Do I Notify My Electricity Supplier That I’m Using Solar?

As the solar industry continues to grow, more and more homeowners are wondering if they need to notify their electricity utility that they are using solar. The answer is: it depends.

If you have a grid-tied solar system, you likely will not need to notify your electricity supplier. This is because grid-tied systems are connected to the utility grid, and excess electricity produced by the system is fed back into the grid. In most cases, your utility company will have a net metering policy in place that credits you for this excess electricity.

However, if you have a stand-alone or off-grid solar system, you will need to notify your electricity supplier. This is because these types of systems are not connected to the utility grid and therefore do not have access to net metering policies.

Learn more from our solar pros at Solar Bear Orlando!

Grid-Tied Solar Systems

When you install a grid-tied solar system, you are essentially becoming your own power plant, generating electricity for yourself, and selling the excess back to the utility company. This is made possible through a process called net metering. To take advantage of net metering, you need to notify your electricity supplier that you are generating your own power.

Most states have laws in place that require utilities to offer net metering to their customers. Net metering allows you to sell the excess electricity generated by your solar system back to the utility company at the same rate that you pay for electricity. This is a terrific way to offset the cost of your solar installation and save money on your electric bill.

To take advantage of net metering, you need to notify your electricity supplier that you are installing a solar system.

Getting Solar Approval

Before your solar system can be activated and hooked into the electrical grid, a process known as “interconnection,” you must obtain approval from your utility company. This is important because it ensures your solar installation can safely connect and operate on the electrical grid.

The first step in this approval process involved obtaining formal permission to operate. During the process, you will have to complete a net metering application for interconnection.

City Solar Inspection

After your net metering application for interconnection has been approved by your utility, an inspection is required from the city before you can operate your solar system.

This onsite inspection ensures that everything has been properly installed and according to approved plans. Once the city inspection is complete, your utility will be informed that your solar system meets all the necessary requirements for operation. Then they will issue you permission to operate your solar system.

Now you can start saving money on your monthly energy bill!

What Will My Utility Bills Look Like with Solar?

When you use grid-tied solar, you will still receive a bill each month, and it will show how many kWh you have used and produced that month.

Most likely, you won’t have 100% energy offset from your solar power system and will have to use some amount of energy from the grid for your home’s needs. However, since you are using solar energy and putting energy back into the grid, you will be charged quite a bit less since you aren’t using as much energy.

Go Solar Today

If you’d like to take advantage of Florida’s ample sunshine to power your home, what are you waiting for? Call Solar Bear Orlando for a solar consultation today! We will help you figure out which size system is right for you, and help you get started with net metering in Central Florida!

Go solar with Solar Bear today! Call us for a quote at (727) 471-7442!