Disney unveils Mickey Mouse-shaped solar facility

Duke Energy will operate 22-acre solar farm

ORLANDO, Fla. – A new solar facility in the shape of Mickey Mouse is up and running at Walt Disney World Resort

Duke Energy paid for the facility and will operate the 22-acre solar farm.

Duke Energy Florida President Alex Glenn said construction took about five months.

"This is just one of several projects we have going on right now. One in Perry, Florida, one in Osceola County that will be the size of 20 football fields that will be producing electricity this summer to all of our customers," said Glenn.

The five megawatt solar plant produces enough energy equivalent to 1,000 residential solar rooftop systems, according to Duke Energy.

Duke Energy also said it plans to double the amount of Florida's solar energy production by 2024.

Officials said Disney is leasing the land to Duke Energy. Duke will then sell the electricity to Reedy Creek Improvement District, who provides power to the area. The solar power will not only help provide electricity for Walt Disney World Resort, but also some nearby hotels.

"We are always seeking opportunities to become more renewable and to conserve natural resources. Every day that is what we do continuously is seek that," said Angie Renner, Walt Disney World Resort's environmental integration director.

Disney also said that the Mickey Mouse shaped solar farm is visible from space.


About the Author:

Troy graduated from California State University Northridge with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. He has reported on Mexican drug cartel violence on the El Paso/ Juarez border, nuclear testing facilities at the Idaho National Laboratory and severe Winter weather in Michigan.

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