Interconnecting solar systems with net metering

Rooftop solar systems can qualify for interconnection with Gulf Power under Florida's “net metering” program. Size limitations and other conditions apply. See the following answers to commonly asked questions for more details.

What are the requirements for Net Metering?

Renewable Energy systems must meet the following requirements for approval under Gulf Power’s net metering program:

  1. Must be no larger than 2 MW.
  2. Modules or panels must meet UL 1703 specifications.
  3. Inverters must meet UL 1741 and IEEE 1547 specifications.
  4. Must be permitted and inspected by the customer’s local authority.
  5. Completed Standard Interconnection Application and applicable Standard Interconnection Agreement.

(Find application documents under the “Where can I download all application documents?” item below)

If I install some type of renewable generation, what will "net metering" mean to me as far as my generation, usage and billing goes?

If you decide to install renewable generation at your home or business and it meets the requirements for a Standard Interconnection Agreement under a Tier 1, 2 or 3 system, Gulf Power Company will install, if applicable, the appropriate metering at your premise. Any excess energy (kWh) received by Gulf Power from your renewable generation will be accumulated and used to offset energy (kWh) delivered to you by Gulf Power for a period of not more than 12 months. At the end of each calendar year, any unused excess energy (kwh) from your renewable generation will be credited to you at the company’s average avoided cost of energy throughout the year (COG-1 Schedule). For 2020, this average was 2.02 cents/kwh.

How do I apply for interconnection and Net Metering?

Gulf Power requires that customers follow the interconnection process when considering new renewable generation or existing renewable system upgrades:

  1. Complete and submit a Standard Interconnection Application and applicable Standard Interconnection Agreement(Tier 1, 2 or 3) with all required documentation to Gulf Power at GulfPowerNetMetering@NEE.com. (note: Gulf Power requests that you submit the Application prior to installation to ensure planned installation meets all requirements).
  2. Gulf Power will review your application and documentation, and further evaluate if any other requirements exist for your specific system.
  3. Once all documentation has been received, including the required permit inspection by local authorizing authority, Gulf Power will schedule a field verification and provision your meter for net metering.
  4. Upon completion field inspection and meter programming, your renewable energy system can be turned on to begin operation.

(Find application documents under the “Where can I download all application documents?” item below)

Where can I download all application documents?

Below you’ll find the standard application and tier-level agreements required for your enrollment submission:

(See “How do I apply for interconnection and Net Metering?” item above for document submission process)

What is meant by the term "customer-owned renewable generation"?

“Customer-owned renewable generation” refers to an electric generating system located on a customer's premises that is primarily intended to offset part or all of the customer's electricity requirements with renewable energy.

Can I net meter with my whole house generator?

No. Whole house backup generators are not designed to operate in parallel with Gulf Power's electrical distribution system. Any attempt to net meter this type of generation is extremely dangerous and against the law.

Will Gulf Power know the total generation of my renewable energy system?

No. The meter that is used to register the net metering data for your usage and generation will only capture what you are receiving from Gulf Power and the EXCESS generation you are delivering to Gulf Power AFTER the load requirements have been met for your home or business.

How will Net Metering credits be applied to my bill?

Note: net metering credits are not available for customers on the Fixed Rate option. Customers enrolled in the Fixed Rate option must transition to any other rate with a kwh charge in order to receive net metering credits.

When your renewable energy system is approved for interconnection, the following guide will help you understand how Net Metering credits will be applied to your Gulf Power bill:

Why does Gulf Power recommend a manual disconnect switch for Tier 1 renewable generation interconnected customers, even though it is not required?

The manual disconnect switch allows the flow of energy from the customer's renewable generation source to be completely isolated from the Gulf Power grid without interrupting the flow of energy the customer receives from Gulf Power. Without a manual disconnect, it may be necessary to remove the meter in order to isolate the customer's renewable generation source, thus leaving the customer without service from Gulf Power.

What is the purpose of the application fee required for Tiers 2 and 3 on the Standard Interconnection Application for Customer-Owned Renewable Generating Systems?

Due to the additional complexity and potential impacts of these larger systems, a $477 application fee is required to cover the application review, technical analysis and on-site inspection for renewable generation systems greater than 10 kW.

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