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There have been a few other posts on this topics, but I thought I'd add to those discussions with what I've learned while prepping for my solar install.
In 2008, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) adopted interconnection rules for solar up to 2Mw. The key here is their rules only apply to the state's investor-owned utilities, not to coops or municipal utilities.
Part of these rules require $1M liability policies for systems over 10kW, which appears to have different sides on legitimacy - whether there is cause to require this or an attempt to discourage solar adoption. This post won't dive into that (politics exit left)
So which companies are investor owned and which are not?
Essentially: FPL, Duke, Tampa Electric and Gulf Power
Where does that leave the rest? Well, it is completely up to the individual utilities as to what they will require, and if they will adopt PSC's 'rules'.
For instance, Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) requires the $1m liability as part of the interconnect documentation for the same tiering as the PSC lists. Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) has their own list, and does not require any additional liability until you get over 100mW systems (see section 12).
For me, the liability costs would have made a significant dent in my system ROI timeline. Most consumer insurance companies do not offer higher than $500k liability coverage. Another option is 'umbrella' coverage, which is an acceptable option according to the PSC. However, for me to get an umbrella policy, it requires maxing out your liability insurance for vehicles, since it covers homeowners and cars, etc. With two teenage drivers, that was an expensive option, close to $1k/year by itself, without the added cost of the umbrella policy (~ $250/year).
What I did find, is that even if your insurance company does not offer $1m policies on paper, you can request a review by the insurance carrier's underwriting. I contacted my insurance carrier, explained the situation, and I was asked me email the details and requirements for the $1m liability, and why I was requesting (i.e., adding solar). While drafting this out to my insurance company (Security First Florida), I decided to pause and research my power company some more. While I don't plan on continuing this request, from what I've learned elsewhere this is the least expensive option with raising the liability costing anywhere from $100/year to $240/year (your mileage may vary).
My utility company is JEA, and not knowing what I posted above, I started reading all of their documentation and application forms. I saw the requirement for insurance for >100kW systems, so emailed their interconnect division for clarification. I received a response within a few hours confirming that they have no liability requirements for systems under 100kW.
I then passed this information on to my solar install company since they said I would need that documentation before turnup. Waiting to hear back on that side, but don't expect any pushback.
So what does this all mean? If you are not on one of the major 4 utility companies in Florida, you will want to check the specific requirements, as you may find they don't match PSC's 'rules'.
Hope this helps someone else. Seems even my solar install company didn't know about this specific rule, and I'm all about saving as much money as I can.
In 2008, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) adopted interconnection rules for solar up to 2Mw. The key here is their rules only apply to the state's investor-owned utilities, not to coops or municipal utilities.
Part of these rules require $1M liability policies for systems over 10kW, which appears to have different sides on legitimacy - whether there is cause to require this or an attempt to discourage solar adoption. This post won't dive into that (politics exit left)
So which companies are investor owned and which are not?
Essentially: FPL, Duke, Tampa Electric and Gulf Power
Where does that leave the rest? Well, it is completely up to the individual utilities as to what they will require, and if they will adopt PSC's 'rules'.
For instance, Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) requires the $1m liability as part of the interconnect documentation for the same tiering as the PSC lists. Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) has their own list, and does not require any additional liability until you get over 100mW systems (see section 12).
For me, the liability costs would have made a significant dent in my system ROI timeline. Most consumer insurance companies do not offer higher than $500k liability coverage. Another option is 'umbrella' coverage, which is an acceptable option according to the PSC. However, for me to get an umbrella policy, it requires maxing out your liability insurance for vehicles, since it covers homeowners and cars, etc. With two teenage drivers, that was an expensive option, close to $1k/year by itself, without the added cost of the umbrella policy (~ $250/year).
What I did find, is that even if your insurance company does not offer $1m policies on paper, you can request a review by the insurance carrier's underwriting. I contacted my insurance carrier, explained the situation, and I was asked me email the details and requirements for the $1m liability, and why I was requesting (i.e., adding solar). While drafting this out to my insurance company (Security First Florida), I decided to pause and research my power company some more. While I don't plan on continuing this request, from what I've learned elsewhere this is the least expensive option with raising the liability costing anywhere from $100/year to $240/year (your mileage may vary).
My utility company is JEA, and not knowing what I posted above, I started reading all of their documentation and application forms. I saw the requirement for insurance for >100kW systems, so emailed their interconnect division for clarification. I received a response within a few hours confirming that they have no liability requirements for systems under 100kW.
I then passed this information on to my solar install company since they said I would need that documentation before turnup. Waiting to hear back on that side, but don't expect any pushback.
So what does this all mean? If you are not on one of the major 4 utility companies in Florida, you will want to check the specific requirements, as you may find they don't match PSC's 'rules'.
Hope this helps someone else. Seems even my solar install company didn't know about this specific rule, and I'm all about saving as much money as I can.