OUC Solar Calculator for Orlando Homes
Important: OUC changed its net metering policy for new solar customers in July 2025. New customers who applied between July 1, 2025 and October 31, 2026 receive the Full Retail Rate (10.7¢) during a temporary grace period. Starting November 1, 2026, new customers receive approximately $0.046/kWh for exported solar, significantly extending payback periods. Existing customers who applied before June 30, 2025, retain the Full Retail Rate until 2045.
What Changed with OUC Net Metering in 2025?
OUC (Orlando Utilities Commission) implemented a new net metering structure for new solar customers effective July 2025:
| Feature | Old OUC Policy (Applied Before July 2025) | New OUC Policy (Applied After July 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Retail Rate | 10.7¢/kWh until June 2045 | 10.7¢/kWh until October 31, 2026 (Grace Period) |
| Community Solar Rate | N/A | 4.6¢/kWh from November 1, 2026 to June 2030 |
| Retail Fuel Rate | N/A | 3.9¢/kWh from July 2030 onward |
| 20-Year Savings ($150 bill) | $30,000+ | $15,000–$20,000 (after grace period ends) |
Critical insight: OUC customers who install solar under the old rules (grandfathered) retain 1:1 net metering. New customers face significantly reduced economics.
Is Solar Still Worth It for OUC Customers?
With OUC's reduced export rate, solar is still viable but with different economics:
- Self-consumption matters more:Maximize use of solar during daylight hours (run pool pumps, charge EVs, set AC lower)
- Battery storage becomes more valuable:A battery lets you store excess solar for evening use instead of exporting at $0.046
- Payback extends:14–18 years vs. 9–12 under old rules
For OUC customers who want solar, the best strategy is to size the system for self-consumption rather than export.
The OUC Battery Rebate: $2,000 But There's a Catch
OUC offers a rebate of $150 per kWh of battery storage, up to $2,000 for residential customers. This is one of the most generous battery incentives in Florida.
However, there is a critical trade-off every OUC solar customer must understand:
To receive this rebate, you must forfeit eligibility for the TruNet Full Retail Rate for all energy you export to the grid. Instead, your exported energy will be credited at the lower community solar rate.
What this means in practice:
- • If you have solar + battery + rebate, you get the $2,000 upfront.
- • But you lose the 10.7¢ export credit and get 4.6¢ instead.
- • For a system that exports 5,000 kWh per year, this trade-off costs you roughly $305 per year in lost credits.
- • Over a 5-year period, the rebate pays for itself if you export more than ~6,500 kWh annually.
Who should take the rebate? Homes with high solar production and low daytime usage (you export a lot). Who should skip it? Homes that use most of their solar production on-site and export very little.
Calculate Your OUC Solar Savings
The calculator is pre-configured for OUC's post-grace-period export rate of ~$0.046/kWh for new customers. If you were grandfathered (applied before July 1, 2025), your savings may be higher.
OUC Solar Questions
Can I still get 1:1 net metering from OUC?
Only if you applied before July 2025 and were grandfathered under the old policy. New applications receive the reduced export rate.
Is a battery worth it for OUC solar?
It's more complicated than for other utilities. A battery lets you store excess solar for evening use instead of exporting at 4.6¢. But if you accept OUC's $2,000 battery rebate, you also forfeit the Full Retail Rate for all exports. The battery is most valuable for homes that want backup power during hurricanes and can use most of their solar on-site. Run the numbers carefully before deciding.
I'm buying a home with existing OUC solar. Do I keep the grandfather rate?
It depends entirely on when you take possession. If you establish your OUC account by June 30, 2025, you receive the Full Retail Rate until 2045. If you take possession on or after July 1, 2025, you lose the legacy rate and are placed on the new TruNet Solar rate structure. This is critical for homebuyers evaluating a property with solar.
Compare Other Florida Utilities
Related Guides
Fix Your Envelope First, Then Size Solar
Fix your envelope first, then size solar. Air sealing, insulation, and duct sealing reduce your cooling load — which means you can install a smaller, cheaper solar system.