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.
Key Takeaways
- Eliminating a $100 monthly average FPL bill requires a solar system approximately 6.84 kW in size, costing around $14,900 to $18,500 before incentives and $10,400 to $13,000 after the 30% federal tax credit
- FPL operates a full retail net metering program where credits carry over month to month
- FPL does not offer solar rebates or incentives beyond net metering
- Pre-approval from FPL is mandatory before installation begins, and all permitting, inspections, and interconnection agreements must be submitted before system activation
- Full retail net metering combined with Florida’s solar costs makes going solar a valuable investment for many FPL homeowners
Solar System Costs in Florida
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 Net Metering Program
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.
Annual True-Up Process
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.
Minimum Bill Requirement
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.
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FPL Solar Rebates and Incentives
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.
Steps for Going Solar With Florida Power and Light
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.
System Design and Sizing
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.
FPL Pre-Approval Application
Apply online for pre-approval using an FPL account number, taxpayer ID number, and equipment size specifications.
Installation Process
Once FPL pre-approves the system, installation can begin.
Interconnection Agreement Signing
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.
Inspection and Permitting Submission
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.
Bi-Directional Meter Installation
After receiving proper documentation, FPL notifies homeowners that their bi-directional meter has been ordered for net metering program participation. FPL handles meter installation.
Permission to Operate
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.
Is Going Solar With FPL Worth It?
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.
Conclusion
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.
FAQs
FPL’s SolarNow program adds monthly fees to bills that directly support solar projects across FPL’s service territory.
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.
