Author: Solar Bear

How Will Tariffs Impact Solar Pricing in 2025?

Solar has never been more popular. It’s more efficient and affordable than ever before. But will that change in 2025? With new trade policies and tariffs on the table, some homeowners worry that the cost of going solar might rise. It’s a valid concern, but here’s the reality: solar is still one of the smartest investments you can make. Even if prices shift, the long-term savings—and energy independence—still outweigh short-term costs. So, what do you need to know about tariffs and their potential impact on solar pricing? Here’s what we know:

Will Solar Costs Go Up in 2025?

Maybe. But not by much. Increased tariffs on solar panels, inverters, and batteries could lead to higher upfront costs for some equipment. That’s because many solar components are still sourced from overseas. But there’s a bright side:

• S. solar manufacturing is growing—meaning more domestic production could help stabilize prices.
• Federal tax credits and incentives remain in place, offsetting potential cost increases.
• Electricity rates keep rising, making solar an even smarter financial decision. Even with tariffs, solar remains one of the best ways to cut long-term energy costs.

How Tariffs Could Affect Solar in 2025

Tariffs may cause some short-term price fluctuations, but they won’t change the bigger picture—solar is still one of the smartest energy investments you can make. Here’s what to expect, and why it still makes so much sense to go solar in 2025.

• Higher Costs for Imported Panels: New tariffs could increase the cost of imported solar panels. But most estimates suggest the increase would be moderate, not massive.
• Supply Chain Shifts: Fewer imports from China could disrupt the supply chain temporarily, but U.S. manufacturers will step in to fill the gap. That could mean a short-term adjustment period but a stronger domestic solar market in the long run.
• Battery Prices May Rise: Tariffs on lithium-ion solar batteries could jump to 25% sooner than expected. If you’re considering solar with battery storage, now might be the best time to buy.
• The Long-Term Payoff Stays the Same: Even if installation costs rise slightly, solar still pays for itself. Between federal tax credits, state incentives, and lower electric bills, homeowners continue to save thousands over time.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Go Solar

If you’re thinking about solar, 2025 is still the year to make the switch. Why?

• Take Advantage of Incentives: The 30% federal tax credit remains, meaning big savings on installation costs.
• Electric Rates Are Rising: The longer you wait, the more you pay to the utility company.
• Solar Panels Last 25+ Years: Even if tariffs impact prices, solar still provides decades of savings.

Solar Is Still a Smart Investment—Don’t Wait to Lock in Your Savings

Yes, tariffs might shift the numbers slightly—but solar energy is still the best long-term energy solution. If you’re thinking about going solar, lock in your pricing now before any changes take effect. Contact Solar Bear of Tampa today at (727) 471-7442 and start saving—no matter what happens with tariffs.

What Are The Best Solar Financing Options For Orlando Homeowners?

If you’re an Orlando homeowner and are considering making the switch to solar power, you’re in the right place! We are excited to help you choose the right system for your home, and if you need financing, we can help you with that too!

Follow along as our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares some of the best financing options for your system.

Understanding Solar Financing

Whether you want to pay for your system upfront, look into loans, or consider leasing options, there are several ways to finance your solar system in Orlando.

#1. Cash Purchase

If you have the funds available, buying your solar system outright is one of the best ways to finance it as it saves you from accruing interest, and you won’t have to pay monthly payments.

#2. Solar Loans

If you aren’t ready to pay upfront, solar loans can be a great option. Signing up for a solar loan allows you to pay for the cost of your system over several years.

Some of the loans available include:

• Home Equity Loans: These allow you to borrow against the equity that you’ve built in your home and often have lower interest rates.
• Personal Loans: These kinds of loans can be unsecured or secured and typically have fixed interest rates.
• Solar-Specific Loans: Many lenders offer loans specifically for solar installations. We work with EnerBank ™ and Sunlight Financial ™.

If you are unsure of which option may be best for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for help. We are happy to assist you in getting your system financed!

#3.Leasing Options

Leasing can be another option, which is where you pay a monthly fee to use solar panels while the solar company retains ownership. This also means that you will enjoy lower up-front costs and maintenance. However, one thing to keep in mind is that you won’t be able to take advantage of tax credits since you aren’t purchasing the system yourself.

Tips For Choosing The Right Option

Consider these tips to help you choose the right financing option:

Evaluate Your Finances: Consider your current financial situation and how much you can afford to pay upfront or monthly. This will help you determine which situation is best for you.

Research Incentives: Consider local, state, and federal incentives that can help reduce costs, such as tax credits and rebates. The Federal Solar Tax Credit is an option, as well as state and local tax rebates.

Consult with Experts: Our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to help! We are always happy to discuss the best financing options available for your unique situation.

Read More: What Are the Best Ways to Invest in Your Home?

Go Solar with Solar Bear Orlando

As you can see, there are plenty of solar financing options available for Orlando homeowners to make the switch to solar energy. Whether you choose to buy, lease, or finance your solar system, choosing to go solar has many benefits!

