General Questions
Solar Billing Questions
Back to Top
General Questions
How can I make my home/business more efficient before installing solar panels?
We absolutely recommend making your home/business as efficient as possible before installing solar panels. This may allow you to purchase a smaller solar PV system and save on costs. A great place to start is by requesting a free energy audit. You can learn more about ways to be more efficient by visiting OUC's Save Energy Water and Money page.
Back to Top
Where can I go to learn more information about solar?
Back to Top
I want to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. How much should I expect to save on my bill?
A 1 kW DC system in Orlando is expected to produce an average of 1,350 kWh a year. (Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory – PVWatts).
For example, the expected annual production for a 10 kW DC system is approximately 13,500 kWh or 1,125 kWh per month. The estimated annual savings would equal $2,025.00.
| 1350 kWh x 10kW DC = |
13,500 kWh/year
|
| 13,500 kWh / 12 months = |
1,125 kWh/month
|
| 1,125 kWh * $0.15 (OUC rate) = |
$168.75 monthly savings
|
| Total annual savings |
$2,025.00 |
Back to Top
What size solar PV system should I install to offset my usage and be net-zero?
First, you’ll need to know your total electric consumption for the past 12 billing cycles. This can be obtained on your billing statement(s). Once you know your annual consumption, you can use the formula below:
- Total annual consumption (kWh) / 1,350 kWh produced per kW DC = Solar PV kW DC size required to be net-zero
For example, if your average monthly consumption is 1,500 kWh, your annual consumption is approximately 18,000 kWh. If you divide 18,000 kWh by 1,350 kWh produced per kW DC it equals 13.33 kW DC required to be net-zero.
Back to Top
How much do solar PV systems cost?
For solar PV systems, the average cost per watt can vary widely and that’s why we recommend obtaining multiple quotes from quality contractors. In most cases, the average cost will be approximately $3 - $6 per watt (W).
For example, a 10,500 W DC (10.5 kW DC) system could range from approximately $31,500 - $63,000 before incentives. Tools like Google Project Sunroof illustrate the anticipated cost for buying, financing or leasing your solar panels and are great resources.
Back to Top
Are there rebates or incentives available for installing a solar PV system?
While we do not offer a rebate, you may qualify for tax incentives. Please visit the DSIRE website to see what incentives are available in your area.
Back to Top
What paperwork does OUC need in order for me participate in the solar program?
Please visit the Residential How to Apply or Commercial How to Apply sections of our website to see the list of requirements.
Back to Top
Why is it required to involve OUC when installing a solar PV system?
OUC needs to be aware a solar photovoltaic system will be interconnected for the safety of our crew working in the area and manage the impact of solar projects on our grid. Additionally, OUC will verify that the metering equipment is capable of supporting a photovoltaic system. Also, by interconnecting your system, you can obtain the benefits of net metering.
Back to Top
How does net metering work?
Back to Top
If I already installed a solar system on my home/business, can I still participate in OUC's Solar Programs?
Yes! Please visit the Residential How to Apply or Commercial How to Apply section to learn more about the requirements.
Back to Top
Now that I’ve installed a solar PV system, where can I learn more about my OUC bill?
Explanations about each section of your solar bill can be found on OUC's Understanding My Bill page. Select OUC Solar Bill from the drop-down list.
Back to Top
I received permission to operate, what’s next?
Ensure with your solar contractor that your solar PV system is turned on and monitor your production daily to ensure your system is producing as you expected. If you have not accessed your solar production data, please contact your solar contractor to request access to obtain this data. Next, visit OUC's section, Understanding My Bill, to help you better understand your future charges.
Back to Top
If I am an OUC water only customer, can I participate in OUC's Solar Programs?
No, participation in OUC’s solar programs requires customer’s electric service be provided by OUC.
Back to Top
Does OUC install the solar system?
No, OUC does not offer a program where we install solar PV systems for the customer. We do, however, have a list of solar contractors through our Preferred Contractor Network
Back to Top
What types of permits are required?
- City of Orlando requires a building and electrical permit for PV and a building and plumbing permit for Thermal.
- Orange County requires an electrical permit for PV and a plumbing permit for Thermal.
- St. Cloud requires an electrical permit for PV and a plumbing permit for Thermal.
- Osceola County requires a building and electrical permit for PV and a building and plumbing permit for Thermal.
Back to Top
What type of meter does a solar PV system need?
The existing electric meter will be replaced with a bi-directional meter for net metering, or reconfigured for net metering. To learn more, visit the How to Apply section and the Solar Installer information section.
Back to Top
Solar Billing Questions
Why does my solar array’s production in my app not match the Customer Supplied kWh on my bill?
These are not the same. The Customer Supplied Electric in kWh is the excess solar energy that was not consumed in the home or business.
For example, if the solar panels produced 1,000 kWh but the Customer Supplied Electric was only 400 kWh, this means that 600 kWh of the solar energy was consumed in the home or business.
Back to Top
The app from my solar company shows that my system is producing. Why am I not receiving a credit?
A credit is earned only when the Customer Supplied kWh is greater than the OUC Supplied kWh. This means that after you’ve consumed some/all of your production in your home/business, the excess amount sent to OUC was greater than the amount we provided from the electric grid (OUC Supplied Electric in kWh).
Back to Top
I was promised that I’d never pay another electric bill. What’s going on?
Each month, you are billed our electric Customer Charge, at minimum, along with your consumption. If your Customer Supplied Electric in kWh is less than the OUC Supplied Electric in kWh, you are billed for the difference of those amounts. Also, you will still receive charges for other services such as water, wastewater, solid waste, etc. depending on your location as well as taxes.
Back to Top
I made certain that I installed enough solar panels to be net-zero. Why am I still consuming energy from the electrical grid?
Net-zero is when your annual solar production equals your annual consumption. In order for this to happen, the right number of panels have to be installed. Even then, there are months (like the summer) where the production won’t cover your consumption.
For example, if your annual solar production is 9,600 kWh and annual consumption is 9,600 kWh, you would be considered net-zero for the year. However, during the summer months (June-October) your consumption may be higher than your solar production.
Back to Top