I assume they call Florida “the sunshine state” for a reason, so it makes sense that the state is planning to build its first solar-powered city starting next year. The project is expected to cost two billion dollars, and create a whopping 20,000 jobs. Reuters, what else can you tell us about it?

FPL Group Inc’s utility Florida Power & Light is working with the realty group Kitson & Partners to construct what the utility says will be the world’s largest photovoltaic solar plant in a planned, environmentally friendly city near Fort Myers in southwestern Florida. Called Babcock Ranch, the city will aim to build 19,500 houses and about 6 million square feet of retail, light industrial, and office space when it is completed, the developers said.

Seems like quite the undertaking. The construction is supposed to begin June of next year, with the first houses ready for move-in later that year. Not only that, but it seems that the community will actually create an abundance of renewable energy.

A spokesman for the project said it will be the first solar-powered city because it will use only solar power during the day and produce more solar power than it needs and so will be a net exporter of solar power.

The project (or at least the people working on it) hopes that Babcock Ranch will become a model for a nationwide swell in towns powered by renewable energy. It’s a nice hope - and one I wouldn’t minde seeing a reality. Until that happens, takepart to learn how you can power at least part of your house with renewable energy.