Net Metering

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.

In order to activate and benefit from your existing renewable generation system, you need to apply for net metering with us and sign the Interconnection Agreement for Customer-Owned Renewable Generation. Upload the necessary documents and submit your application. Detailed system information won't be needed if there have been no changes to the system (i.e., added or removed solar panels). If you are adding equipment, get it inspected by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) in your area and upload the final or completed permit. See guidelines for system size. You'll begin to receive automated emails updating you on the application status. 

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.

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:

• Tier 1: 0 – 10 kW
• Tier 2: Greater than 10 kW and less than or equal to 100 kW
• Tier 3: Greater than 100 kW and less than or equal to 2 MW

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. 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.

The “kWh received” is how much energy FPL received from your solar system. It’s a running credit showing the energy your system produced but hasn’t been used to offset what you consumed from us. Learn more about how to read your bill.

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.