Net Metering in Florida: How It Works & Why Batteries Matter
When homeowners in Florida think about going solar, one of the first questions they ask is: How will my utility company credit me for the extra power my panels produce?
The answer lies in a policy called net metering—and while the idea is simple, the details vary depending on your utility. Let’s break it down.
What is Net Metering?
Net metering is the process by which your utility tracks the electricity you send back to the grid. On sunny days, your solar panels may produce more power than your home needs. That excess electricity is exported to the grid, and in exchange, your utility gives you credits.
Later—like at night or on cloudy days—you can use those credits to offset the electricity you pull from the grid. Essentially, it’s a way of balancing your “solar checkbook.”
Utilities with a 1-to-1 Exchange
Some Florida utilities offer a full 1-to-1 exchange rate. That means every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar energy you send to the grid is credited at the same rate you’d pay for buying power.
These utilities currently offer full retail net metering:
Duke Energy
Florida Power & Light (FPL)
Tampa Electric Company (TECO)
For customers of these providers, solar can dramatically reduce utility bills since every extra unit of solar is as valuable as the power you’d otherwise buy.
Utilities with Reduced Exchange Rates
Other utilities in Central Florida don’t offer a full 1-to-1 credit. Instead, they pay you less for the power you export, often at a “fuel rate” or wholesale cost.
Examples include:
Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA)
Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC)
SECO Energy
With these providers, you still save money by going solar, but your credits won’t stretch as far. That’s where smart solar strategies—like adding a battery—become essential.
Why Batteries Change the Game
If your utility doesn’t offer 1-to-1 net metering, a solar battery can help you maximize your savings. Instead of sending excess solar power back to the grid for a reduced credit, you can store it in your own battery and use it later.
This has two major benefits:
Offset Costs More Efficiently – By consuming your own stored solar energy at night, you avoid paying retail utility rates.
Security & Resilience – During storms or outages, batteries keep the lights on and power essential appliances, offering peace of mind that the grid alone can’t provide.
Solar + Battery = Savings + Security
At the end of the day, solar panels help you save money by producing clean energy, while batteries give you security and control over how you use that energy.
If you’re with Duke, FPL, or TECO, net metering already works in your favor—but adding a battery still protects you during outages.
If you’re with KUA, OUC, or SECO, a battery can be the difference between partial savings and truly maximizing your solar investment.
👉 Ready to find out how net metering and batteries work for your home and utility? Our team at Solar Installers of Florida can design a system tailored to your needs, so you save the most and stay secure no matter what.
