(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- Today, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) adopted rules creating new opportunities for solar and other renewable energy generation in Florida.  The new rules will allow small solar, wind, and biofuel producers to send their surplus energy to the utility grid and will credit the homeowner or business for the full value of the clean energy they produce – commonly called net metering.  “I expect net metering to really open the doors to significant investment in solar energy throughout Florida,” said Commissioner Sorenson.  “The PSC action today has helped make our State a renewable energy competitor.”

The rules also increased the size of what is considered a “small” renewable energy system from two to ten kilowatts, and removed a number of barriers to installation of solar and other renewable energy systems on residences and businesses.  One of the more significant changes will allow commercial sized solar energy systems, up to five megawatts, to qualify for net metering also.  “The rules adopted by the PSC are a major step in the right direction, bringing solar power and other renewable energy choices within reach of homeowners and businesses,” said Commissioner Sorenson.