Tampa Electric takes steps to go solar

TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA - Tampa Electric plans to build what it calls one of the largest solar power plants in the nation.

The company said it has entered a partnership to build the plant near Mulberry in Plant City. It will generate 25 megawatts of solar power — enough to power more than 3,400 homes.

The utilityÂ’s president, Chuck Black, says the decision is based on new clean-air standards adopted by the state and plans to require the use of more renewable power in Florida.

The project will create 200 construction jobs.

The downfall of the project? Black says customers will be paying higher electric bills since solar power is more expensive than power made from coal or natural gas.