Central Florida · Lake
Solar energy in Clermont in 2026: Duke or SECO, and who qualifies
In Clermont (Lake) most homes are on Duke Energy, which qualifies for the solar energy subscription; some areas are SECO, a co-op that does not qualify. Prices and requirements.
Written by Yorgan Rojo · Updated
| utility | Duke Energy Florida (most) / SECO Energy (some areas) |
|---|---|
| net metering | Duke: 1:1, annual COG-1 true-up, $30 minimum charge · SECO: the co-op's own rules |
| cost per watt | $2.05/W (EnergySage, Sept. 2026) |
| system 10kw | $20,456 before incentives |
| average system | 14.49 kW · $29,650 (range $25,202-$34,098) |
| purchase payback | 9.51 years (EnergySage estimate) |
| sun hours | 5.4 peak sun hours/day (fixed tilt) |
| average bill | $292/month · 17¢/kWh · 1,735 kWh (EnergySage) |
| subscription | Qualifies with Duke · Does not qualify with SECO |
In Clermont most homes get their bill from Duke Energy, and Duke qualifies for the solar energy subscription. Some areas are on SECO Energy, a co-op: there the subscription does not apply. If your bill is from Duke and your home meets the requirements, you save at least 30%, guaranteed in writing, for 3 or 5 years.
Which utility serves Clermont?
Two, depending on the address. Duke Energy Florida serves most of Clermont. SECO Energy, a not-for-profit co-op serving seven Central Florida counties including Lake, covers other areas. The only sure way to know is the logo on your bill.
With Duke: 1:1 net metering under PSC Rule 25-6.065. Each kWh you export is worth the same as one you buy; surplus rolls month to month and at year end Duke pays the leftover at its COG-1 rate. $30 monthly minimum charge. Details in Duke Energy: rates and net metering.
With SECO: as a co-op, SECO sets its own net metering rules and does not follow the same compensation as regulated utilities. If you plan to buy, get its rules in writing before any calculation.
| Your bill | Net metering | Qualifies for the subscription? |
|---|---|---|
| Duke Energy | 1:1 (PSC rule) | Yes, if the home meets the rest |
| SECO Energy | Co-op rules | No |
Who qualifies for the solar energy subscription in Clermont?
With Duke, the utility already qualifies. The rest is about your home:
| Requirement | What gets checked |
|---|---|
| Home type | Single-family in your name (no condo, no multifamily) |
| Roof | Shingle with useful life left (no tile, no metal) |
| History | At least 12 months of usage at that home |
| Shade | No heavy shade on the roof |
| Credit | Soft check that does not affect your score |
If you qualify, you pay nothing to start and you get a written production guarantee. At the end, if you do not renew, the system is removed at no cost and the roof is left sealed with a 10-year roof warranty. Details in how the solar subscription works.
Heads up: Clermont has a lot of new construction. A newly bought or newly built home needs at least 12 months of usage before it qualifies. It is not red tape: without that history your savings cannot be calculated or guaranteed.
What is the typical bill in Clermont?
EnergySage reports $292 a month, 1,735 kWh and 17¢/kWh among people shopping for solar in Clermont in 2026. These are households that use more than average. Your number comes from your 12 bills. How to read Duke’s: how to read your Duke Energy bill.
How much does it cost to buy a solar system in Clermont in 2026?
If you prefer to buy, EnergySage reports $2.05 per installed watt in Clermont with September 2026 data:
| Size (Clermont, EnergySage Sept. 2026) | Cost before incentives |
|---|---|
| 5 kW | $10,228 |
| 10 kW | $20,456 |
| 14.49 kW (Clermont average) | $29,650 (range $25,202-$34,098) |
| Estimated payback | 9.51 years |
The 30% federal credit for buyers (25D) ended for systems placed in service after 12/31/2025; confirm with your tax preparer. More in solar panel cost in Florida 2026.
How many sun hours does Clermont get?
Clermont gets 5.4 peak sun hours a day on a fixed panel, according to TurbineGenerator. Clermont is hillier than the rest of Central Florida: your roof’s orientation and nearby trees matter more than the city average.
HOA in Clermont
Many Clermont communities have an HOA. Florida Statute 163.04 prevents banning solar collectors; the association can require approval and set placement without reducing production.
When solar in Clermont does NOT make sense
- Your bill is from SECO: the subscription does not apply, and buying means studying its rules.
- Your home has less than 12 months of usage.
- Your roof is tile or metal, or heavily shaded.
- Your bill is very high, your roof is ideal and you have capital: buying can save more over 25 years. We will tell you so.
What to check before deciding
- The logo on your bill: Duke or SECO.
- Your last 12 months of usage.
- Your roof type and shade on the south-facing side.
- If you qualify, compare the subscription against buying with the same 12 months. Start with the diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Which utility serves Clermont?
Is the solar energy subscription available in Clermont?
Why doesn't SECO qualify?
How much does it cost to buy a solar system in Clermont in 2026?
Sources
- EnergySage — Solar panel cost in Clermont, FL (Sept. 2026)
- EnergySage — Cost of electricity in Clermont, FL (2026)
- Vibrato — Clermont, Florida utility services and new resident guide (Duke and SECO)
- SECO Energy — Central Florida electric cooperative (includes Lake County)
- TurbineGenerator — Peak sun hours in Clermont, Florida
- Duke Energy Florida — Understanding the Minimum Bill ($30)
- Florida PSC — Rule 25-6.065 (net metering at regulated utilities)
- Florida Senate — Statute 163.04 (right to solar collectors vs. HOAs)
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