Author: Solar Bear

Looking To Cut Your Energy Bill? Here’s How

The sweltering summer heat is here in Orlando, Florida, and if you are tired from spikes in your electricity bill, you aren’t alone!

If you are looking for ways to cut your energy bills this summer, try some of the following small updates and consider installing a solar system so you can take advantage of the sun’s energy.

Keep reading to learn tips from our team at Solar Bear Orlando!

Solar Bear’s Tips to Save on Energy Costs this Summer

Save on energy costs this summer with these simple tips!

#1. Install a Programmable Thermostat

One of the biggest users of energy in your home is your HVAC system. It certainly takes a lot of energy to keep your home cool!

We recommend investing in a programmable thermostat so you can adjust your home’s temperature throughout the day. Raising the thermostat by just a couple of degrees can save up to 10% on your electricity bills!

If you can stand it, set your indoor air temperature to 78 degrees for optimal savings.

#2. Change your AC Filter

If your home has central HVAC, make sure to change your air filter every 30-60 days. A dirty filter requires more energy to run and can lead to AC breakdowns and higher energy costs!

#3. Keep Your Windows Covered

Close your blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day to help reduce the amount of heat that is getting trapped inside your home.

When the sun goes down, open them up again since it is generally cooler outside.

#4. Invest in Energy Saving Appliances

In addition to your AC, large appliances like the dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine, and dryer are the biggest consumers of energy in the home.

If you are going to replace one or more of these appliances, look for the Energy Star Label. Energy Star appliances use 10-40% less energy than their counterparts, so you’ll be sure to notice more savings on your energy bills!

#5. Unplug Unused Devices

Avoid vampire power throughout your home. Unplug devices and chargers around your home if you aren’t using them. This includes laptops, TVs, gaming consoles, phone chargers, and kitchen appliances.

Consider connecting them all to a power strip that you can switch on and off. This small step could save you up to $200 a year!

#6. Install Solar

Consider installing a solar system to use the summer sun to your advantage. It might be obvious, but solar systems generate the most power when the summer sun is shining and its rays are the strongest.

Plus, solar energy systems provide clean energy and don’t emit harmful greenhouse gasses like fossil fuels. And if that isn’t enough of an incentive, you can look at substantial savings on your energy costs by switching to solar.

#7. Use a Solar Battery System

You can further offset peak electric rates with a solar battery. Some utility companies offer Time-of-Use plans that raise electricity rates when energy use is at its highest. With a solar system and solar battery system, you can buffer these Time-of-Use rates by storing energy to use when you need it most.

Take Advantage of the Sun’s Rays

As you can see a few simple changes can greatly offset your electricity costs during the hottest months of the year. Plus, by choosing to install a solar system from Solar Bear Orlando, you can offset these costs even more by harnessing the power of the sun!

Ready to get started? Call Solar Bear Orlando for a solar installation quote today; (727) 471-7442!

Do Solar Panels Really Hold Up in A Hurricane?

Floridians know that summer is not all sunshine and beach days. It is also the start of hurricane season – a time that can cause worry and panic to ensure homes are up to snuff, especially those with solar panels. Solar Bear of Tampa examines how extreme weather can impact your solar panels and how you can protect against future damage.

Generally, most solar panels are certified to withstand up to 140mph winds. Certain states like Florida require installation companies to ensure that their fixtures are strong enough to hold off winds up to 170mph. High winds and heavy rain could potentially disrupt a solar panel installation but by using high-quality materials, even the heaviest of storms should not cause damage. Because solar panels are created from a combination of aluminum and glass, they are extremely waterproof. The rain actually helps clear away dirt, pollen, and other debris. If there is an incident of damage, most homeowners’ insurance plans include solar panels as a permanent part of your home. We recommend contacting your insurer before installation to see whether you’re covered and if you are not, see if you can be. 

Hurricanes can often bring with them heavy cloud cover and dark skies. But fear not, solar panels can still absorb about 25% of their capacity in those conditions. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact amount due to variables like the number of breaks in the clouds or how dark the clouds are but generally, it’s enough to keep essential appliances running. Furthermore, by installing a solar battery or stand-alone inverter with your solar system, you are better prepared than most to withstand a powerful hurricane. If the electrical grid should fail during a storm, a solar battery bank will allow you to take the excess energy stored and use it at your disposal.

Our team of energy experts can assist with any solar panel questions while we customize a solar installation that works for you. Call Solar Bear Tampa at (727) 471-7442 or request a free estimate today.