How Solar Adoption Is Driving Up Utility Rates — And How Going Solar Protects You

/ South West Florida Solar blog / By

Across Southwest Florida, Florida Power & Light (FPL) is raising rates—at least 6–8% annually—and in some cases even more. One key driver behind these hikes: more homeowners are switching to solar, meaning fewer are paying for grid infrastructure. Those who stay on the traditional grid ultimately foot a larger portion of the cost. Understanding this trend is essential in taking control of your energy future.

📊 Why Utilities Claim Solar Customers Are Costing Everyone

Utility companies often argue that solar homes are not paying their fair share for grid upkeep when they rely on net metering. This theoretical “cost shift” means non-solar customers must cover a greater share of fixed infrastructure costs such as transmission lines, meter upkeep, and system maintenance Tampa Bay TimesInstitute for Local Self-Reliance+2Wikipedia+2Public Advocates Office+2. In Florida, critics suggest rooftop solar owners currently account for just 0.8% of electric generation, but as that number grows, utilities claim burdens increasingly fall on remaining users Florida Politics.

📉 How This Drives Rate Increases

FPL is not immune. As more homeowners go solar, the utility must maintain the grid for fewer customers while still funding storms, upgrades, and capacity expansion. Regulatory filings show FPL’s cross-subsidy from non-solar customers has multiplied in recent years—and is projected to keep rising Wikipedia+15Public Service Commission+15Tampa Bay Times+15. State legislatures and regulatory bodies are considering structured rate changes to rebalance costs across customers, which often translate into steeper fixed charges or higher kilowatt-hour rates for non-solar households Wikipedia+4Public Advocates Office+4AP News+4.

☀️ How Solar Shields You from Rising Utility Rates

By installing solar with Momentum Solar, you avoid being hit with rate hikes driven by this subsidy structure:

  • You generate power at home—reducing or eliminating your monthly utility bill.
  • You lock in stable, predictable electric costs regardless of what FPL raises rates to.
  • You protect yourself from paying increased fixed charges or inflated per-kWh fees.

Essentially, you’re investing in your own energy security instead of bailing out a business model that’s increasingly dependent on non‑solar customers to stay afloat.

✅ Why Going Solar Is the Smart Move

  1. Immediate savings: From day one, solar reduces the amount you buy from FPL.
  2. Inflation-proof power: Your system produces energy that won’t cost more next year or after the next storm.
  3. Long-term stability: Unlike utility rates, solar systems come with 25-year warranties and monitoring to ensure reliable production.
  4. Clean and sustainable: Reduce reliance on fossil fuel-generated electricity and shrink your carbon footprint.

🧭 In Summary

FPL rate increases are not just arbitrary—they’re tied to shifting cost burdens as more of your neighbors choose solar. Those who stay connected to the grid may end up paying more to maintain a shrinking revenue base. Solar offers a smarter alternative—no longer subject to utility rate spikes, and a way to lock in lower energy costs for decades.

If you’re ready to consider the smarter, cleaner path forward, I’m Frank—your Momentum Solar consultant covering Southwest Florida. I’d be glad to show you exactly how much you can save with a no‑cost, zero‑pressure consultation tailored to your home and needs.