Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Duke Energy Bring Clean Energy to Pinellas County With New Solar Canopy

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is now harvesting the power of the sun in collaboration with Duke Energy by installing 250-kWac solar photovoltaic panels for Florida customers.

“Bringing solar to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium will have such a meaningful impact on our environment, the marine life that are cared for at this facility and the thousands of visitors who leave inspired to make a difference in the communities we serve,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president.

The Dolphin Solar Canopy is located on the top floor of Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s parking garage. The 665 solar panels will provide shade for vehicles parked beneath it and will produce enough clean energy to effectively replace carbon emissions created from burning the equivalent of over 313,000 pounds of coal each year.

“The same building that provides us the opportunity to share the work we do in the wild to preserve our environment with guests around the world is now able to serve a dual purpose,” said Lisa Oliver, Clearwater Marine Aquarium COO. “Through our partners at Duke Energy, we are now able to take advantage of our building footprint in a whole new way by providing clean energy for folks throughout Florida.”

Duke Energy also installed four electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on the second floor of CMA’s parking garage. CMA guests, staff, interns and volunteers are able to use the charging stations for their EV needs.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium opened its $80 million expansion in 2020, including a 1.5-million-gallon habitat for resident bottlenose dolphins Hope, Apollo, PJ, Nicholas and Hemingway.