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. If you have unused kilowatt hours (kWh) in your bank when your meter is read in December, a credit will be applied to your December bill. See the COG – 1 rate for more details.
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. Important: Systems with a capacity of 50 kW and above require a three-phase service (WYE). See the Engineering Service Standards for more details.
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 reserve" 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.
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.
Once you’ve reviewed your systems’ size, register your account and start the application process. Easily save your progress as you go and check your status in our portal.
In instances where the renewable system exceeds the available capacity of the existing distribution equipment, a transformer upgrade may be necessary. For Tier 2 and Tier 3 renewable energy systems (above 10 kW), it is mandatory to install a manual disconnect switch of the visible load break type, which serves as a separation point between the AC power output of the customer-owned renewable generation and the customer wiring connected to FPL's system. This switch must be installed adjacent to the FPL meter socket, maintained readily accessible to FPL, and capable of being locked in the open position with a single FPL utility padlock. Additionally, systems with a capacity of 50 kW and above require a three-phase service (WYE). See the Engineering Service Standards for more details.
Find state and federal renewable-energy programs incentives and resources.
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.
You can learn more about your bill including how to understand your consumption, reserve and how much energy was applied to lower your bill.
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 in your energy bank (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 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, even if your kWh reserve is applied to lower your bill.
Learn more about how to read your 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, even if your kWh reserve is applied to lower your bill.
You don’t receive any monetary credit for the energy your system produces. Instead, you get “kWh credit” for the excess energy your system generates beyond your consumption. If you have a surplus of kWh at the end of the year, we’ll apply a credit to your December bill based on our average annual cost of electricity generation.
See the COG – 1 rate for more details.
The net metering credit is recalculated each year in accordance with FPL’s tariff and Florida Public Service Commission rule. The net metering rate is driven by the cost of all fuel sources including natural gas, nuclear and solar. However, since gas makes up most of FPL’s fuel mix, the rate does tend to fluctuate with the cost of natural gas. See the COG – 1 rate for more details.
The amount of energy sent to the grid is stated in the “Keep in Mind” section of your bill, including how much kWh was sent to the grid, how much was applied to reduce your bill and how much is in your energy bank (reserve). Learn more about how to read your bill.
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.
Previous interconnection agreements were cancelled upon the implementation of the current standard agreement. All existing interconnection customers of record, prior to Oct. 1, 2008, should execute a new agreement with us. Apply for a new agreement. We don’t require a new application fee for existing customers who submit a new agreement for an existing system that has not been modified.
For application questions, email us at netmetering@fpl.com. For technical, billing, or system generation questions, email us at netmeteringsupport@FPL.com.