Author: Solar Bear

What Happens Once I’ve Paid Off My Solar Panels?

If you’re looking for a sustainable energy solution, solar is a great option. You might be hesitant to take the plunge because of the initial costs, but don’t let that scare you off. With rebates and tax incentives, you’ll find that the up-front costs aren’t as daunting as they seem. But what happens once you pay off your solar panels? Read on to find out!

You’ve Paid Off Your Solar Panels—Now What?

Once you pay off your solar energy system, you can continue to enjoy free energy from the sun for years to come. Many homeowners who have installed solar panels have completely eliminated their electric bills, and while some might still have a small bill during seasonal changes or in cases of high energy usage, the benefits of solar energy are undeniable. Plus, with energy costs predicted to keep rising, your savings will be even greater year over year.

Not only does it save you money, but solar is also great for the environment. Solar energy is clean and renewable, meaning we can harness its power without damaging the environment. Solar panels also don’t produce any greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change. By utilizing solar energy, homeowners can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and help protect the earth for future generations.

How Net-Metering Can Boost Your Solar Energy System’s ROI

If you’re looking to maximize the return on your investment in solar energy, net-metering is an option that can help you accomplish just that. With net-metering, any excess energy that your solar system collects can be sold back to the grid. Not only will you reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources, but you’ll also have the opportunity to earn money from the energy you produce.

This program is an effective way to offset the initial cost of your solar energy system, ultimately leading to a higher ROI over time. If you’re interested in exploring net metering as an option for your property, speaking with a solar energy expert is a great first step.

Enjoy a Higher Property Value

After you’ve paid off your solar energy system, you’ll enjoy another significant benefit—increased home value. Studies have shown that homes with solar panels tend to sell for more than those without them, and they can even sell faster.

Prospective buyers are looking for energy-efficient homes that can save them money on their monthly utility bills—and they’re also looking to do good for the environment. It’s no secret that solar energy can truly set your home apart from others on the market.

Make the Switch to Solar Today!

Homeowners who invest in solar energy systems can enjoy energy savings for years to come. Think about all the money you’ll save each month on your bills! Plus, you’ll be doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint, which is always a positive thing. So go ahead and make the switch to solar—it’s a wise investment that will pay off in the long run. Call Solar Bear of Tampa at (727) 471-7442 and take the first step toward free energy today!

What Tests Are Conducted During a Solar Installation?

As the demand for renewable energy sources grows, many homeowners are considering adding solar power to their homes. Solar power installations can be a great way to reduce your electricity bill and do your part in reducing emissions!

But what tests are conducted during a solar installation? In this guide, our solar pros at Solar Bear Orlando break down the different tests conducted during solar power installations and explain how they help ensure the system is safe and working properly.

Revealed: Tests Needed for Successful Solar Install

During solar installation, several tests are conducted to ensure that the system is functioning optimally. They include:

Quality of Sunlight

If you’re considering a solar installation for your Central Florida home, one of the first things you need to know is how much sunlight your property gets throughout the day. After all, solar energy relies on the sun’s rays to generate electricity, so it’s important to make sure your property has enough sun exposure to make a solar installation worthwhile!

Luckily, this is something that can be easily assessed by our team at Solar Bear Orlando. During a solar installation assessment, we will measure and evaluate your property’s sun exposure.

This involves looking at factors such as:

• Roof orientation
• Shading from nearby trees or buildings
• Other potential obstacles that could impact the amount of sunlight reaching your panels.

By doing this assessment upfront, we can ensure that they design a system that maximizes your property’s renewable energy potential.

Electrical Safety Check

Next, an electrical safety check must be carried out to make sure all connections are secure and there are no exposed wires.

These tests include:

Ground Continuity

Continuity testing is an essential step in verifying the grounding and bonding connections in electrical systems. It ensures that all components are properly connected, allowing for a safe and efficient flow of electricity.

This type of testing involves checking the continuity of a circuit by measuring its resistance using a multimeter. This lessens the possibility of electrical shock and the harm that surges can pose to solar equipment.

Open Circuit Voltage

Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) is a crucial parameter in photovoltaic (PV) systems. It refers to the voltage that occurs when no current is flowing through a circuit. In other words, it is the maximum voltage that can be obtained from a solar panel under open-circuit conditions. OCV testing involves measuring this voltage and ensuring it falls within an acceptable range for the given PV system.

It’s essential to conduct OCV tests during PV system installation to verify the correct wiring and connections of solar panels in the array. A deviation from expected values may indicate issues like damaged or faulty components, poor connections or reverse polarity of modules which may cause safety hazards and affect overall system performance.

Short Circuit Current

Short circuit current tests are an important aspect of ensuring the safety and performance of a solar system. This testing is done to verify that the PV string source circuits are functioning properly and that there are no issues with their readings. Short circuit currents occur when there is a fault or problem in the electrical circuit, which can cause damage to equipment and create hazards for people working on or around the system.

During short-circuit current testing, our technicians will measure the maximum amount of current that flows through the PV system when it is short-circuited. This measurement helps identify any issues that may exist within the system, such as faults in wiring or connections. It also ensures that proper protective devices like fuses, breakers, and disconnects are installed so that any faults can be contained safely.

DC Wiring Polarity

DC wiring polarity is a critical aspect of any solar installation. It refers to the direction in which electric current flows through the wires in your system. Ensuring proper polarity is essential for maintaining efficiency and preventing damage to your components.

We test the DC wiring polarity of your solar installation with a multimeter.

