To install or activate a system, submit your application by following these steps.
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.
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.
Your electric bill does not show all of the energy your system produced in the past month. The energy you produce that is consumed by your home is not measured by the FPL bi-directional meter. Only your renewable generation equipment can display 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 will receive a bill that is similar to your existing electric bill. The excess electricity sent to the grid and the kWh reserve information are located in the messages at the top of the bill statement. Learn more about how to read your bill.