Miami commissioners have awarded Florida Power & Light a no-bid contract to build a solar ring which consists of solar panels with a retractable Amphitheater roof in Downtown Miami's Bayfront Park. The entire cost of construction will be shouldered by FPL with operation and maintenance costs covered by the public Bayfront Park Management Trust budged at $40,000 annually. FPL will pay the city a $10 annual license fee but the power generated via the solar panels will go to FPL's grid. Completion is expected by 2020.
“The installation of the [solar ring] will pique the curiosity of the City’s residents and visitors of all ages, encouraging discussion about sustainability and inspiring them to learn more about the benefits of solar energy,” Annie Perez, Procurement Director, City of Miami.