Is Off-Grid Legal in Florida?
If you are planning to install a solar system for your Orlando home, you may be wondering if you can go entirely off-grid, and if so, is it legal in Florida? That is a complicated question, but one that our team at Solar Bear Orlando is happy to help answer!
Ready to go off-grid with your solar panels? Keep reading to learn if it is legal in Florida.
Is it Legal to Live Off-Grid in Florida?
The short answer is yes, it can be legal, but there are caveats. In remote and rural areas of Florida, it is generally legal to live off-grid and power your home completely with solar power. But if you live in a residential zone, you may not be able to.
While off-grid solar power is perfect for properties that are unable to get utility services, if you live in a residential zone that is connected to the grid, your solar system must be grid-tied for one very important reason: safety.
Generally, grid-tied solar systems rely on being near the power grid and extending transmission lines to power your home can become quite expensive. So, if your home is more than 100 yards from the power grid or is very remote, an off-grid option may be worth it.
MORE> Grid-Tied Solar Systems Vs. Off-Grid
If you are interested in installing solar panels in Orlando, Florida, you know who to call! Contact our team at Solar Bear today for a solar installation quote and to discuss what incentives you may qualify for— 407-904-7585!
Florida Zoning Laws
All the land in Florida is under some sort of zoning. Zoning laws are put in place to regulate things like tall buildings and minimum lot and home sizes. Zoning also dictates what you can do with and on your property.
Before planning to go off-grid with your solar system, it is important to research the local zoning laws, so you are aware of what is permitted and what isn’t.
Some common zoning areas in Florida include:
- Industrial
- Commercial
- Agricultural
- Rural residential
- Residential
- Environmentally sensitive areas
In rural and remote areas, you will likely to able to live off the electricity grid, but in residential areas, it can be quite difficult to do.
Off-Grid Electricity in Florida
In Florida, if you do not live in a remote or rural area and have a solar system, you are required to be tied into the power grid. Florida law supports the idea that in the event of a power outage, ALL power needs to go out, including your solar system. If your solar system continued to feed the power grid with energy through net metering while the power was out, it could put utility workers at risk as they work to restore power to the grid.
Being tied to your utility company means that your solar system is connected to the power meter but when you are off grid, you are only tied to your meter. Being completely off-grid requires more money up-front, while when you are grid-tied, you have the flexibility to choose whether you want to participate in net metering or install backup batteries.
It would be amazing if you could go completely off-grid in residential areas, especially due to our ample sunshine in Florida, but unfortunately, the current Florida legislature rules make it hard to go completely grid-free.
LEARN MORE> Everything Your Need to Know About Net Metering
Go Solar in Orlando
There has never been a better time to harness the power of the sun to power your Orlando, Florida home! Going solar is easy in Florida with the help of our experienced team at Solar Bear. While your solar panels may still have to be grid-tied, you can take advantage of net metering or reach near independence with the installation of backup batteries.
Plus, with federal and state tax credits, PACE financing, and other incentives, going solar in Orlando couldn’t be more cost-effective.
Ready to go solar and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with generating your own power? You’ve come to the right place! Call Solar Bear Orlando for an energy audit and installation quote today—407-904-7585!
