Fla. solar power still tiny but growing fast
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Power generated by utility customers from their own solar photovoltaic systems is still a tiny fraction of Sunshine State’s electric needs but it’s growing fast.
The Florida Public Service Commission on Monday reported 577 customers last year together could generate up to 2,830 kilowatt hours – enough to power 700 households.
Of the total, 383 customers were connected to Florida’s five investor-owned utilities. That’s up from just 99 in 2007.
Municipal systems had 137 connections and rural cooperatives had 57 in 2008. It’s the first year they’ve been included in the tally.
If customers generate more electricity than they use the surplus goes into the power grid and they get a credit on their next bill.