Duke Energy Florida Solar: Net Metering, Rates and Savings (2026)
Duke Energy Florida credits the extra power your panels send to the grid at the same rate you pay for power. With Duke's typical bill near $165 for 1,000 kWh, each kWh your panels cover is worth more than it would be on an FPL bill.
Last updated November 12, 2026
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Key Takeaways
- Duke Energy Florida uses net metering: extra solar power earns a credit on your bill at the full retail rate, and unused credits roll over month to month.
- A typical Duke home using 1,000 kWh a month paid $165.35 in December 2026. Florida regulators approved a small drop for January 2027, plus Duke’s usual $10 seasonal cut from March to November.
- Systems up to 10 kW are Tier 1: no application fee and no extra insurance. Many Florida homes need 12 to 16 kW, which is Tier 2, with a $240 fee and $1 million in liability coverage.
- At about 16.5 cents per kWh, every kWh your panels cover saves roughly 20% more on a Duke bill than on an FPL bill.
Duke Energy Florida Rates for Solar Homes
Duke and other Florida utilities compare bills at 1,000 kWh a month. These are Duke’s own figures.
| When | Typical 1,000 kWh bill | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | About $197 | Included a hurricane cost charge of about $33 that ended in February 2026 |
| December 2026 | $165.35 | After the storm charge ended |
| January 2027 | About $164.40 | Approved by Florida regulators: about $0.95 lower than December |
| March to November 2027 | About $10 lower | Duke’s yearly seasonal cut during the months homes use the most power |
That works out to about 16.5 cents per kWh, higher than FPL’s 13.7 cents. Compare the two on our FPL rates and bill tracker.
How Duke Energy Florida Net Metering Works
- During the day, your home uses solar power first. Anything extra flows to the grid and runs your meter backward.
- Each month, Duke bills you only for the power you used beyond what you sent back. Extra credits carry over to the next month.
- Once a year, any credits left over are paid out at a lower rate, a few cents per kWh. That is why installers size systems to cover your yearly use, not more.
- You still pay Duke’s monthly customer charge and taxes, even in months your panels cover everything.
These rules come from Florida’s net metering rule, so they work the same way at FPL and Tampa Electric. See how they compare in our Tampa Electric net metering guide.
Tier 1 vs Tier 2: Why System Size Matters
| Tier | System size | Application fee | Liability insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Up to 10 kW | None | Not required |
| Tier 2 | 10 kW to 100 kW | $240 | $1 million |
| Tier 3 | 100 kW to 2,000 kW | $750 | $2 million |
Most Florida homes need 12 to 16 kW to cover their power use, which puts them in Tier 2. That means a one-time $240 fee and $1 million in personal liability coverage, which many homeowners add as an umbrella policy. Ask every installer which tier your system falls into and whether the fee is in the quote.
How to Connect Solar With Duke Energy Florida
- Get quotes and pick an installer. The installer designs the system and pulls the county or city permit.
- Apply with Duke. Your installer submits the interconnection application through Duke’s online portal, with the system details and, for Tier 2, the fee and proof of insurance.
- Install and inspect. The crew installs the system and the local building department inspects it.
- Get your net meter. Duke reviews the final paperwork and swaps your meter for one that counts power both ways.
- Turn it on. Once Duke gives permission to operate, your system can start sending power to the grid.
See every step from contract to power-on in how solar installation works in Florida.
How Much Can Solar Save on a Duke Energy Bill?
Duke’s higher rate means each kWh your panels make is worth about 16.5 cents, compared with about 13.7 cents on FPL. A system that covers 1,200 kWh a month would offset close to $200 of a Duke bill, before the monthly customer charge.
Get a number for your own home with our Florida solar savings calculator, which has Duke Energy Florida built in. For typical prices, see how much solar panels cost in Florida.
Duke Energy Florida Areas We Serve
Duke serves much of Central and West Central Florida. Compare quotes for your county:
- Pinellas County
- Pasco County
- Seminole County
- Lake County
- Volusia County
- Osceola County
- Hernando County
- Sumter County
Not sure where to start? Begin on the Solar Near Me home page or read about the best solar companies in Florida.
Duke Energy Florida Solar Questions, Answered
Does Duke Energy Florida have net metering?
Yes. Duke credits the extra power your panels send to the grid at the same retail rate you pay. Credits roll over each month, and leftover credits are paid out once a year at a lower rate.
How much is the Duke Energy Florida net metering application fee?
There is no fee for Tier 1 systems up to 10 kW. Tier 2 systems from 10 to 100 kW have a $240 fee and need $1 million in liability insurance.
What is Duke Energy Florida's rate per kWh?
For a typical home using 1,000 kWh a month, Duke works out to about 16.5 cents per kWh, based on its $165.35 December 2026 bill. That is higher than FPL’s typical rate.
Are Duke Energy Florida rates going down in 2027?
Slightly. Regulators approved a drop of about $0.95 a month for January 2027, and Duke will cut bills by about $10 per 1,000 kWh from March to November 2027.
Do I need a battery with Duke Energy Florida?
Not to save money, because net metering credits your extra power at the full rate. A battery is mainly for backup power during outages.
How long does it take Duke Energy Florida to approve solar?
It depends on the system size and Duke’s workload. Tier 1 systems usually move fastest. Your installer should track the application and tell you when Duke gives permission to turn the system on.
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