Author: Solar Bear

Weather & Solar Panel Performance: 4 Considerations For Summer Showers

Solar panels work best on a bright sunny day. That should mean smooth sailing all summer, right? Maybe for most other states, but Florida is a special place. We get summer showers in Orlando, which can come with its fair share of problems. Find out how summer showers can impact your solar panel’s performance before reaching out to Solar Bear Orlando for solar services you can count on!

Why Summer Showers Are a Big Deal For Solar Panels

Summer showers aren’t all bad for solar panels, but they might not be the most ideal, either. On the bright side, rain spells in Orlando can be nature’s way of giving your solar panels a good wash for a low-effort sparkle and shine. On the downside, cloudy skies mean no solar energy for the day. It’s a double-edged sword that can be taken care of with the right precautions.

The Future Is Looking Promising Although their standardization in the general market is still being worked on as we speak, hybrid solar panels are currently in development and can mark the future of residential solar energy. Hybrid solar panels are intended to work in the sun and rain, an invaluable trait for Florida homeowners. Until then, we’ll help you maintain your current solar panel system!

1. Clean Your Solar Panels. It’s the Best Thing You Can Do

You might have heard or even experienced yourself that dirty solar panels produce less solar. While summer showers can give your panels a quick rinse, some areas in Orlando might not get the full brunt of rain. You might have to do a bit of deep cleaning yourself to ensure that your solar panels are sparkly clean and ready to soak in the sun once the sky clears up.

2. Be Gentle With Your Solar Panels to Combat Rain

It’s not enough to simply clean your solar panels. You have to clean them the right way. Harsh chemicals and other cleaning solutions may do more harm than good to your solar panel’s surface, wearing them out faster than their intended lifespan. Pressure washing is also a no-go as the force of the stream is too intense for any solar panel to handle. Ask your trusted solar experts in Orlando for tips on the best ways to gently clean your solar panels for the best results.

3. Be Prepared For Cloudy Weather With a Reliable Solar Battery

You might not be able to collect as much solar energy during summer showers, but you can still utilize solar energy with the right setup. By adding a solar battery storage system to your solar panel system in Orlando, you can keep some solar energy off to the side to use for a rainy day. We mean that in the literal sense.

4. Keep An Eye On It

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is be proactive in spotting signs of potential issues in your solar panel system. In between summer showers is the best time to opt for an inspection of your solar panels so the problem can be fixed before extreme weather takes its toll. It’s best not to wait too long between inspections, as pest activity can quickly ruin your setup.

Read more > Can Pest Prevention Help Improve Solar Power Efficiency?

Need Solar Panel Maintenance? Solar Bear Orlando Is the Place to Call!

We want you to have the best experience with your solar panel system, which is why you can always count on Solar Bear Orlando for top-notch solar services near you! Contact us today at (727) 353-3886 to get a free estimate on your next service and to schedule a consultation.

Solar Panels as a Retirement Investment: 5 Considerations

When people talk about planning for their golden years, they usually start with 401(k)s, IRAs, or real estate. But here’s something more homeowners are waking up to—solar panels should play a role in your retirement plan.

In Tampa, where the sun’s working overtime most days, investing in solar can stretch your dollars and simplify your bills. And when you’re living on a fixed income, predictability isn’t just nice—it’s true peace of mind. So, is going solar a smart move for retirement? It is, and here’s why.

1. Financial Benefits

Retirement is about working less and enjoying more. Solar helps with that.

• Reduce (or Eliminate) Electric Bills: Your solar panels generate power from the sun, slashing or eliminating what you owe to the utility company.
• Avoid Rising Utility Rates: Electricity costs keep climbing. Solar lets you lock in your energy at a fixed cost—zero.
• Boost Your Home’s Value: According to national studies, homes with solar sell faster and for more. That’s equity you can tap into.
• Earn Extra Income: In some areas, net metering lets you sell unused energy back to the grid. That’s right—your roof could start writing checks.
• Take Advantage of Tax Breaks: The 30% federal solar tax credit is still in effect. That’s a huge chunk of change back in your pocket.

