Net Metering Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Net Metering?
- How does it work?
- Where can I get more information regarding the Interconnection and Net Metering rule?
- How much will I get for the excess energy that I generate back into system?
- Why are you offering this program?
- Are there any tax or other financial incentives for installing renewable energy sources?
- Why isn’t the energy coming from my renewable generation (inverter) matching the energy credited on my bill?
- How does this impact my current Photovoltaic Interconnection Agreement with FPL?
1. What is Net Metering?
Customers who install renewable power generators up to 2 megawatts, such as solar panels or windmills, can interconnect them with the electric grid. Excess energy generated by the customer and sent to the grid will be subtracted from energy used from FPL for the month. If the customer generates more energy than he or she uses, the energy credit will carry over to the next month until the credits are depleted. At the end of the year, any excess energy generated will be paid out to the customer at the as available rate.
2. How does it work?
A bidirectional meter is installed to measure the energy fed back into the electric grid. The digital meter will display the energy used by the home with a (+) sign and energy sent into the grid will be displayed with a (-) sign.
The two readings will be subtracted from one another at the end of each month. If the customer generates more energy than they use, the energy will carry over to the next month until they are used up. At the end of the year any excess energy generated will be paid out to the customer.
Example:
Month 1:
Energy used 1,000 kWh
Excess energy generated 200 kWh
Net energy billed 800 kWh
Month 2:
Energy used 1,000 kWh
Excess energy generated 1,200 kWh
Net energy billed 0 kWh
Bank 200 kWh
Month 3:
Energy used 1,000 kWh
Excess energy generated 0 kWh
Bank 200kWh
Net energy billed 800 kWh
Please note:
- "Excess energy generated" is the amount generated by the renewable system over and above what the home used that is sent back into the grid. This is not the total amount generated by the renewable system since some energy will be used by the home or building.
- Customer always pays monthly customer charge for applicable rate even if zero consumption for the month.
- Customer "bank" paid out at the end of each calendar year at "As Available" rate (COG-1).
3. Where can I get more information regarding the Interconnection and Net Metering Rule?
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com
4. How much will I get for the excess energy that I generate back into the system?
The amount you will receive is based on your current energy rate, which varies based on taxes and franchise fees in your area. At the end of the year any excess energy generated will be paid to you at the as available rate.
5. Why are you offering this program?
We are offering this program in order to comply with the FPSC ruling on Interconnection and Net Metering that went into effect on April 7, 2008 and to encourage Florida residents to install renewable generators. FPL supports renewable energy generation and encourages its customers to do the same.
6. Are there any tax or other financial incentives for installing renewable energy sources?
The State of Florida offers rebates of $4 per watt up to $20,000 for residential customers and up to $100,000 for business customers who install solar systems. Federal tax incentives are also available for solar systems through 2008. Please check with your accountant for more details.
8. Why isn’t the energy coming from my renewable generation (inverter) matching the energy credited on my bill?
The energy credited on your bill reflect any excess energy your system generates minus the amount your home consumed for that month.
9. How does this impact my current Photovoltaic Interconnection Agreement with FPL?
Your agreement will be changing in order to comply with the FPSC ruling on net metering. You will receive a new agreement after it is approved by the Florida Public Service Commission. For more information, click here
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