Florida Power & Light is launching a pilot program to test the feasibility of co-locating solar energy infrastructure with agricultural activities, specifically honeybee habitats. The project aims to evaluate the compatibility of renewable energy land use with environmental and agricultural support.

solar energyagricultureenvironmentpilot program
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — Environment

Why It Matters

This project explores a new land-use model for solar energy sites in Florida that could impact how utility-scale solar facilities interact with local ecosystems and agricultural sectors.

Key Facts

  • Florida Power & Light is conducting a pilot program to test the feasibility of combining solar energy production with agricultural land use.
  • The program specifically focuses on integrating honeybee habitats into solar energy sites.
  • The project is intended to explore innovative land-use solutions for renewable energy infrastructure.

Who's Mentioned

organizationFlorida Power & Light“Utility company implementing the agrivoltaics pilot program.”personTaylor Hernandez“FPL representative.”locationDeSoto County“Location of cattle grazing pilot.”other40“Number of honeybee projects at solar sites.”organizationUF/IFAS“University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, studying crop”other18“Number of counties involved in the honeybee integration.”organizationMcCoy's Sunny South Apiaries“Apiary business partnering with FPL.”personMark McCoy“Beekeeper from McCoy's Sunny South Apiaries participating in the program.”