Tampa Electric Overview
From my experience:TECO is one of Florida's better utilities for solar—full retail net metering without the drama. Tampa Bay also gets excellent sun and has high AC bills to offset. The one thing I always mention to TECO customers: hurricane backup. A battery isn't required for the math to work, but after seeing storm outages, most people wish they had one.
Tampa Electric Company (TECO), a subsidiary of Emera, provides electricity to the Tampa Bay area. TECO has maintained a relatively solar-friendly net metering program, making it one of the better Florida utilities for residential solar.
TECO Stats
Tampa Electric serves approximately 800,000 customers in Hillsborough County and parts of surrounding areas. Rates average $0.13-0.15/kWh. Net metering provides full retail credit for excess generation. (Source: utility tariff filings and DSIRE Database)
Service Area
TECO Coverage
- Primary area: Hillsborough County (Tampa)
- Surrounding: Parts of Polk, Pasco counties
- Major cities: Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City
Net Metering
TECO Net Metering Program
- Credit rate: Full retail (~$0.13-0.15/kWh)
- System cap: Up to 2 MW
- Credit rollover: Month-to-month
- Annual true-up: Excess credits settled
Full Retail Credit
TECO's full retail net metering is increasingly rare. Your export credits equal what you'd pay to buy power. This makes solar economics simpler—no batteries required to maximize value, though they add storm resilience. (Source: utility tariff filings and DSIRE Database)
Why TECO is Good for Solar
- Full retail credit: Rare in today's utility landscape
- No punitive fees: Straightforward solar policy
- Good sunshine: Tampa Bay gets excellent solar resource
- High AC usage: Summer bills drive solar value
Rate Structure
TECO Residential Rates
- Base rate: ~$0.13-0.15/kWh
- Fuel charge: Variable, added to base
- Customer charge: Fixed monthly fee
- Summer rates: Similar to winter (no extreme TOU)
Going Solar with TECO
Interconnection Process
- Application: Submit through TECO's program
- Review: Utility reviews system specifications
- Approval: Receive interconnection agreement
- Installation: Complete installation
- Inspection: Final inspection and meter setup
Hurricane Considerations
- Proper installation: Wind-rated mounting essential
- Insurance: Add solar to homeowner's policy
- Battery backup: Keeps power during outages
- Storm resilience: Modern panels rated for 140+ mph
The Bottom Line
Tampa Electric is one of Florida's better utilities for solar.Full retail net metering maximizes value without requiring batteries. Good sunshine and high AC bills create strong economics. Consider battery backup for hurricane season resilience.
[Editor's Note, Jan 2026]:Utility rates and policies change frequently. Florida net metering policies are subject to legislative changes. Verify current rates with TECO before making decisions.
Questions About Tampa Electric Solar?
Our AI can help you understand TECO's programs and solar potential in the Tampa Bay area.
Ask About TECO