Going Solar with Florida Public Utilities

Understanding Solar Interconnection and Net Metering

Florida Public Utilities (FPU) supports customers who choose to install solar energy systems at their homes or businesses.

When you install a solar energy system, it must be safely connected to the electric grid through a process called interconnection. FPU works with customers and contractors throughout this process to ensure all safety, engineering and regulatory requirements are met before the system is activated.

Whether you’re just starting to explore solar energy or already working with a contractor, this guide will help you understand what to expect every step of the way.

How Solar Works with FPU

Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight and help offset some of the electricity you purchase from FPU.

When your system generates more electricity than you are using, excess energy may be sent back to the electric grid. Through net metering, eligible customers may receive credits for excess energy generated in accordance with applicable tariffs and regulations.

Customers with solar energy systems remain connected to the electric grid and continue to receive a monthly electric bill. Understanding how solar generation, energy usage and credits work together is an important part of getting the most from your investment.

Your Solar Journey

FPU does not sell, design or install solar energy systems.

Customers work directly with a qualified solar contractor to evaluate their property, design the system and coordinate installation requirements.

Before selecting a contractor, we encourage customers to:

  • Obtain multiple quotes
  • Review warranties and service agreements
  • Understand estimated energy production
  • Ask questions about permits, inspections and timelines

Before your solar energy system can be connected to the FPU electric grid, an interconnection application must be submitted for review.

Required documentation may include:

  • System specifications
  • Engineering drawings
  • Required permits
  • Signed agreements
  • Inspection documentation

Applications that are complete and accurate help avoid delays in processing.

Our engineering team must review submitted materials to ensure the proposed system meets applicable safety and operational requirements.

During this review, additional information may be requested if documentation is incomplete or clarification is needed.

The review process is vital to ensure the safe and reliable operation of both the customer’s solar energy system and the electric grid.

Once required approvals are received, the solar contractor installs the system.

The installation must then pass all applicable local inspections before moving forward in the interconnection process.

Your contractor can help guide you through permit and inspection requirements applicable to your area.

Before solar energy can integrate with the FPU system, certain equipment and meter requirements must be verified.

FPU may perform field verification activities to confirm that all requirements have been met and that the system is ready for operation.

This step helps protect customer safety and maintain system reliability.

Once all approvals, inspections and verification steps are completed, FPU will authorize operation of the solar energy system.

After receiving authorization, your system can begin generating energy and participating in net metering where applicable.

Understanding Net Metering

Net metering allows eligible customers to receive credit for excess electricity generated by their solar system and sent back to the electric grid.

During the month:

  • Your solar system generates electricity.
  • Your home or business consumes electricity.
  • Any excess generation may be applied as a credit according to applicable tariffs.
  • You will continue to receive a monthly electric bill showing usage and applicable credits.

Understanding Your Solar Bill

Solar interconnection customers continue to receive a monthly bill from FPU.

Your bill may include information such as:

  • Energy consumed from the grid
  • Solar energy generated
  • Net energy usage
  • Banked energy credits, if applicable
  • Energy charges and customer charges

Solar production does not eliminate all utility charges, and monthly bills may vary based on weather, seasonal energy usage and household consumption patterns.

If you’re new to solar energy, reviewing your bill regularly can help you better understand your system’s performance and energy usage.

Setting Up Renewable Generation Interconnection

"*" indicates required fields

Tier 1 - 10 KW or Less
Tier 2 - Greater than 10 KW and Less Than or Equal to 100 KW
Tier 3 - Greater than 100 KW and Less Than or Equal to 2 MW

Florida Public Utilities Company customers who install customer-owned renewable generation systems and desire to interconnect those facilities with the FPUC electrical system are required to complete this application. This application can be obtained from the local FPU office or can be downloaded from the FPUC website (FPUC.com). When the completed application and fees are returned to FPUC, the process of completing the appropriate Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3 Interconnection Agreement can begin. The Interconnection Agreements may be obtained at the local FPUC office. Details for interconnection agreements may be found as defined in Rule 25-6.065, Florida Administrative Code or within the Florida Public Utilities Company Interconnection Agreement.

Customer Information


Facility Information


Facility Rating Information

(“Gross power rating” means the total manufacturer’s AC nameplate generating capacity of an on-site customer-owned renewable generation system that will be interconnected to and operate in parallel with the investor-owned utility’s distribution facilities. For inverter-based systems, the AC nameplate generating capacity shall be calculated by multiplying the total installed DC nameplate generating capacity by .85 in order to account for losses during the conversion from DC to AC.)


Application Fee

The application fee is based on the Gross Power Rating and must be submitted with this application. There is no application fee for Tier 1 installations. The non-refundable application fee is $350 for Tier 2 and Tier 3 installations.

Interconnection Study Fee

For Tier 3 installations that require an interconnection study, as determined by the Company, the Customer will pay $2,000 prior to the initiation of the interconnection study. The total cost to the Customer will not exceed this amount. Should the actual interconnection study cost be less than $2,000 the customer will be refunded the difference.

Required Documentation

Before the Interconnection Agreement may become effective, the Documentation listed in this Section must be provided to the Company by the Customer. The Documentation listed does not need to accompany the Application but must be received before the Interconnection Agreement will be executed by the Company.

A. Documentation that the installation complies with:

  1. 1. IEEE 1547 (2003) Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems.
  2. 2. IEEE 1547.1 (2005) Standard Conformance Test Procedures for Equipment Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems.
  3. 3. UL 1741 (2005) Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use with Distributed Energy Resources.

B. Documentation that the customer-owned renewable generation has been inspected and approved by local code officials prior to its operation in parallel with the Company system to ensure compliance with applicable local codes.

C. Proof of general liability insurance for Tier 2 generators ($1,000,000) or Tier 3 generators ($2,000,000). Not required for Tier 1 generators.

D. Copy of any lease agreements if the Customer is leasing facility from third party.

Have Questions?

Have questions about installing solar? Find answers to common questions about the process, requirements and more.

Have Questions?

Contact Us

For FPU NE Division
New Solar Customers or those who purchased a home with solar already installed in our NE Division (Nassau County, Amelia Island):

Please email paperwork and requests to [email protected] or mail to:

Attn: Curtis Boatright
Florida Public Utilitis Company
780 Amelia Island Parkway
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

For FPU NW Division
New Solar Customers or those who purchased a home with solar already installed in our NW Division (Jackson County, Calhoun County and Liberty County):

Please email paperwork and requests to [email protected] or mail to:

Attn: Shane Magnus
Florida Public Utilities Company
PO Box 610
Marianna, FL 32447

Contact Us