Mar 04 2008
Selling Power back to FPL
Users may be able to sell power to FPL
The state is close to agreeing to make utilities pay customers who produce solar power in their homes and businesses.
BY JOHN DORSCHNER
jdorschner@MiamiHerald.com
In a move that could dramatically expand renewable energy in Florida, state regulators are expected on Tuesday to approve a rule that will require utilities to pay homeowners and businesses for the extra energy they produce from solar panels on their property.
It works like this:
A homeowner or business installs solar panels, wind turbines or other renewable energy sources. These devices produce energy that's used mostly for the property owner's needs, but on some days they might create excess energy.
Under net metering, this excess gets transferred to the electric grid for the use of others. A meter records that outflow and gives the owner credit, which is likely to be a net deduction from the owner's bill. In rare cases, it might lead to a check.