This device can measure:

• Voltage
• Resistance
• Current flow

This allows us to determine whether your system is functioning correctly.

Once these tests have been completed, we will move on to testing individual components such as inverters, cables, and junction boxes. These checks determine whether each part is working correctly and if any adjustments need to be made for maximum efficiency.

Central Florida Solar Installations

Solar Bear Orlando is your go-to source for solar installation in Central Florida. We are passionate about helping our customers reduce their carbon footprint and save money in the process. Our team of experienced technicians will help you every step of the way, from design and installation to financing options.

Ready to get started? Contact our solar energy pros at Solar Bear Orlando for a solar installation quote today at (727) 471-7442!

Do Solar Panels Affect My Home’s Appraisal?

As the cost of electricity rises—with no signs of slowing down—a solar energy system is one of the best investments you can make for your home. By collecting free energy from the sun’s rays, a high-quality solar energy system can reduce or completely eliminate your electricity bill. In some cases, it can even earn you money if you collect enough power to send it back to the grid. But how do solar panels affect your home’s appraisal? Read on to learn everything you need to know

Solar Panels Have a Positive Impact on Home Value

According to a study from Zillow, solar panels do affect the appraisal value of your home in a big way. The study found that buyers are prioritizing energy efficiency more and more—so much so that they’re willing to pay 4.1% more on average than comparable homes that don’t have solar. 

What’s more, a solar home study from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Berkeley National Laboratory found that homebuyers are willing to add $15,000 or more to the price of a home that’s already equipped with solar power. It’s clear that a solar home energy system is a major selling point if you choose to put your home on the market in the future. Not only can it help you get a better price for your home, but it can also generate immediate buyer interest, helping your property sell quicker.

Maximizing Your Solar Energy Investment

As you consider making the switch to solar, remember that choosing the very best solar energy technology raises the appraised value and potential selling price of your home. It’s wise to invest in top-quality panels that provide maximum efficiency. Also, consider the following solar upgrades and programs that can bring your upfront costs down and bring you the best return on your investment:

• Government Incentives. There are several solar incentives available on the federal, state, and local levels across the country. For example, homeowners who make the switch to solar enjoy a federal tax deduction equal to 30% of the overall cost of installation.

• Net-Metering. If you invest in a high-quality solar energy system, your panels will likely collect more energy than your home needs. With net-metering programs, you can sell this extra energy back to the grid. 

• Solar Batteries. If net-metering isn’t available in your area—or you’d rather store extra energy just in case—it’s wise to invest in a solar battery. You can save up energy that you can use in case of blackouts, days with low sunlight, or at night.

Invest in Your Home by Switching to Solar

Ready to raise your home value and enjoy energy independence all at once? Switching to solar energy to power your home provides several benefits, as long as you invest in a high-quality system. The solar experts at Solar Bear of Tampa are ready to install a premium solar energy system that helps you make the most of your investment. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 for an estimate! 

What Happens to Solar Batteries When the Storage Is Full?

Solar power is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative energy source, and one important component of this technology is solar batteries. But what happens when the storage in your solar battery is full?

Our team at Solar Bear Orlando explains this process in detail in this article. We’ll cover what happens to solar batteries when the storage capacity is reached, as well as some tips to make sure your system stays running smoothly. Let’s jump in!

What Are Solar Batteries?

Solar batteries are an innovative solution to store the energy that comes from solar panels. These batteries store excess energy generated by solar panels during peak hours and release it when necessary, allowing homeowners to use solar power even when the sun isn’t shining. With a solar battery system, you can increase your consumption of renewable energy and reduce your reliance on the grid.

There are two types of solar batteries you can choose from:

• Lead-acid
• Lithium-ion.

Lead-acid batteries are more affordable but have a shorter lifespan than lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive but last longer and offer better performance.

While both types of batteries can be used for storing solar energy, it’s important to choose one that suits your specific needs based on factors such as:

• Budget
• Storage capacity
• Discharge rate
• Maintenance requirements

What Happens When Solar Batteries Are Full?

When your solar batteries are full, excess electricity will be sent back to the grid. This means you can earn credits with your utility company and potentially even receive payment for the excess energy you produce. Not only does this reduce your dependence on traditional power sources, but it can also help offset any costs associated with installing and maintaining a solar system.

Second, modern solar systems come equipped with smart technology that monitors energy usage in real time. When your batteries are full, this technology will automatically redirect any additional energy toward powering appliances or devices within your home or business.

How Can I Prevent My Solar Batteries from Becoming Full?

If you’re concerned about your solar batteries becoming full, don’t worry! There are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening.

• Consider installing a charge controller. This device helps regulate the amount of energy that goes into your battery and prevents overcharging. Additionally, some charge controllers have settings for different types of batteries, so make sure to select the appropriate one.

• Adjust the angle and position of your solar panels. In Florida, where we enjoy plenty of sunshine all year round, it’s important to ensure that your panels are positioned correctly to receive maximum sunlight. You can do this by using a solar panel mounting kit or consulting with a professional installer.

• Consider adding more appliances or devices that use electricity in your home. This will help draw more electricity from your solar battery to ensure that it doesn’t reach capacity. Recommendations include a solar pool pump, or how about a solar-powered outdoor kitchen? That would be pretty cool!

Choose Solar Bear Orlando

Ready to install a solar panel system or solar battery for your Orlando or Central Florida home? Look no further than Solar Bear Orlando! Our skilled team of solar pros will help you choose the perfect setup for you so you can begin your journey to energy independence!

Contact us to get started today at (727) 471-7442!