Procedures for Solar Contractors

When installing solar in the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative (FKEC) service area, which runs from Ocean Reef to the Seven Mile Bridge, please follow the following steps below to ensure final approval from FKEC for interconnection to our grid.

Failure to follow any of the procedures will delay interconnection and potentially cause FKEC to be unable to approve setting a bi-directional meter until you are in full compliance with the procedures outlined below.

Step 1

• Download the Net Metering Application and Compliance form (PDF)
  and complete Sections A – D at this time. Please note the following:
  • • For inverter-based systems, the AC gross power rating can be calculated by multiplying the total installed DC nameplate rating by .85 to account for the losses in converting from DC to AC.
    • Systems SHOULD NOT be sized so large that the energy produced by the array exceeds 120% of the member’s historical peak kWh consumption. We must have verbal or written authorization from the account owner to release any consumption data. For more information, please contact a Member Service Representative at (305) 852-2431.

• Have the FKEC Member sign the appropriate Net Metering Tier Agreement
  • Tier I Agreement (PDF) for systems up to 10,000 watts
  • Tier II Agreement (PDF) for systems from 10,000 watts to 100,000 watts*
  • Tier III Agreement (PDF) for systems greater than 100 KW and less than or equal to 1 MW*

*For Tier II and Tier III Interconnection Agreements only:

• Obtain proof of the Owner’s general liability insurance for personal and property damage, of sufficient guarantee and proof of self-insurance, in the amount of not less than $1 million (Tier II) or $2 million (Tier III). Initial proof of insurance shall be in the form of a copy of the policy or certificate of insurance evidencing the Homeowner’s or other insurance policy in effect at the time of the interconnection naming FKEC as an additional insured. For government entities, the policy coverage shall not exceed the entity’s maximum liability established by law.

• Email ALL documents to Engineering@fkec.com or include a copy of the documents when submitting the plans to FKEC (see Step 2)

For more details about the standards and requirements for receiving electric service, contractors, developers, and homeowners should review FKEC’s Standards For Electrical Service. (If you have any problem reading or accessing the document, please visit an FKEC office or call 305-852-2431 to request a printed copy). 

Step 2

• Submit the plans for the solar installation to an FKEC area office for review

Please note: Plans WILL NOT be reviewed until FKEC receives all the documents requested in Step 1. 

• • Upper Keys: 91630 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier
  • Middle Keys: 3421 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

An FKEC engineer will advise of any additional requirements, stamp the plans for approval, and return them to you in a timely manner.

 

Step 3

• Take the stamped plans to the appropriate municipality or to Monroe County to be reviewed for permitting and obtain a permit.
• Install the system. (The system will be installed by a vendor selected by the Member. Installation is the sole responsibility of the Member.)

Step 4

• Owner Acknowledgment
  The FKEC member must now sign Section E of the Net Metering Application and Compliance form.
• Contact the Electrical Inspector to schedule an inspection of the installation.
  Once approved, have him or her complete and sign Section F, then submit the now completed form and the Inspection Report to Engineering@fkec.com.

Step 5

• FKEC Inspection and Installation of the Bi-directional Meter
  Upon receipt of the now complete Net Metering Application and Compliance form and Inspection Report, we will schedule an inspection to verify the system satisfies FKEC’s interconnection requirements. Once it has been approved we will proceed with the installation of the bi-directional meter.