Florida

Utilities and Solar Permitting Processes

• Major Utilities:
  • Florida Power & Light (FPL): FPL Solar Programs
  • Duke Energy Florida: Duke Energy Solar Guide
  • Tampa Electric Company (TECO): TECO Solar Information
• Solar Permitting:
  • Streamlined permitting in most municipalities; solar-friendly policies encourage adoption.

Net Metering:

• Florida mandates statewide net metering for investor-owned utilities.
• Utility Highlights:
  • FPL: Credits excess solar generation at full retail rates.
  • Duke Energy: Offers full retail net metering.
  • TECO: Provides retail-rate credits for excess solar generation.
• Ranking:
  3. FPL: Largest service area and straightforward net metering policies.
  4. Duke Energy: Competitive rates and strong support for solar.
  5. TECO: Smaller coverage but full retail compensation.

State Incentives:

• Tax Benefits:
  • Property Tax Exemption: Solar equipment is exempt from property tax assessments.
  • Sales Tax Exemption: No sales tax on solar systems.
• No direct rebates; utilities offer varying incentives.

Permitting/Interconnection:

• Interconnection:
  • Uniform standards for most utilities; interconnection applications processed within weeks.
• Challenges:
  • Few but include utility-specific technical requirements for systems over 10kW.

Ranking by Net Metering Benefits:

Florida has a statewide net metering policy for investor-owned utilities, but municipal utilities and electric cooperatives may have different policies.

Key Municipal Utilities and Their Policies:

1. Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC)
   • Details: OUC offers net metering at the retail rate for systems up to 2 MW. Excess generation credits roll over monthly and are reconciled annually.
   • Link: OUC Net Metering
2. JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority)
   • Details: JEA provides net metering with credits at the retail rate for systems up to 10 kW. Excess credits roll over monthly and are reconciled annually at the avoided cost rate.
   • Link: JEA Net Metering
3. Tallahassee Utilities
   • Details: Offers net metering at the retail rate for systems up to 100 kW. Excess generation credits roll over monthly and are reconciled annually.
   • Link: Tallahassee Utilities Net Metering

Note: Policies can vary among municipal utilities, so it’s advisable to consult the specific utility for detailed information.