Could the new solar farm near Epcot be the biggest hidden Mickey Mouse?
In 2015, Duke Energy announced it would build a large solar farm near Walt Disney World. Well, the solar plant that can be seen from space is now up and running.
Representatives from Duke Energy, Walt Disney World and its utility, Reedy Creek Improvement District, commemorated the opening of the facility by flipping a giant light switch Tuesday.
The 22-acre facility is made of 48,000 solar panels and operated by Duke Energy, which will sell the energy to Reedy Creek to help power Disney World and other hotels and resorts in the area, Disney said in a statement. The solar plant is the equivalent of 1,000 residental solar rooftop systems, the company said.
Construction of the solar farm began last year.
"It's very important to us," said Angie Renner, environmental integration director for Walt Disney Parks and Recreation. "It's part of our commitment. It's been part of out commitment since Walt, so it's just part of our DNA here at Disney."
"The use of solar energy builds on our commitment to protect the environment and is another step toward realizing our long-term sustainability goals," said Bill Warren, administrator for the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
For curious guests, the solar farm is located off World Drive near the ramp to Epcot. You can see the solar panels from the road, but the Mickey-shaped designed requires an aerial view.
(Video still courtesy of Disney)