Florida Power and Light (FPL) customers can reduce electricity bills by installing solar panels, with systems typically costing $2.18 to $2.71 per watt before the 30% federal tax credit. A 6.84 kW solar system costs approximately $14,900 to $18,500 upfront or $10,400 to $13,000 after federal incentives, covering a typical $100 monthly electric bill.
FPL operates a full retail net metering program that credits excess solar generation at retail rates, with credits carrying forward monthly until an annual January true-up. Solar installation requires pre-approval from FPL, local permitting, interconnection agreement signing, and bi-directional meter installation before receiving permission to operate.
FPL does not offer utility-specific solar rebates or incentives beyond net metering. However, the federal solar tax credit covers 30% of total installation costs for homeowners with taxable income. All FPL customers face a minimum monthly bill of $25 that solar cannot offset, regardless of generation levels.
Understanding the financial investment required for solar installation starts with evaluating system costs. Florida homeowners typically pay approximately $2.18 to $2.71 per watt of solar installed as of 2025, with an average around $2.45 per watt.
Covering a monthly electric bill of $100 requires installing around 6.84 kilowatts (kW) of solar in Florida, with costs ranging from approximately $14,900 to $18,500. After applying the 30% federal solar tax credit, the effective cost drops to around $10,400 to $13,000.
The following table outlines average installation costs for different-sized solar systems in Florida:
*Estimated system size needed to cover monthly bill, excluding non-energy related fees
Actual system sizing depends on multiple factors beyond monthly bills. Home location, utility rate schedules, roof orientation, and shading conditions all influence the required system size. Professional solar design services provide more accurate system sizing estimates tailored to specific properties.
Florida Power and Light provides a net metering program for solar customers. Under full retail net metering, homes consume solar energy produced on-site first.
When solar generation exceeds home consumption, excess electricity flows to the grid. FPL applies credits to customer bills to offset future usage. These credits accumulate and carry forward from month to month.
FPL's net metering program includes an annual true-up in January that reconciles the difference between estimated and actual energy consumption and production.
Any remaining net metering credits at true-up receive payment at the "average annual cost of generation" per kWh. This generation cost rate is substantially lower than retail electricity rates, typically ranging between $0.02 and $0.03 per kWh for FPL. After true-up, the net metering credit bank resets to zero.
Solar panels cannot eliminate electric bills entirely. FPL maintains a minimum bill requirement of $25 that remains regardless of solar electricity production. Depending on rate schedules, additional charges may apply that solar generation cannot offset.
Florida Power and Light does not provide rebates or incentives for residential solar installations.
However, Florida residents can claim the federal solar tax credit when they have taxable income. The solar tax credit covers 30% of solar system installation costs.
Installing solar panels involves multiple stages of work and documentation to ensure safe, compliant system operation. Solar design services handle most of these processes, but understanding the interconnection requirements helps homeowners prepare for the journey.
Solar installers design and size systems based on home energy needs. Homeowners must know this information before starting installation. FPL rules stipulate that solar systems cannot generate more than 115% of historical annual electricity usage.
Apply online for pre-approval using an FPL account number, taxpayer ID number, and equipment size specifications.
Once FPL pre-approves the system, installation can begin.
FPL's interconnection agreement authorizes connecting solar panel systems to the grid. This document outlines responsibilities for both homeowners and the utility, specifying equipment requirements and compliance standards.
Solar systems must meet inspection and permitting requirements from local municipalities or counties before activation. All permits require submission to FPL. Permitting and inspections typically take one to eight weeks depending on the municipality, with installers managing these processes.
After receiving proper documentation, FPL notifies homeowners that their bi-directional meter has been ordered for net metering program participation. FPL handles meter installation.
Following meter installation, FPL sends confirmation granting permission to operate. Systems can then be activated, allowing homeowners to start benefiting from solar energy.
The entire process typically completes within a few weeks, provided approvals and permits are received promptly. However, delays can occur due to administrative issues.
Some solar installers have reported challenges with the permitting upload process, which allows only one image upload despite FPL requiring information from both sides of permit cards. These clerical complications can cause substantial delays.
Going solar with FPL represents a worthwhile investment. Florida's solar costs fall below national averages, and FPL's full retail net metering provides significant monthly electric bill savings.
These savings may not remain available indefinitely. Utilities nationwide are attempting to eliminate net metering programs. Without net metering, solar savings potential decreases drastically.
Taking action sooner maximizes benefits. Professional solar design helps determine appropriate system sizes for covering monthly electric bills, identifies available incentives, and estimates solar panel production potential.
Transitioning to solar energy with Florida Power and Light offers substantial financial benefits for homeowners across the state. With full retail net metering, competitive installation costs, and the 30% federal tax credit, FPL customers can significantly reduce their monthly electricity expenses while contributing to cleaner energy generation.
The grid interconnection requires careful attention to pre-approval requirements, permitting, and documentation submission. Working with experienced solar professionals helps navigate these administrative steps efficiently, ensuring systems become operational within reasonable timeframes.
Net metering credits provide ongoing value by offsetting future electricity consumption, though the annual true-up process and minimum bill requirements factor into overall savings calculations. As utilities nationwide reconsider net metering policies, acting sooner rather than later secures access to current program benefits.
Florida's solar-friendly environment, combined with FPL's established interconnection procedures, creates favorable conditions for residential solar adoption. Understanding system sizing requirements, cost structures, and program guidelines empowers homeowners to make informed decisions about their energy future. For additional solar resources, homeowners can explore comprehensive guides on off-grid systems and utility-scale projects.
How much is a typical FPL electric bill?
Most FPL customers experience monthly electricity bills around $140 to $150. Actual bills vary based on energy consumption and rate plan selections. Florida's average electricity rate is approximately 14.2 cents per kilowatt-hour as of 2025.
How much can solar panels save on FPL electricity bills?
Solar panels can eliminate most energy costs, reducing bills to as low as $25. Average homeowners save approximately $1,380 annually. These solar savings accumulate to upwards of $19,000 over system lifetimes.
Will FPL bills continue after installing solar panels?
FPL bills continue after solar installation. All FPL customers must pay a minimum monthly bill of $25, preventing solar from reducing costs below this threshold. Additional charges may apply that solar cannot offset.
What alternative solar options exist for customers who cannot install panels?
Florida Power and Light offers two alternative solar programs for homeowners unable to install rooftop panels. The FPLSolarTogether program charges monthly fees for participants to "own" sections of solar systems. In exchange for subscription fees, customers receive energy credits on bills for solar energy their system shares produce. However, savings remain minimal.
FPL's SolarNow program adds monthly fees to bills that directly support solar projects across FPL's service territory.
Should FPL customers install solar batteries?
With Florida's full-retail net metering, adding solar batteries to systems does not provide additional FPL bill savings. However, customers interested in backup power may find batteries worthwhile.
Energy storage systems maintain power during outages but typically cost upwards of $10,000. Determining whether backup power justifies solar battery costs remains an individual decision.
How long does the FPL solar interconnection process take?
The complete interconnection process typically takes several weeks to a few months. After receiving pre-approval from FPL, installation can begin immediately. However, permit approval varies by municipality, taking anywhere from one to eight weeks. Once all documentation is submitted and the bi-directional meter is installed, FPL issues permission to operate within days.
Can solar panels generate more electricity than a home uses with FPL?
Solar systems can generate excess electricity that flows back to the grid. However, FPL limits solar system sizing to 115% of historical annual electricity usage. Any excess generation beyond home consumption earns net metering credits that carry forward monthly, though these credits pay out at minimal generation rates during the annual January true-up.
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