Miami, Florida – Earlier this week, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava revealed a substantial solar installation at the Metro West Detention Center, located at 13850 Northwest 41st Street. This significant move towards renewable energy showcases the county’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The newly installed rooftop solar array consists of 1709 panels, a substantial addition that will have a notable impact on the environment and the county’s finances. This installation is expected to slash approximately 880 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, a significant step in reducing the county’s carbon footprint. Mayor Levine Cava expressed her pride in the county’s initiative, stating, “I am proud that Miami-Dade County is leading the way on renewable energy in our buildings, making us future-ready and resilient.”
This project is more than just an environmental endeavor; it’s a cost-saving measure for the county and its taxpayers. The solar panels are anticipated to generate enough energy to cover about 24% of the building’s yearly electricity usage. This translates into substantial savings, aligning with the mayor’s vision of energy-efficient facilities that benefit both the environment and the county’s budget. Mayor Levine Cava, who has been a proponent of this shift since her days as a County Commissioner in 2014, emphasized the broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Metro West Detention Center’s solar installation is the second of three large-scale solar pilot projects in Miami-Dade County. The first was completed at the North Dade Regional Library, with the third set to be installed later this year at the South Dade Regional Library. These projects are pivotal in demonstrating the county’s dedication to sustainable design and building practices.
Miami-Dade County Director of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Sherea Green, highlighted the project’s significance, particularly for the county’s corrections facilities. She remarked, “This is a monumental step towards a more sustainable and innovative future for Miami-Dade County’s corrections facilities.”
The installation was carried out by Advanced Green Technologies (AGT), a local South Florida company. AGT’s Executive Vice President, Clint Stockman, praised the collaboration with the county, noting it as a testament to the successful and efficient deployment of solar assets by local government agencies. He added, “This solar project adds immense value to the community and the county while safeguarding the environment for future generations.”
Building on the success of these pilot projects, Miami-Dade County is poised to expand its renewable energy initiatives. Plans are underway to issue a request for proposal (RFP) for solar power at additional county facilities, applying the insights gained from these initial installations.