If you’re thinking long-term (and retirees usually are), solar is one of the few home upgrades that actually pays you back.

2. Cost and Financing

Yes, solar systems cost money. But let’s not panic—it’s surprisingly affordable.

• Expect to pay up to $30,000 upfront, depending on your system’s size and efficiency.
• Don’t want to drop that in cash? You don’t have to. Solar loans and HELOCs (Home Equity Lines of Credit) can spread the cost over time.
  • HELOCs might offer lower interest, but they’re variable.
  • Solar loans are fixed-rate and predictable—perfect for retirees.
• Most homeowners see a payback period of 7–12 years, after which you’re just collecting savings.

3. Performance and Maintenance

One of the best parts of solar? It’s mostly set-it-and-forget-it. Here’s what you can expect:

• Panels last 25–30 years—many with warranties that last just as long.
• Maintenance is minimal. A quick rinse now and then keeps them in top shape.
• Warranties typically cover both product and performance, though it’s worth double-checking what’s included.

4. Your Home’s Condition

Not every roof is ready for solar. But many are close.

• Is your roof in good shape? If not, consider replacing it before installing panels.
• Watch out for shade from trees or nearby buildings. More sun = more savings.
• Net metering in Tampa can turn extra power into real financial returns—check what your local utility offers.
• Most homeowners insurance policies will cover solar, but it’s worth a quick call to confirm.

If your house is already retirement-ready, shouldn’t your roof be, too?

5. Control, Stability, and Freedom

This is the real reason more retirees are going solar. You’ve worked for decades. Solar helps make those years ahead simpler, cleaner, and less expensive.

• No more anxiety about unpredictable energy bills.
• Protection from grid outages.
• The satisfaction of energy independence (trust us—it feels great).

Solar Can Be a Power Move for Your Retirement Plan—Ask Us How

Thinking of going solar in retirement? You’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it all out solo. Reach out to Solar Bear of Tampa and let’s talk through the numbers, options, and savings. It’s your home and your future, so why not let sunshine work for you? Call us today at (727) 353-3886 and discover how to fit solar energy into your retirement plan!

How Much Does It Cost To Insure My Solar Panels?

Solar panels can do wonders for your home, but they can run into some issues, too. Nothing is perfect, which is why solar panel insurance exists to protect your investment. Is it really worth the cost? This guide reveals how much you could be spending on solar panel insurance and whether it’s the right choice for you. Get top-quality solar panels and reliable solar panel insurance when you choose Solar Bear Tampa!

Throwing Out Some Rough Numbers

Much like car insurance, the cost of your solar panel insurance premiums is based on several factors so that no two amounts are alike between Tampa homeowners.

Here are some factors that can influence the cost of your solar panel insurance:

• The size of your solar panel system
• The location of your property
• Your selected insurance package
• The solar panel insurance company

With so many variables in the mix, solar panel insurance can cost anywhere from a hundred to a thousand dollars per year! For the convenience of Tampa homeowners, solar panel insurance is sometimes an available add-on for home or property insurance. This makes things easy by compiling everything onto a single monthly invoice.

Homeowners’ insurance can increase by an average of $15 per month with added solar panel insurance.

Here’s What Can Influence Your Solar Panel Insurance Rate:

The difference between $100 and $1k is rather vast. To see where you might land on the spectrum, you need a deeper understanding of the factors that impact your premium costs. Your solar experts in Tampa can go over the details of your solar panel insurance during a consultation.

Don’t Forget About Your Solar Incentives! Worried about spending too much on solar? There are ways to save a hefty wad of cash just by looking into federal and local solar incentives for Orlando residents!

Your Solar Insurance Company

As you might expect, different companies offer different rates on solar panel insurance in Tampa. This could be due to the quality of service, membership requirements, or no obvious reason at all.

The Scope of Your Insurance Coverage

You have options when you apply for solar panel insurance. Coverage can vary between basic plans and more comprehensive policies. The more that your solar panel insurance policy covers, the more it will cost.

