Duke Energy has announced a 5MW solar power system to be installed by the Epcot Centre to run Disney World by the end of the year.

The solar system will consist of 48 000 solar panels and is to be arrange in the shape of a ‘disney-inspired’ design

– reportedly the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head. The system will be installed on 20 acres near World Drive and the Epcot Centre. According to Duke Energy, ‘the solar facility for the Reedy Creek Improvement District is equivalent to about 1,000 typical residential solar rooftop systems.’

The Reedy Creek Improvement District Board of Supervisors voted to accept a 15-year power-purchase agreement with Duke Energy Florida Solar Solutions LLC, a subsidiary of Duke Energy Florida, to purchase solar energy from the facility.

The Reedy Creek Improvement District was created in 1967 allowing the Walk Disney World Company to own and operate the 25 000 acre theme park. It also gave them the responsibility of maintaining everything inside the centre from power, water and roads to fire protection.

In addition, the board can also write its own building codes outside of the law called the Epcot Codes. When their codes were written in 1970 they were considered some of the strictest.

“Our new solar facility agreement is another example of how we’re always looking at innovative ways to conserve our natural resources,” said Bill Warren, administrator for Reedy Creek Improvement District, which provides governmental services, including utility systems. “The use of solar energy builds on our commitment to protect the environment and is another step toward realizing our long-term sustainability goals.”

“We are committed to working with customers to expand their use of renewable energy,” said Alex Glenn, president, Duke Energy Florida. “This opportunity to serve the Reedy Creek Improvement District is another example of how we are meeting our customers’ interests in renewable energy, while bringing more solar choices to Florida.”