FLORIDA — Duke Energy Florida has completed two new solar energy sites, Half Moon Renewable Energy Center in Sumter County and Rattler Renewable Energy Center in Hernando County, the company announced Wednesday.

The new facilities could save customers up to $500 million because more solar energy helps offset the cost of fuel, like natural gas, that otherwise would be needed to generate electricity and fuel costs are directly passed on to customers on their bills, according to Duke Energy Florida.

The sites each produce 74.9 megawatts of clean energy that have been added to the electric grid, according to the company.

Duke Energy Florida reached an agreement with the Florida Public Service Commission to build 12 new solar sites between 2025 and 2027. The Sumter and Hernando sites are part of the first phase of the agreement.

Overall, Duke Energy Florida estimated that the 12 solar energy facilities will create 900 megawatts of energy and save customers $3 billion through their service lifetimes. It currently has more than 30 solar energy sites across Florida that contribute about 1,700 megawatts to the system.