Solar With SECO Energy: Why Self-Consumption Matters

SECO Energy uses the term net metering, but its treatment of excess solar is different from the retail net-metering structure used by Florida’s investor-owned utilities.

SECO describes members who send excess solar power to its system as small wholesale power providers and credits that production at SECO’s wholesale rate.

Quick answer: Solar can still reduce a SECO member’s utility purchases, but energy used directly in the home is generally more valuable than excess energy exported at a wholesale credit. System sizing, load shifting, and battery storage deserve a careful review.

What SECO means by net metering

SECO calculates the monthly relationship between energy purchased from the cooperative and energy produced by the member’s interconnected system.

However, SECO states that excess producers are credited at its wholesale rate. That is not the same as receiving the full retail price paid for electricity later.

This difference creates a spread between:

• The retail cost avoided by using solar onsite
• The wholesale credit received for exported energy

The wider that spread, the more important self-consumption becomes.

A simple self-consumption example

Assume the home produces one extra kilowatt-hour at noon.

Option A: Use it immediately

The kilowatt-hour powers a pool pump, air conditioner, water heater, EV charger, or other load. The home avoids purchasing that energy from SECO.

Option B: Export it

The kilowatt-hour crosses the bidirectional meter and receives SECO’s wholesale export credit.

Option C: Store it

A battery stores some of the energy for evening use. This can avoid a later retail purchase, but the battery introduces cost, conversion losses, cycling, and capacity limits.

The right answer depends on the current tariff and the home’s load profile.

Load shifting before battery storage

Before adding storage solely for savings, SECO members should look at flexible loads:

• Schedule the pool pump during solar hours.
• Run laundry and the dishwasher during the day.
• Charge an EV when the solar system is producing.
• Pre-cool the home without creating an uncomfortable evening rebound.
• Use timers or smart controls for water heating.
• Improve insulation, ducts, and HVAC performance.
• Replace inefficient pool pumps or appliances when appropriate.

Load shifting is not as dramatic as adding equipment, but it can improve self-consumption at low cost.

Why oversizing can backfire

A large array may create impressive annual production, but if a substantial portion is exported at a wholesale rate, the financial return can be weaker than the headline production suggests.

A useful SECO comparison includes:

• Expected monthly production
• Estimated onsite usage
• Estimated exports
• Current wholesale export credit
• Current retail purchase price
• Remaining monthly charges
• Sensitivity if rates or policy change
• Battery and no-battery scenarios

Do not evaluate the project using a retail net-metering assumption borrowed from FPL.

SECO interconnection requirements

SECO currently requires an AMI Wi-Fi-enabled bidirectional meter for interconnected solar arrays.

SECO also states:

• New solar interconnections have been subject to an application fee since May 1, 2024.
• The fee varies by system size.
• System modifications can also trigger a fee.
• Systems above 10 kW require applicable proof of insurance.
• A lockable AC disconnect, one-line diagram, permit documentation, system photos, and other materials are required under the current process.
• Permission to operate is not issued until requirements and fees are complete.

Use SECO’s current application platform and instructions for the project.

Policy-change risk

SECO’s interconnection materials warn that:

• It does not guarantee the projected value of electricity produced.
• Rates, rate structures, or net-metering policy can change.
• Current practices will not necessarily be grandfathered.

This belongs in the customer discussion. A responsible savings model should include sensitivity rather than assuming one export rate for decades.

Does a battery make more sense with SECO?

Potentially — but not automatically.

A battery can:

• Increase self-consumption
• Shift midday solar into evening use
• Provide backup during outages
• Support selected essential circuits
• Reduce exports at the wholesale rate

A battery also has:

• Upfront or agreement cost
• Usable-capacity limits
• Round-trip energy losses
• Power-output limits
• Warranty terms
• Degradation
• Reserve settings
• Space and installation requirements

Model the battery with the home’s actual hourly behavior whenever possible.

Backup power in SECO territory

Standard grid-connected solar shuts down during a utility outage unless the system includes equipment designed to isolate the home safely.

A backup design should prioritize loads such as:

• Refrigerator and freezer
• Internet and communications
• Lights and outlets
• Garage door
• Medical equipment
• Well pump, if applicable
• Selected fans or cooling
• Limited cooking
• Security systems

Whole-home backup may require multiple batteries, load management, or generator integration.

SECO does not partner with solar companies

SECO has publicly warned members about door-to-door claims of utility partnerships and states that it does not partner with solar companies.

Sunstorm content and sales materials should say clearly:

Sunstorm Energy is an independent company. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with SECO Energy.

Never use SECO’s name or logo in a way that implies utility sponsorship.

Who may be a stronger SECO solar candidate?

• Homeowners with meaningful daytime usage
• Homes with pool pumps that can run in solar hours
• Remote workers
• Retirees or families home during the day
• EV owners able to charge during daylight
• Properties with limited shade
• Homeowners seeking backup power as well as savings
• Customers willing to manage flexible loads

Who needs a cautious review?

• Homes empty all day with heavy evening demand
• Projects sized to create large exports
• Heavily shaded roofs
• Roofs near replacement
• Homeowners expecting an FPL-style retail credit
• Proposals that assume future rates without sensitivity
• Customers planning to move soon

Frequently asked questions

Does SECO have net metering?

SECO calls its program net metering, but exported power is credited at SECO’s wholesale rate.

Does SECO buy all solar production?

No. Solar first serves the home. SECO’s meter records electricity purchased from the grid and excess energy exported to the grid.

Should I add more panels to offset nighttime usage?

Not without modeling. Under wholesale export compensation, adding panels that mostly export may provide less value than expected.

Is a battery required?

No. Start with efficiency, right-sizing, and load shifting. Add storage when the financial and backup benefits justify it.

Is Sunstorm a SECO partner?

No. Sunstorm Energy is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by SECO Energy.