We often ponder over whether we can ever fix the mess the fossil era endowed us. Will we someday succeed in replacing all the coal and nuclear stations with cool wind, gushing hydro, and bright solar? Or, will we have to start all over again on Mars and abandon precious earth? In November 2015, real estate developers turned over the first sods to reveal plans for a Florida town. However, this is not just any new Florida town: Babcock Ranch will become the first solar city in the United States.
Ambitious Plans for a Florida Town with Green Electricity Power
When complete, Babcock Ranch will have an on-site, 75-megawatt solar array. This will comprise a 400-acre photovoltaic installation handshaked with distributed solar panels on commercial buildings. Moreover, batteries will process surplus energy for sale to the main grid.
The beauty of this arrangement is the income will pay for electricity purchased when the sun does not shine over Charlotte and Lee counties. This arrangement will support 50,000 residents in 4 villages and 5 hamlets with 8 magnet schools. Furthermore, 5,000,000 square feet of light industry, retail, commerce, office and civic space will provide 20,000 jobs.
Sustainably, Babcock Ranch Will Be Set in a Green Environment
Babcock Ranch will be a Florida town within huge areas set aside for open spaces, nature reserves, and agriculture. Families will cycle from the city into countryside, children will able to bike safe routes to school.
All homes and office buildings will meet Florida’s energy-efficient construction standards. Moreover, they will use smart technology to monitor and manage their energy consumption. The ‘man on mars’ can keep his territory. Who could possibly want that arid space. After Babcock Ranch has morphed into a Florida city with nature reserves, and community spaces with accommodation for hunting, camping and hiking.
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Beam Me Up I’m Wearing My Photovoltaics
Preview Image: Babcock Ranch Rooftop Solar
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