THE SHORT ANSWER
KUA’s linked application calculates inverter-based gross power rating from installed DC nameplate capacity multiplied by 0.85. Its first page places systems at or below 10 kW in Tier 1 and those above 10 through 100 kW in Tier 2. [1] Keep the calculation beside the equipment list, not beside an annual-energy promise.
Make a three-column equipment record
Before reviewing a size label, collect the proposed module model, quantity and nameplate watts. Add a separate inverter schedule with model and quantity, including existing equipment if the work is an addition. KUA’s application instructions explicitly ask for existing-system information for upgrades and additions. [2] Ask the designer to identify which schedule is current and which has been replaced. A proposal cover sheet saying “about 12 kW” is not precise enough to reconcile a utility application. Keep the original manufacturer specification sheet so a similar product name does not conceal a different rating.
Work through a boundary example without rounding it away
Hypothetical example, not an Origin offer: 29 modules rated at 400 watts total 11,600 watts DC, or 11.6 kW DC. Applying the published factor gives 11.6 × 0.85 = 9.86 kW. Change only the module rating to 410 watts and the same count becomes 11.89 kW DC; 11.89 × 0.85 = 10.1065 kW. Those examples fall on different sides of the published 10 kW boundary. [1] Keep the unrounded result in the worksheet and ask the applicant to confirm the appropriate form and requirements. A rounded sales label is not the approval record.
Keep capacity, output and utility eligibility separate
The arithmetic does not predict annual production, export credits or the remaining electric bill. Nameplate capacity is expressed in kW; an energy estimate covers a period and is expressed in kWh. Neither number proves that the proposed layout fits the roof or that every other interconnection requirement is satisfied. Ask for the production model independently, including the roof layout and shade inputs. Compare an alternative design using the same consumption history. If a smaller design is offered to address a utility issue, request the revised energy estimate instead of assuming the original offset percentage remains valid.
Treat an equipment substitution as a new comparison
Make a before-and-after sheet with module model, count, DC total, calculated rating, inverter schedule and proposal revision date. Add the party responsible for confirming the tier and any resulting scope changes. Do not approve a substitution just because the total panel count stayed the same. Ask whether the permit drawing, utility packet, equipment warranty documents or installation agreement need updates. Record the answer and who supplied it. This is a homeowner document check, not a substitute for electrical design or KUA’s review of the particular system.
Finish with one accepted design record
Before relying on the proposal, have the project team reconcile the calculation with the application, one-line diagram and final equipment schedule. Mark discrepancies as unresolved rather than filling missing fields with estimates. After installation, request an installed-equipment record and ask the contractor to explain any difference from the accepted design. Preserve both the superseded and final versions with clear labels. For a leased system, include the equipment owner in proposed changes. Origin can review the proposal documents, but the serving utility determines its interconnection treatment; a Kissimmee mailing address alone does not establish that the account is served by KUA.
Before your next conversation
- Confirm that KUA serves the account.
- List module models, quantities and watts.
- Retain the unrounded gross-rating calculation.
- Recheck substitutions against the final utility packet.
Primary sources
- KUA: Application for Interconnection and tier agreements
Checked October 17, 2026 against the packet linked from KUA’s Net Metering page. Confirm the accepted version and requirements for the actual project with KUA.
- KUA: Net Metering application process
Checked October 17, 2026. Current application, additions and service-order instructions; published allowances are not a property-specific completion promise.
Planning examples and questions are Origin’s editorial guidance, not a property-specific diagnosis, engineering design, tax determination or promise of savings. Manufacturer and utility references do not imply an affiliation with Origin.
Make the decision specific to your home.
Bring the equipment schedule and current proposal to Origin for a solar design review.
Request an Origin Direct quote →Scope, pricing and availability are confirmed for your property. A request is not a confirmed appointment.