Forest Trail Solar Energy Center

JEA has been producing solar energy since the 1990s as part of its fuel diversity strategy. Today, JEA sources energy from eight solar facilities across Jacksonville, with capacities ranging from 1 megawatt (MW) to 12 MW. JEA also purchases 150 MW of solar energy through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Florida Power & Light (FPL). JEA continues to expand that portfolio with two new utility-scale solar facilities, set to generate 125 MW, enough energy to power over 22,000 households¹. This demonstrate JEA’s commitment to expanding its clean energy resources, while strengthening fuel diversity for the benefit of its customers.

JEA has contracted Florida Renewable Partners (FRP) to develop, construct and manage the two new local solar facilities on land that is currently owned by JEA. This partnership ensures that JEA will benefit from competitively priced renewable energy for the next 35 years. The addition of these facilities will significantly reduce JEA’s carbon footprint, avoiding about 120,000² metric tons of carbon emissions annually. This reduction is equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions from 28,000³ cars per year, highlighting the environmental benefits of this initiative.

One of the new solar facilities, the Forest Trail Solar Energy Center, will be located near Plummer Road on Jacksonville’s west side. This facility is currently in the early stages of construction. Once completed, the Forest Trail Solar Energy Center will provide 50 MW of solar power to JEA’s customers, further supporting the transition to clean energy.

JEA is committed to ensuring that solar facilities are good neighbors. These facilities are remotely monitored and managed, minimizing on-site personnel and traffic. Each solar facility is uniquely designed to build around and preserve wetlands and other sensitive areas to the greatest extent possible. With low-profile tracking and screening by natural buffers when adjacent to homes, these facilities blend into their surroundings and help protect local land and wildlife.

Throughout the design, permitting and construction process, JEA is dedicated to providing neighbors with updated information on the proposed solar facility.  

Learn more about JEA solar initiatives

¹Based on the expected annual energy output of the 125 MW solar facilities and an average of approximately 12,800 MWh energy consumption of a JEA residential home.

² Based on JEA’s average system CO₂ emissions of over 0.4 tons per MWh.

³ Calculated based on EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies on the expected CO₂ emissions reduction.

We are excited to introduce the proposed Forest Trail Solar Facility to the city of Jacksonville. This facility will directly support the energy demands of the neighboring community.

JEA hosted an informal community open house at Dinsmore Elementary School on November 14, 2024, to discuss the details of this proposed project.