KUA Solar in 2026: Why Daytime Use and System Design Matter

Kissimmee Utility Authority offers a rooftop-solar net-metering program and installs a bidirectional meter after the interconnection requirements are completed.

However, KUA’s current tariff does not give most new systems the same export value used by Florida’s investor-owned utilities. For non-grandfathered locations, KUA credits exported kilowatt-hours at its avoided-cost rate.

Quick answer: Solar used immediately by a KUA customer can avoid a retail purchase. Excess solar sent to KUA currently receives an avoided-cost credit for most non-grandfathered locations. That makes daytime usage, system sizing, and batteries important parts of the analysis.

How a KUA solar system works

During solar-producing hours:

1. The system serves the property’s immediate load.
2. Any excess energy flows through the bidirectional meter to KUA.
3. KUA records the exported kilowatt-hours.
4. When the property needs more than solar is producing, it imports energy from KUA.

KUA’s meter does not measure total production or the amount used directly inside the home. The solar monitoring system provides total production.

KUA’s current export-credit structure

KUA’s Electric Service Rates effective January 1, 2026, state that non-grandfathered locations receive:

KUA’s avoided-cost rate multiplied by the kilowatt-hours returned to the grid.

The amount is credited on a subsequent bill.

This means an exported kilowatt-hour may be worth less than a kilowatt-hour used directly inside the home.

Grandfathered KUA locations

KUA’s current tariff provides a different demand-credit calculation for locations that:

• Were already receiving service under the tariff, or
• Had submitted KUA’s required signed documents with an active qualifying permit by May 31, 2023.

The tariff says that this grandfathered demand credit continues until the earlier of:

• Transfer of ownership of the location, or
• October 31, 2028.

Do not assume the grandfathered treatment transfers to a buyer.

Do KUA credits roll forward?

Under the current tariff, when an export credit exceeds the customer’s billed consumption amount, the excess credit can apply to a subsequent bill.

If the customer closes the account, KUA states that unused credits are paid.

The customer is still responsible for the applicable minimum, customer, demand, and other charges under the regular rate schedule.

KUA interconnection fees

KUA’s tariff effective January 1, 2026, lists:

Fees may be adjusted annually.

KUA interconnection process

KUA’s current public guidance identifies:

• Application for Interconnection
• Tier-specific Interconnection Agreement
• Tri-Party Agreement
• Local final permit
• KUA approval
• Bidirectional meter
• Permission to connect to the grid

Documents should be submitted before installation when possible to reduce delays.

Why KUA emphasizes daytime usage

KUA says customers who are home during the day tend to benefit more from rooftop solar. Its guidance also recommends “load balancing,” meaning flexible loads are moved into the hours when solar is producing.

Examples include:

• Pool pump
• Laundry
• Dishwasher
• EV charging
• Water heating
• Pre-cooling
• Home-office equipment

This is especially relevant when exports are compensated at avoided cost.

Should a KUA system be oversized?

Not by default.

KUA’s own guidance discusses oversizing as one way to produce more daytime exports, but notes that most systems are sized around average consumption. Under the current avoided-cost export treatment, oversizing should be evaluated carefully.

A better design process is:

1. Improve efficiency.
2. Review 12 months of usage.
3. Estimate hourly or monthly production.
4. Estimate direct daytime consumption.
5. Model exports at the current avoided-cost rate.
6. Evaluate load shifting.
7. Compare a battery scenario.
8. Confirm remaining KUA charges.

Battery storage with KUA

KUA explains that a battery can store surplus daytime solar for later use and can allow the system to operate in an isolated backup mode during a grid outage.

Potential value includes:

• Increased self-consumption
• Reduced evening imports
• Backup refrigeration and communications
• Selected cooling
• Solar recharge during a prolonged outage
• Lower reliance on a generator

Limitations include:

• Cost
• Space
• Power and capacity limits
• Conversion losses
• Warranty and degradation
• Need for load management

A battery is not automatically a whole-home solution.

Why standard KUA solar shuts down in an outage

Grid-tied inverters are designed to disconnect during a utility outage. This prevents backfeed and protects workers.

With a compatible battery and transfer equipment, the solar system can separate from the grid, charge the battery during daylight, and serve planned loads.

The homeowner should receive a written backup-load schedule rather than a vague promise.

Residential example

A KUA home produces excess energy from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. but uses most electricity after 5 p.m.

Without changes:

• Much of the midday surplus is exported at the avoided-cost credit.
• The home imports electricity later at the retail rate.

With load shifting:

• The pool pump and dishwasher run during solar hours.
• More solar is consumed directly.
• Fewer kilowatt-hours are exported.

With a battery:

• Some remaining surplus can be stored for evening use.
• The battery can also maintain selected loads during an outage.

The best option depends on cost, behavior, and goals.

Commercial KUA considerations

Businesses should review:

• Demand charges
• On-peak periods
• Daytime load alignment
• Weekend exports
• Tier 2 or Tier 3 fees
• Transformer and service requirements
• Storage for demand reduction
• Roof ownership and lease term
• Grandfathering and ownership transfer
• Tax and accounting treatment

KUA’s 2026 tariff includes demand-based commercial rate schedules. Solar alone may not reduce the monthly peak that drives demand charges.

Frequently asked questions

Does KUA have net metering?

Yes. KUA uses a bidirectional meter and has a net-metering tariff.

Does KUA provide full-retail credit for exported solar?

For most current non-grandfathered locations, KUA’s tariff provides an avoided-cost credit for exported kilowatt-hours.

Do excess credits disappear each month?

The current tariff allows excess dollar credits to apply to a subsequent bill. Unused credits are paid if the account closes.

Does KUA charge a special monthly solar fee?

KUA’s public FAQ says there is no additional monthly charge specifically for having solar, but normal customer, minimum, demand, tax, and other applicable charges remain.

Is Sunstorm affiliated with KUA?

No. Sunstorm Energy is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Kissimmee Utility Authority.