Author: Solar Bear

How to Prepare Your Solar Power System for a Hurricane: 6 Expert Tips

In Tampa, hurricane season is more than just a time of year—it’s a way of life. As a solar power system owner, you’ve likely considered how to protect your investment when the wind and rain start picking up. Good news: with the right preparation, your solar panels can weather the storm like a champ. Here’s how to guarantee your solar setup is hurricane-ready, straight from the experts at Solar Bear of Tampa.

1. Inspect Your System Before the Storm Hits

Think of this as a pre-game checkup for your solar power system. Before any storm warnings hit, schedule a professional inspection to ensure everything is in tip-top shape. Look for loose bolts, damaged panels, or any wear and tear that could make your system vulnerable.

If you’ve got a habit of DIY fixes, resist the urge this time around. Hurricanes are no joke, and even a small oversight can lead to big problems. Call in the pros to get peace of mind.

2. Secure Loose Components

Hurricane winds are relentless, and they don’t discriminate. Anything loose is fair game to get swept up, including solar panels, mounts, and other components. Make sure every bolt, bracket, and frame is tightened and secured.

Got rooftop panels? Double-check that mounting hardware is rated for high winds. Many modern systems are designed to handle hurricane-force gusts, but it never hurts to double down on safety.

3. Invest in a Backup Battery System

Here’s where your solar system becomes a real MVP. Hurricanes often mean power outages, and a backup battery system can keep your lights on when the grid goes dark. Follow our pro tips and while everyone else scrambles for candles, you’ll be powering your fridge, phone, and maybe even a few fans:

• Make sure your battery is fully charged before the storm hits.
• Consider investing in a system with smart monitoring so you can track its performance remotely.

4. Know When to Disconnect Your System

Sometimes, the best defense is a good offense. If a hurricane is bearing down on Tampa, it may be necessary to temporarily disconnect your solar system to protect it.

Check your inverter or monitoring system for a shut-off switch, and make sure you understand how to use it. Your installer can walk you through this process if you’re unsure. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

5. Clear the Surrounding Area

Flying debris is one of the biggest threats during a hurricane. Walk around your property and clear anything that could turn into a projectile—lawn chairs, flowerpots, or that stack of unused pavers you’ve been meaning to move. And while you’re at it, trim back any overhanging branches near your panels. A clean, clear area around your solar setup can significantly reduce the risk of damage.

6. Have a Post-Storm Game Plan

Once the skies clear, don’t just flip the switch and hope for the best. Inspect your system carefully (or better yet, call a professional to do it).

• Look for visible damage, like cracks or dents in your panels.
• Check the wiring to ensure nothing’s been dislodged.
• Monitor your system’s performance to make sure it’s operating as expected.

Even if everything looks fine, it’s worth having an expert come out for a full inspection.

Why Preparing Your Solar System Matters

Your solar power system is an investment—not just in energy savings but in your home’s resilience. Hurricanes may be unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. Taking these steps now can save you time, money, and stress when the winds start howling.

At Solar Bear of Tampa, we’re here to help you weather the storm—literally. Need assistance preparing your solar power system for hurricane season? Give us a call today at (727) 471-7442. A little preparation goes a long way, especially in the Sunshine State!

Should I Have My Solar Panels Cleaned After a Hurricane?

Hurricanes always leave a mess in their wake. However, there’s more to post-hurricane clean-up than tidying up the yard. There’s so much that happens on your roof that could be costing you electricity! Find out why you should have your solar panels cleaned after a hurricane and why Solar Bear Orlando is the one to trust for solar panel maintenance near you.

What a Storm Can Do to Your Solar Panels

Storms and hurricanes pick up a lot of dirt and scatter it in every direction imaginable. This is why rooftops look dusty in the aftermath, but properties with solar panels have it worse. Any dirt and other debris that can land on your roof can disrupt the exposure of your solar panels to the sun so that you lose out on collected energy.

Other things can happen to your solar panels after a hurricane, like getting knocked out of perfect alignment or losing connection to the power grid. Either way, you wouldn’t know unless you get them cleaned!

Learn more > Hurricane Preparedness and Solar Panels: How to Prepare

What Dirty Panels Means For Your Energy Efficiency

Anything that blocks your panel’s view of the sun can affect how much energy you are able to collect and store. Even so much as a thin layer of dust can be enough to block UV rays and keep your panels from operating at maximum efficiency. The more hurricanes that go by without proper maintenance, the more build-up that you’ll find on your solar panels which will make it even more difficult to collect the energy you need.

Other things that can block your solar panels after a hurricane include twigs, leaves, trash, and anything else that can get picked up and thrown by heavy winds. This is why it’s essential to have them cleaned after every hurricane, of course, by a professional.

How to Restore Your Solar Panel’s Functionality After a Storm

Attempting to clean your solar panels yourself might not be enough to completely restore your energy-saving capabilities, and it’s dangerous. When you leave the task to a professional, they will also be able to run a performance check to ensure peak functionality and suggest any repairs if needed. These post-storm inspections are a foolproof way to make sure your solar panels are working exactly as they should.

Proactive Care Is Key to Peak Energy Efficiency You shouldn’t wait until the next storm or hurricane to get your solar panels checked. Routine inspection is the best way to keep your panels in the best shape possible and avoid the need for preventable repairs or premature replacements. Opt for regular inspections at least once or twice a year on top of post-hurricane cleanings for maximum longevity and peak energy efficiency.

Call Solar Bear Orlando For Post-Storm Solar Panel Maintenance!