If you have any questions or want to ask us about our solar financing options, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (727) 471-7442 today!

Can A Home With Solar Panels Also Use A Generator?

Being a homeowner in Florida calls for a lot more compared to living in most other states. People in Tampa need to account for unexpected power outages due to frequent storms, and they need to make the most of their sunny days with a complete solar panel system to boot. These two appliances are essential, but can they be used together? Find out how solar panels and generators work under the same roof before calling Solar Bear Tampa for reliable solar panel installation in your area!

Solar Panels and Generators Work Together, Just Not Together

Having solar panels and power generators work back-to-back makes for a great combo in Tampa households. The only problem is, they don’t exactly work at the same time. Why? Simply because they can’t. These appliances aren’t designed to operate simultaneously, but that doesn’t mean they don’t benefit each other.

How it works is that your solar panels gather up energy during the day and store it in a backup battery for later. When the power goes out and your generators kick on, it uses the solar power that you’ve collected and puts it to good use. This reliable setup is especially popular among Tampa homeowners who like the reassurance of passive backup power for emergencies.

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

What You Need to Incorporate a Solar Panel/Generator Hybrid Setup:

For a proper solar panel/power generator setup in Tampa, you’ll need a few essential items to ensure that everything runs smoothly in times of crisis. Here’s your must-have checklist:

Solar Battery Storage

Your generators need to have a source of solar power to pull from, and that would be your solar battery storage. This battery storage system acts as a tank for collected solar energy to funnel into for later use like when you need to operate your backup power generators. Just keep in mind that solar batteries require maintenance to guarantee they stay in working condition!

A Hybrid Inverter

Hybrid solar panel/backup generator systems in Tampa, FL work best with a compatible hybrid inverter. This inverter allows your home to effortlessly swap between solar panel, generator, and grid power as needed. Systems can be made to work automatically which can come in handy when you’re not able to see clearly or make it to the controls.

An Automatic Transfer Switch

When you want your solar panel/generator hybrid system to work automatically in your Tampa home, you’ll need an automatic transfer switch (or ATS). Properties equipped with an ATS will sense power outages and respond by switching your power source without the need for manual inputs.

Take this scenario:

A heavy storm in Tampa, FL causes a power outage in your neighborhood. You are in a dark room with no easy way to make it to your backup generator safely. Thanks to your fully-equipped solar panel/generator hybrid system, your generators automatically route your backup solar power to your home and get your electricity up and running again.

Call Solar Bear Tampa Today For a Reliable Solar Panel Setup!

Protect yourself from unexpected power outages with a complete solar panel/backup generator hybrid setup in your Tampa home! Call Solar Bear Tampa today at (727) 471-7442 for more information about having this reliable system installed and to book an appointment for an on-site consultation.

New Roof After Hurricane Milton? Here’s Why Now’s a Great Time to Install Solar

Hurricane Milton left its mark. High winds, pounding rain, and the unmistakable sound of shingles peeling off rooftops across Tampa. If your home needs a new roof, there’s a silver lining to all the chaos—right now is the perfect time to go solar.

New Roof and Solar—A Power Move

Most homeowners don’t realize this, but your roof and solar panels go hand in hand. Installing panels on a brand-new roof? That’s a smart investment move. Why? Because you won’t have to worry about removing and reinstalling solar panels when it’s time for a future roof replacement. Put simply, you save money and hassle down the road.

If your roof is getting replaced anyway, adding solar now means one seamless project, one crew, and one major upgrade to your home’s value.

Financial Incentives? Tampa Homeowners, Take Note

Here’s where it gets even better: there are serious financial perks to installing solar in Florida right now.

• Federal Solar Tax Credit: The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) lets you deduct 30% of your solar installation costs from your federal taxes.
• Florida Property Tax Exemption: Solar panels won’t increase your property taxes, even though they boost home value.
• Sales Tax Exemption: You’ll pay zero sales tax on your solar system.
• Net Metering Benefits: Excess energy your system generates? It goes back into the grid, lowering your electric bill.

Hurricane-Resilient Power

Florida weather is unpredictable, but here’s what we do know: hurricanes mean power outages. Solar panels with a battery backup system keep your home powered even when the grid goes down. That means lights stay on, refrigerators keep running, phones stay charged—life goes on uninterrupted. There’s no scrambling for gas generators. You aren’t left sitting in the dark.

Lock in Energy Savings NOW

With utility costs rising, locking in lower energy bills with solar just makes sense. Pairing solar with your new roof means maximum efficiency from day one. You’re setting your home up for decades of lower energy costs—and more independence from the grid.

Make the Smart Move With Tampa Bay’s Preferred Solar Partner

If Hurricane Milton left you needing a new roof, take this as an opportunity. Go solar now! You’ll save money, take advantage of tax incentives, and protect your home from future outages. Solar Bear of Tampa is here to help! Get in touch today at (727) 471-7442, and let’s turn this setback into an upgrade.