THE SHORT ANSWER
Export measures surplus energy crossing the utility meter; production measures energy made by the array. Solar used in the home before reaching the meter can make those totals differ.
Draw the energy paths
Label array production, immediate household use, exported surplus and imported cooperative energy. If a battery is present, add charging and discharging without counting the same energy twice.
Match dates and units
Compare the exact SECO meter interval with a monitoring export for those dates. Confirm that every value is kWh rather than instantaneous kW and that the app uses the correct time zone.
Look for household changes
Cooling, pool schedules, EV charging, guests and weather can change self-consumption and imports. Low export alone does not show that a panel or inverter failed.
Prepare two precise questions
Ask SECO about its bill and meter record. Ask a qualified solar provider about production or monitoring anomalies. Include the aligned data, alert history and recent meter, internet or electrical work.
Before your next conversation
- Map each energy flow.
- Align dates and units.
- Record household changes.
- Separate utility and system questions.
Primary sources
- SECO Energy: Net Metering
Primary source reviewed September 11, 2026. Utility rules, rates, forms and project requirements remain subject to the current account, equipment and property review.
- Florida Administrative Code Rule 25-6.065: Interconnection and Net Metering
Primary source reviewed September 11, 2026. Utility rules, rates, forms and project requirements remain subject to the current account, equipment and property review.
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.
Request maintenance if aligned production evidence remains abnormal.
Book an Origin Direct review →Scope, pricing and availability are confirmed for your property. A request is not a confirmed appointment.