The Size of Your Solar Panel System

The more solar panels you have, the greater the liability. The same goes if your panels are larger than average. When the cost to repair or replace your system is estimated to be higher, your premiums will go up in response.

Your Local Environment

Your home’s location can also prove to be a liability to your solar panel insurance company. Properties in Tampa’s high-risk areas that see occasional storms and earthquakes are likely to result in higher premiums.

Need Help Financing Your Solar? Solar Bear Tampa Can Help You Crunch the Numbers!

It’s worth it to insure your solar panels under the right circumstances. Call Solar Bear Tampa today at (727) 353-3886 to learn more about solar panel insurance or visit our FAQ page for more common questions answered!

What Costs Are Associated With Solar Batteries?

So, you’re thinking about solar batteries. Maybe you’ve already got panels soaking up the Florida sun on your roof. Maybe you’re planning to install your first full system. Either way, you’ve got one big question: What is a solar battery really going to cost me?

It’s a fair question. Solar batteries are a smart move in the long run, but there’s a wide price range—and it pays to know what’s behind it. At Solar Bear of Tampa, we’re all about helping homeowners in the Tampa area make confident, clear decisions. So, we’re explaining it all.

What’s the Average Cost of a Solar Battery?

The short answer: most homeowners spend around $10,000 on a solar battery system. According to Angi, you could pay as little as $6,000 or as much as $12,000 for a standard residential system. Some larger or custom setups even reach the $20,000 mark. Where you fall on that spectrum depends on a few key factors—starting with the battery itself.

What Makes Up the Solar Battery Price?

We want to walk you through the major components of solar battery pricing:

1. The Battery Itself

Solar batteries are priced by capacity. The more energy they store, the more they cost. On average, solar batteries run between $400 and $750 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Most homes use 10 kWh, which puts your battery somewhere in the $4,000 to $7,500 range.

Different battery chemistries also affect cost:

• Lithium-ion:$7,000–$30,000.
• Lithium-iron-phosphate:$9,000–$30,000.
• Lead-acid:$5,000–$15,000 (less common today).

Popular brands like Tesla and Enphase hover around $9,500–$12,000, while budget-friendly options like LG start at $6,000.

2. Labor & Installation

This is where it adds up. Professional installation costs typically range from $2,000 to $3,500. That includes mounting, wiring, and system testing. Larger systems take more time—so more labor.

And yes, you’ll want a licensed pro. Solar batteries are powerful tech. They deserve expert hands.

3. Extra Equipment

Some setups need an inverter ($1,000–$1,500) or even a backup load panel ($1,000–$2,000) to keep critical appliances powered during outages. If your electrical system needs updating, rewiring may add to the cost.

4. Ongoing & Long-Term Costs

The sticker price isn’t the end of the story. Like any major system in your home, solar batteries require some maintenance.

• Regular Checkups: Expect to spend $150 to $300 every year or two for firmware updates and inspections.
• Repairs: This is hard to estimate, but enclosed systems can be more expensive to fix.
• Replacement: Most solar batteries last 10 to 15 years. You might only replace one unit if your system is modular—but full system replacement could be the better call if it’s aged out.

Don’t Forget the Incentives

Here’s the good news: The federal solar tax credit can cover 30% of the total cost of your solar energy system. If you already have a system and want to upgrade with a solar battery, 30% of that cost is covered, too. That means your $10,000 system suddenly costs you closer to $7,000 when it’s all said and done. And if you live in a state or utility district with rebates? You might see your payback period drop from 10 years to just 5 or 6.

Are Solar Batteries Worth It? Yes!

Solar batteries aren’t cheap—but they’re worth it. Especially if you’re already investing in solar panels or looking to cut ties with unpredictable utility rates.

Ready to find out what a solar battery system would cost for your home? Let Solar Bear of Tampa help. Call us at (727) 353-3886, and we’ll walk you through the real numbers and build a plan that makes sense—for today and for the long haul.