Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Green Power Solar PV Net Metering Copy

Solar PV Net Metering Copy

Smiling male technician in blue suit installing photovoltaic blue solar modules with screw. Man electrician panel sun sustainable resources renewable energy source alternative innovationFKEC offers net metering to make it easy for solar homes and businesses to draw power from the local power grid while also producing solar energy. The program also allows FKEC to incorporate more solar power into its system by buying back the surplus generated by the solar homes.

What is Net Metering?

Net Metering, also known as Solar Interconnection, allows FKEC members who have their own home solar arrays (photovoltaic PV systems) to generate power while also being connected to the FKEC power grid. When a new solar home is interconnected, a bi-directional meter is installed to measure the power flowing into and out of the home. This solar net metering allows a solar home to generate its own power and also draw power from the local system as needed. When a home produces an excess of electricity, FKEC buys the power back from the member-consumer at full retail price.

Interconnected members receive exactly the cost of each per-kilowatt-hour charge listed on their billing statements as a credit for all excess power generated by their PV systems.

Interconnected members receive a net meter electric bill, which includes credits for power sold back to FKEC.

View an explanation of a net meter bill here.

Benefits of Net Metering/Solar Interconnection

  • Offsets electricity costs
  • Excess energy rolls forward each month
  • Customer receives credit for excess energy left over at the end of the calendar year
  • Reduces dependence on fossil fuels
  • Encourages use of renewable energy sources

Energy Efficiency is the Key

Simply having a photovoltaic system installed at your home does not mean you will sell back power. Owners who are able to generate enough electricity to meet the needs of their home (or achieve a surplus) have gone to great lengths to make their homes highly efficient in order to consume minimal electricity.

While solar technology is advancing, energy efficiency is still the key to savings. Before installing a solar PV system, a homeowner should first make the house as energy efficient as possible.

Florida Keys Electric Co-op members Linda and Mark proudly stand with their new 9,000-watt solar array.
Florida Keys Electric Co-op members Linda and Mark proudly stand with their new 9,000-watt solar array. The couple used FKEC’s Solar Loan Program to finance the photovoltaic system, and by increasing their home’s efficiency their goal is to sell back solar generated power to FKEC is a reality.