Rule of thumb: 1 kW system in Orlando is expected to produce an average of 1350 kWh a year. (Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory – PVWatts)
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Calculating savings for solar thermal:
A 40 SQFT solar thermal collector equivalents to roughly 2 kW.
I want to install a 40 SQFT solar thermal collector, how much will I save?
40 SQFT collector equivalents kW: 2 1 kW System Production kWh/yr:1,350
Calculating savings for solar photovoltaic:
An average residential solar system is about 4-5 kW.
I want to install a 4 kW photovoltaic solar system, how much will I save?
Solar system size kW: 4 1 kW System Production kWh/yr: 1,350
If I use about a 1,500 kWh a month, what size solar system should I get to offset my usage?
1 kW System Production kWh/yr: 1350 kWh Monthly Electric Consumption: 1500
If I already installed a solar system on my home/business, can I still participate in OUC's Solar Programs? Yes, for PV and commercial thermal programs. A solar contractor would need to be hired by you to install the required metering equipment. Depending on how old the system is, the contractor would need to bring the system up to code so that it can pass OUC's inspection. No, for residential thermal systems.Visit the Residential How to Apply or Commercial How to Apply section to learn more about the requirements.
How much do solar systems cost? Solar Thermal – an average 40 SQFT open loop collector with an 80 gallon tank can cost $4,000 - $5,000. Solar photovoltaic – around $7 - $9 / watt. For example, a 4 kW system can cost $28,000 - $36,000. Cost can vary on market prices. Please contact a certified solar contractor to get specific pricing costs.
Why does OUC verify/inspect the solar system? OUC and the experts from the Florida Solar Energy Center inspect the systems to ensure they will function to their maximum potential. Additionally, OUC needs to verify that all solar photovoltaic systems interconnected to our grid are installed safely and will not jeopardize the safety of our crew working in the area.
In addition to OUC's solar incentives, what other rebates are available for solar systems? Rebates and incentives vary by where you live. Please visit the DSIRE website to see what incentives are available in your area: http://www.dsireusa.org 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.
If I am an OUC water only customer, can I still participate in OUC's Solar Programs? For photovoltaic systems: Yes, you can still take advantage of the monthly production credits. For thermal systems: No, participation in OUC’s solar thermal program requires customer’s electric service be provided by OUC.
Does OUC install the solar system? No, OUC does not offer a program where we install solar systems for the customer. We do, however, have a list of solar contractors through our Preferred Contractor Network.
What kind of permits are required?
What will my OUC bill look like once I am on OUC's Solar Program? Click here to see a bill sample and explanation.
Is OUC’s Solar Thermal Program an incentive or a rebate? OUC’s Residential Solar Thermal Program offers a point-of-sale rebate through an OUC Preferred Solar Contractor only. A point-of-sale rebate is a rebate only an OUC Preferred Solar Contractor can provide to you at the time of purchase. The OUC point-of-sale thermal rebate is $1,000. For customers who choose to finance the solar system through the low interest loan option receive a point-of-sale rebate of $550 in addition to the OUC’s interest rate buy down on the loan.
OUC’s Commercial Solar Thermal Program offers a production incentive of $0.03/kWh produced which is applied monthly to the customer’s OUC bill. Production is recorded through a BTU meter that your contractor will install with your solar thermal system.
What is a point-of-sale rebate? The OUC Solar Thermal point-of-sale rebate is a rebate only an OUC Preferred Solar Contractor can provide to you at the time of purchase. The OUC point-of-sale thermal rebate is $1,000. For customers who choose to finance the solar system through the low interest loan option receive a point-of-sale rebate of $550 in addition to the OUC’s interest rate buy down on the loan.
Can I use any solar thermal contractor I choose and still participate in OUC’s Solar Thermal Rebate Program?
Residential: No. OUC’s Residential Solar Thermal Program participation requires all residential solar thermal systems be installed by an OUC Preferred Solar Contractor.
Commercial: Yes, you can use any certified solar installer you choose.
Why is it required to have OUC verify a solar thermal system?
Residential: Because OUC allows the OUC Solar Preferred Contractor to provide you with the solar thermal rebate at the point-of-sale, OUC needs to inspect the solar thermal system to verify the system is working and ensure the solar system installed matches the equipment listed on the contractors reimbursement application.
Commercial: OUC and the experts from the Florida Solar Energy Center inspect the systems to ensure they will function to their maximum potential.
Why is it required to involve OUC when installing a photovoltaic 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.
What type of meter does a photovoltaic solar system need? Two electric meters are required. The existing electric meter will be replaced with a bi-directional meter for net metering and a second electric meter will be added to record the monthly production credit data. The second electric meter requires that a steel meter base be installed by your contactor at the time of the solar system installation. Upon passing the OUC inspection of the solar system, we will place the second electric meter in that base. To learn more, visit the How to Apply section and the Solar Installer Information section.
What is a production credit? Production credit is a monthly incentive on the OUC bill based on the energy the solar system generates. Customer receives a credit based on the kWh recorded, for photovoltaic it is $0.05/kWh.
What are the meter requirements to participate in OUC's Solar Program? OUC requires an electric meter base be installed with a solar photovoltaic system. To learn more, visit the section for Solar Installer Information.
Can anybody qualify for the low interest loan with the OFCU? Only residential customers can apply for the low interest loan with the OFCU. Commercial customers cannot apply at this time. OFCU has additional requirements to qualify, please visit here to learn more.
What if I want to pay off my OFCU loan early? You are at liberty of paying the loan early. Please pay the balance directly to the OFCU then notify OUC's Renewables Department immediately.
Can I pay more than the allotted monthly amount? Yes, notify the OFCU if you choose to pay more than the allotted monthly amount. back to top