South Florida was in high-gear as it prepared to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for the Big Football Game. However, playing host to one of the most watched games in the U.S. was not the only exciting thing happening in Miami.

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and long-time partner Miami-Dade County launched a half-acre, 402-panel floating solar installation into the waters of Blue Lagoon, adjacent to the Miami International Airport. This unique array generates 160 kilowatts of electricity and doubles as a test bed for solar research, particularly the performance of solar panels on water. FPL Blue Lagoon Solar is the first floating solar array located at an airport and is the largest in the Southeastern U.S.

Visible to millions of travelers who fly into the airport, as well as to drivers along Florida State Road 836 West, the new landmark showcases the community’s commitment to clean energy and celebrates its ongoing partnership with Miami-Dade County.

“We’re working to make Florida a world leader in solar generation with 18 solar plants in operation, 10 more coming online this year and a bold plan to install 30 million solar panels across the state by 2030,” said FPL President and CEO Eric Silagy. “This unique project will add to our solar expertise as we relentlessly explore new ways to deliver more affordable clean energy to our customers. Importantly, the solar array demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together toward a common goal.”