Universal Epic Universe Activates Floating Solar Array to Power Electric Bus Fleet
Universal Orlando Resort has brought a 1.4-megawatt floating photovoltaic installation online at its new Epic Universe theme park, enerzine.com reported. The clean energy system handles the nightly charging for the park’s electric bus fleet, combining solar generation with battery storage.
Integrating On-Site Renewable Energy at Epic Universe
The floating platform connects to the electric grid after getting hooked up earlier this year. It operates as one of three solar installations built directly on the property, creating a combined on-site capacity of 3.7 megawatts.
Qcells coordinated the overall solar program, while D3Energy engineered and delivered the floating component. Universal projects that the three combined solar arrays will generate upwards of 6.7 million kilowatt-hours annually. That output matches the electricity consumption of more than 900 residential homes.
Balancing Solar Generation with Fleet Storage
The installation pairs photovoltaic generation with battery energy storage systems. During daylight hours, the system captures and stores solar energy. After park hours, that stored electricity transfers directly into the nightly charging operations for the Universal electric bus fleet.
“We are proud to continue our relationship with Universal Orlando through a second floating solar project,” said Stetson Tchividjian, chief executive officer of D3Energy, as reported by enerzine.com. “Universal continue to show the way in sustainability in the theme park industry.”
Expanding Floating Solar Across Orlando Campuses
The Epic Universe project marks the second floating solar installation built by D3Energy for Universal Orlando Resort. The first system launched in 2021 on the main campus in Orlando. Both projects rely on Hydrelio technology supplied by Ciel & Terre.
Floating solar installations allow developers to utilize bodies of water without taking up additional land surface. While the technology gains traction across the United States on retention ponds and artificial lakes, it remains rare within the commercial amusement park sector. Alongside its renewable energy milestones, Epic Universe secured a LEED Platinum certification through the LEED for Communities: Plan and Design program.
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