Interconnection of Photovoltaic Systems

Interconnection of Small Photovoltaic Systems

For more information, visit Alternative Energy.

Interconnection of Large Photovoltaic Systems

FPL is committed to helping our environmentally conscious customers offset some of their carbon footprint and reducing electricity costs by providing the means to interconnect their large photovoltaic systems to FPL’s power grid. FPL will install additional metering equipment to measure any excess kilowatt-hours provided by your SPS. The value of any excess generation will be credited to your bill based upon the as-available energy rate.

Follow these steps to participate in the program:

For more information, visit Alternative Energy.

State Solar Incentives

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has applications for rebates and tax credits for purchasing and installing new solar equipment. For homeowners who have watched their rising electricity bills in recent months, this is good news. Floridians who purchase and install a solar water heating system can now receive a rebate of up to $500 ($100 for pool heating system).

Rebates on water heating systems on commercial properties will be calculated at $15 per 1000 Btu per day with a maximum $5,000 rebate.

Also available are rebates for purchasing and installing photovoltaic systems for solar-generated electricity (calculated at $4 per rated watt). Rebates will be allowed at a maximum of $20,000 for residential installations, while systems on commercial property may qualify for up to a $100,000 rebate.

Applications for solar incentives are available at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/energy/energyact/solar.htm

Once complete and after choosing a contractor, you need to fill out an application for interconnection with FPL. If you have already filled out the interconnection request at the federal level, you do not need to do this at the state level.

Federal Solar Incentives

A 2005 energy bill provides tax incentives for a number of solar and energy efficiency measures. Among them are:

• Tax credits for residential solar photovoltaic and hot water heating systems
• Tax deductions for highly efficient commercial buildings
• Tax credits for highly-efficient new homes
• Tax credits for improvements to existing homes including high-efficiency air conditioners and equipment
• Tax credits for residential fuel cell systems
• Tax credits for fuel cell and microturbines used in a business

Applications are available at http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/media/enews/2007/2007-07_EPAct2005-R1.htm and will be filed with your taxes. Once complete and after choosing a contractor, you need to fill out an application for interconnection with FPL. If you have already filled out the interconnection request at the state level, you do not need to do this at the federal level.

Change from Photovoltaic System Interconnection Agreement to Net Metering Interconnection Agreement - FAQ’s

An interconnection and net metering rule was passed on April 7, 2008 that will impact customers who currently have a Photovoltaic System Interconnection agreement with Florida Power and Light. The new interconnection and net metering tariff agreement was filed on May 7, 2008 and regulatory approval of the agreement is expected in June 2008.

1. Why is my Small Photovoltaic System Agreement changing?
   We are making the change in order to comply with the FPSC ruling on net metering that went into effect on April 7, 2008 and to encourage Florida residents to install renewable generators.
   
2. What impact will it have on me?
   The main difference is in how credits will be applied. On the new agreement if you produce more energy than you use, the kWhs will go into a “bank” that can be used towards the next month’s energy usage. If the amount you generate is larger than the amount you use at the end of the year you will be cashed out at the average as available rate for the year. You will see the change in your billing statements once the new tariff is approved by the Florida Public Service Commission.
3. When will I receive the new agreement?
   You will receive the new agreement after it is approved by the FPSC. We anticipate that it will be available in June.
4. How long will I have to return the new agreement?
   You should return your agreement as soon as possible.
5. Where can I get more information about the change in my agreement and net metering?
   You can contact David Bates at 561.681.3075 for systems that generate 10 kW and below or Genese Doyle at 305.569.4159 for systems that generate over 10 kW.
   
   

Related Links

• FPL Residential Sunshine Energy – www.FPL.com/sunshine and www.FPLsunshineenergy.com
• FPL Business Sunshine Energy – www.FPL.com/sunshinebusiness
• Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) – www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection – www.dep.state.fl.us/
• Florida Department of Revenue – http://dor.myflorida.com/dor