Net Metering is a program that allows customers to interconnect approved renewable generation systems to the electric grid and provide electricity to their residence or facility, thus avoiding purchasing that energy from their electric utility company. With FPL’s Net Metering agreement, when a customer’s system produces excess energy (but less than supplied by FPL), that amount is subtracted from the customer’s monthly usage before they are billed. If the customer produces more electricity than they receive, the excess amounts are applied to the customer’s next month’s electric bill. At the end of each calendar year, any kWH remaining in your bank will be credited to your account at the annual average cost of generation.
There are many variables involved. FPL recommends you do some independent research and shop around to find the value combination that's right for you.
Your electric bill does not show all of the energy your system produced. The energy you produce that is consumed by your home does not pass through the FPL meter. For this reason, only your inverter shows the amount of electricity your system produced.
The amount of energy sent to the grid is stated toward the bottom of your bill in a line that says “Your kwh usage reflects XX of renewable energy you delivered.”
Tier 2 and tier 3 renewable generation systems require a manual disconnect switch of the visible load break type to provide a separation point between the AC power output of the customer-owned renewable generation and any customer wiring connected to FPL’s system. The manual disconnect switch shall be mounted separate from, but adjacent to, the FPL meter socket. The customer shall ensure that such manual disconnect switch shall remain readily accessible to FPL at all times and be capable of being locked in the open position with a single FPL utility padlock.
Follow these steps to get started:
1. Before investing in a solar system, start a net metering application with us. We must preapprove your system before installation.
2. Once approved and you sign the Net Metering Agreement, you can install your system.
3. You or your contractor must complete the application requirements based on your tier level and submit it. Note: Tier 2, (10 to 100 kW) and Tier 3 (100 kW to 2 MW) systems also require proof of liability insurance and an application fee.
4. We’ll review your application and either approve it or return it for corrections. Once approved, we’ll install a meter that measures both the quantity and the direction of electricity flow.
The energy your system generates is first used by your home or business. When your system produces more electricity (kWh) than you need, the excess is recorded by the meter as it flows back into our grid.
"kWh remaining" on your bill shows the excess electricity your system has produced this year. If this number is greater than zero, it equals the "renewable energy you delivered" to the grid, minus the "kWh received" from us.
As a net metering customer, you’ll receive a bill similar to your current one. However, part of the electricity your system generates will be consumed by you and not provided or billed by us. If your system produces more electricity than you use during the month, the excess is added to your energy bank for future use. Excess electricity sent to the grid and kWh reserve information are under the “Keep in Mind” section of your bill. If you have unused kilowatt hours (kWh) in your bank when your meter is read in December, a cash credit will be applied to your December bill.
Our $25 minimum base bill ensures all customers contribute to fixed system costs, which do not vary with electricity usage. These costs include poles, transformers and wires used by all customers, including net metering customers.
Several types of renewable energy systems are eligible for net metering:
Each solar system is different and produces varying amounts of electricity daily. You can use the PVWATTS1 Solar Calculator to estimate how much a system can generate in Florida or contact your contractor for specific information.
The “kWh received” is the amount of electricity your system produced this year beyond what you consumed from us. It’s a running credit showing the energy your system produced but hasn’t been used to offset what you consumed from us.
The requirements to sign up for net metering depend on your systems’ size. There are three tiers based on system size:
Note: All tier sizes are based on the AC Gross Power Rating, which equals the DC rating of your solar array times 0.85. Get more information.
For questions, email us at NWFLNetMetering@FPL.com.