Common Complaints

My Solar Was Installed but Never Turned On

June 23, 2026 · 4 min read

Part of the complete guide: Failed Solar in Florida: The Complete Homeowner's Guide →

Panels on the roof, but they never legally turned on — and the loan is billing anyway. The missing piece is usually 'Permission to Operate.'

There are panels on your roof, but they've never actually produced power — and the loan payment shows up every month anyway. The missing piece is almost always something called Permission to Operate.

Before a solar system can legally turn on and connect to the grid, your utility (FPL, Duke, etc.) has to issue Permission to Operate, or PTO. That only happens after permits are pulled, the install passes final inspection, and the interconnection paperwork is filed.

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Every section in this article, and what each one covers

1.What 'Permission to Operate' meansOne paragraph, a four-item list (Permits were never closed out; The final inspection never passed; ...) and a callout, naming FPL and PTO.
2.In the Florida newsTwo linked sources.

Also on this page

an opening passage above the first heading (1 paragraph)
a checklist (4 items in all)
a source list (2 outside links)
one callout
an FAQ (2 questions)

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Frequently asked questions

What is Permission to Operate (PTO)?

PTO is the utility's official approval allowing your solar system to turn on and connect to the grid. It comes only after permits, a passed final inspection, and interconnection paperwork. Without it, the system is legally off — even if panels are installed.

Do I owe the loan if my solar never got PTO?

The loan is still owed on paper. Whether a system that was never energized changes what you owe, including under the FTC Holder Rule, is a question for a Florida attorney. Document the missing PTO and talk to an attorney before stopping payments.

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