Whether you need your solar panels cleaned after a hurricane or you want to opt for routine inspections, Solar Bear Orlando is the one to trust for solar panel maintenance near you. Call (727) 471-7442 today for a free estimate on our solar panel services and to make an appointment.

Can I Rollover Unused Solar Tax Credits Into the Next Year?

You’ve gone solar. You’re saving on energy bills, lowering your carbon footprint, and maybe even enjoying the smug satisfaction of watching your electric meter run backward. But when it comes to tax season, you might find yourself wondering: “What happens if I don’t use all my solar tax credits this year? Can I roll them over into the next year?”

Short answer: Yes, you can. But let’s be careful, because tax credits aren’t exactly known for their straightforward simplicity. Luckily, we’re here to help.

What Are Solar Tax Credits?

First, a quick refresher. Solar tax credits—officially called the Investment Tax Credit (ITC)—are your reward for taking the leap into renewable energy. The federal incentive lets you claim a percentage of your solar installation costs on your taxes. For systems installed in 2024, you can deduct 30% of the total cost from your federal taxes. That’s a huge deal.

But here’s the catch: tax credits only apply to what you owe Uncle Sam. If your federal tax bill is smaller than your total credit, you won’t get a check for the difference. Instead, you’re left with unused credits. Which brings us to the good news.

Rollover? Yes, Please.

The federal solar tax credit allows for rollovers into future tax years. So, if you install solar panels this year but your tax bill isn’t hefty enough to absorb the entire credit, you don’t lose out. You can carry those unused credits forward and apply them to next year’s taxes. It’s a pause on your savings, until you need them. So, for example:

• Your solar system costs $25,000.
• 30% of that cost equals a $7,500 tax credit.
• If you only owe $5,000 in federal taxes this year, you can use $5,000 of your credit now and roll over the remaining $2,500 to next year.

No stress. No loss. Just a little patience.

How Long Can I Keep Rolling Them Over?

Good question. The ITC doesn’t have an infinite shelf life, but it’s generous. You can roll over unused solar tax credits for up to five years. That’s five tax seasons to make the most of your investment. For most homeowners, that’s plenty of time to claim every penny of their credit.

Quick Tips to Make the Most of Your Solar Tax Credit

Rolling over unused credits gives Tampa homeowners the flexibility to maximize their benefits, even if their tax liability doesn’t line up perfectly in the first year. No pressure to “use it or lose it.” Just peace of mind as you soak up the savings. Make the most of them by:

1. Talk to a Tax Pro. Tax codes can get tricky. A professional can help you navigate your credit and ensure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to.
2. Keep Records. Save receipts, contracts, and proof of payment for your solar installation. You’ll need them when it’s time to file.
3. Plan Ahead. If you anticipate a low tax liability this year, remember that your credits will still be there waiting next year.

The Future Is Bright—Save With Solar

Unused solar tax credits don’t have to be a source of stress. They’re a tool—one that helps you get the full financial reward of going solar, whether it happens all at once or over several years. So, go ahead. Enjoy your lower energy bills and your reduced carbon footprint. Your solar savings aren’t going anywhere!

Ready to roll those credits into a brighter, sunnier future? We thought so. Solar Bear of Tampa can help you maximize your solar benefits, from making sure your installation qualifies for the ITC to helping you plan for tax season. Reach out today at (727) 471-7442—let’s turn your solar investment into long-term savings and peace of mind.

Do Solar Panels Increase Property Taxes in Florida?

If you’ve decided to install solar panels at your Orlando or Central Florida home, congratulations! You’ve just made a fantastic decision to take your electricity into your own hands, and we couldn’t be more excited. But you may still be wondering if your solar array will increase your property taxes, and that’s a great question!

Our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares what you should know about solar energy and property taxes in the state of Florida.

Do Home Improvements Impact Property Taxes?

First, let’s take a moment to discuss how Florida’s property taxes are calculated. Property taxes are determined by the county you live in and the value of your specific property. When you invest in home improvements, this can have a significant impact on the value of your home, which can sometimes cause your home to be assessed, and tax value reassigned depending on the improvements that you have made to your property.

Solar panels do add value to homes based on home appraisals, and depending on the size and location of the home, can increase the value of the property by 10-15 thousand dollars. While an increase like this may lead to slightly higher property taxes in many states, this is not the case in Florida. Any increase in property value due to the installation of a solar array is exempt.

Florida Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy

This exemption is due to the Florida Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy law which allows Florida homeowners to install solar panel systems at their homes without experiencing an increase in property taxes.

This abatement, which was introduced in 2013, is available through the end of 2037. It works like this:

Say your property taxes are $4,000 each year. If you install solar panels, which in this example we will say adds $30,000 to your home’s value, your tax rate will remain the same instead of increasing like it would in other states.

And the best part? This isn’t the only tax-related solar policy that benefits homeowners in the Sunshine State. Make sure you take advantage of the solar sales tax exemption for your solar equipment, which helps you save more money when you decide to go solar!

Read More > Can HOAs Legally Deny Solar Panels in Florida?

Choose Solar Bear Orlando

Installing a solar array in Central Florida is a smart decision for many reasons. First, you’ll gain energy independence, and second, it can be a smart financial decision with many perks that you can take advantage of. And now you know that you can increase your home’s value with solar without worrying about higher property taxes. We call that a major win!

If you’re ready to go solar, consider partnering with our pros at Solar Bear Orlando. We are considered one of the #1 solar companies in Florida for a reason, and our commitment to helping homeowners experience a sustainable future is what drives us forward every day.

Get started by contacting us for a no-hassle quote today at (727) 471-7442!