LCEC Net‑Metering Guide: How to Get Your Solar Turned On by LCEC 2025 Updated

You live in Southwest Florida, the sunniest place on Earth (well, it feels like it). Your solar panels just passed every inspection the county could throw at them. The installer packed up, the inspector waved good‑bye, and you're standing in the yard, grinning at your shiny array. But before you can flip the switch and watch your electric bill shrink, there's one more piece of paperwork: signing up for net‑metering with LCEC.

Follow the steps and you'll be earning solar credits in no time.

1. Understand the fees and tiers

LCEC sorts systems into tiers:

• Tier 1 (≤ 10 kW AC) - Application fee of $35. No liability insurance required.
• Tier 2 (10 - 100 kW) - Interconnection fee up to $1,000 and proof of $1 million liability insurance.
• Tier 3 (> 100 kW) - $1,000 fee plus possible study costs and $2 million liability insurance.

Most homes land in Tier 1. LCEC's fees go on your electric bill after approval, so you don't need to pay upfront.

2. Download and fill out the Application & Compliance Form

Head over to LCEC's website and download the Application and Compliance Form for customer‑owned renewable generation. This two‑page document asks for:

• Your contact info and LCEC account number.
• Installation contractor details and license number.
• System specs: solar, wind or other; AC power rating; list of modules, inverter and battery models.
• A signature affirming that the information is accurate.

LCEC will only accept the form if it's typed-no handwriting or cell‑phone photos.

3. Gather supporting documents

Along with the application, you must email several attachments:

Note: The following are available upon request from your solar installer, and they may have already sent them to LCEC. Make sure to communicate well with your solar company for best results. 

• One‑line diagram & detailed drawings - Professional‑quality electrical schematics showing your panels, inverter, disconnect and meter.
• Equipment specifications and test reports - Manufacturer sheets for your modules, inverter and any batteries.
• AHJ inspection report - Proof that the Authority Having Jurisdiction (your city or county) signed off on the final inspection.
• Proof of insurance - Only if you're in Tier 2 or 3.

Make sure all documents are combined into a single multi‑page PDF. If you send multiple files or send them via regular mail, your application will be delayed. 

4. Email everything to LCEC

Once your application and documents are ready, email the PDF to the email: LCECNetMetering@lcec.net. Use a clear subject line such as "Net‑Metering Application for [Your Name] - Account #".

LCEC will review your packet and apply the appropriate fee to your account.

5. Wait for LCEC to review and inspect

LCEC reviews your application to ensure your system meets safety and technical standards. They may request clarification or additional documents. LCEC has the right to inspect your system before installing a net meter. Make sure your manual disconnect switch is accessible and lockable; inspectors will want to see it.

6. Net meter installation and permission to operate

After your paperwork clears and any inspection is passed, LCEC will schedule installation of a bi‑directional net meter at your home. This meter records both the power you take from the grid and the surplus power you send back. Do not touch anything or try to operate your solar system until the new meter is installed and LCEC gives you the go‑ahead; using solar without approval can cause billing and safety problems.

7. How credits work

LCEC's program credits you for every kilowatt‑hour sent to the grid. Credits appear on your next bill as a dollar amount based on the wholesale rate. They do not roll over-excess energy is credited immediately at LCEC's avoided‑cost rate, so there's no annual true‑up . Keep this in mind when sizing your system.

Final thoughts

Signing up for LCEC net‑metering is not hard, but it does require organization. Download the form, gather your diagrams and permits, combine everything into a single PDF and email it to the co‑op.

Once LCEC installs the net meter, they will flip your breaker and you will start earning credits.

If this guide helped, share it with friends throughout Lee County who are going solar. The more people who go solar, the brighter our community becomes.