Floating Solar Leases
D3Energy Turns Florida Highway Ponds into Floating Solar Sites
mursal rahman — May 19, 2026
D3Energy is expanding floating solar infrastructure in Florida through an exclusive statewide agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The initiative enables floating photovoltaic systems to be installed on existing stormwater retention ponds located along state highways, creating renewable energy infrastructure without using farmland or undeveloped land. The company’s first operational project, developed with Orlando Utilities Commission, demonstrates how public infrastructure can support scalable clean energy generation while reducing land-use conflicts commonly associated with solar expansion.
The innovation highlights how underutilized infrastructure assets can be repurposed to support utility-scale renewable energy. By placing solar arrays near substations, highways, and populated areas, the systems may reduce interconnection costs and improve deployment efficiency for utilities. The model also introduces new revenue opportunities for public agencies while preserving valuable land for housing, agriculture, and conservation. As energy demand rises, floating solar infrastructure could influence how governments and utilities approach land-efficient renewable energy development.
