Author: Solar Bear

What Extra Advantages Do Floridians Have With Solar?

If you’re ready to go solar in Central Florida, congrats! You’ve just made a great decision and are one step closer to energy independence! With abundant sunshine year-round, Florida is one of the best places to harness solar power, but did you know that there are several other advantages beyond clean energy?

Our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares some extra perks that Floridians can expect when choosing to go solar.

#1. Energy Independence

Of course, one of the biggest advantages of going solar is energy independence. By generating your own electricity from the sun, you are able to become less reliant on utility companies which can help mitigate fluctuating energy prices.

#2. Tax Rebates & Incentives

Floridians can take advantage of different tax rebates and incentives. First, the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can cover a large part of installation costs. Plus, many local and state programs can offer additional financial benefits that can help reduce the cost of the initial investment.

#3. Increased Home Value

If you want to boost your property’s value, installing solar panels is a great idea! In recent years, homes that have solar energy systems installed have sold at a higher cost than those without.

This means that you aren’t just saving money on your utilities but also making a smart investment if you decide to sell your home in the future.

#4. Environmental Impact

When going solar, Floridians can contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment overall. This helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which in turn decreases greenhouse gas emissions.

Bottom line? Supporting solar energy helps protect Florida’s stunning landscapes and natural resources for many years to come.

#5. Return on Investment

Though installing solar often comes with a high upfront cost, the return on investment can be substantial. In general, you can expect to get your money back from your solar investment in about 7 to 10 years. And once it’s paid off, you will enjoy electricity at no cost for the rest of your system’s life, which can be more than 25 years or more.

#6. Low Maintenance Costs

Solar panel systems are built to last and require minimal maintenance, which is great for Floridians who want to generate power without too much upkeep. Unlike traditional energy sources that need frequent repairs, solar energy can withstand harsh weather conditions and only needs to be cleaned a few times a year.

Choose Solar Bear Orlando

At Solar Bear Orlando, we believe solar should be accessible to every Floridian. Whether you want to reduce your energy costs, boost your home’s value, or make an impact on the environment, now is the perfect time to consider making the switch to solar.

Reach out to our team for a hassle-free quote by calling (727) 471-7442! We can’t wait to help you take advantage of Florida’s sunshine!

Is Solar Easy to Install Yourself?

DIY solar sounds tempting. You buy the panels, hook them up, and start saving money—right? Not so fast. Installing a home solar system isn’t like setting up a backyard fire pit. It’s complex, technical, and requires serious electrical know-how. And if something goes wrong? You could be looking at damaged equipment, safety hazards, or a system that barely generates power.

So, is solar easy to install yourself? Not even close. Here’s why:

Solar Isn’t a One-Size-Fits-All System

Before you even think about installing panels, you need to design the system itself. That means calculating your home’s energy needs, understanding how much sunlight your roof gets, and choosing the right panels, inverters, wiring, and mounting hardware.

Get it wrong? Your system could be undersized, overworked, or inefficient, meaning you won’t get the savings you expect. Professional solar installers customize systems for your home, for maximum performance and reliability.

Solar Is More Than Just Panels—It’s Electrical Work

Installing solar isn’t just about mounting panels on your roof. It’s a full-scale electrical project. You’re dealing with:

• High-voltage wiring(which, if mishandled, can be extremely dangerous).
• Inverters and battery connectionsthat require precise setup.
• Utility grid tie-insthat must meet strict safety standards.

One mistake, and you could damage your home’s electrical system—or worse, create a fire or electrocution risk. Licensed installers know how to wire everything safely, so your system works correctly without any risks to you or your home.

Permits, Codes, and Utility Approval—It’s a Lot

Think you can just throw panels on your roof and start soaking up the sun? Solar installations must comply with local building codes, electrical regulations, and utility requirements. That means:

• Getting the right permitsbefore installation.
• Passing inspectionsafter installation.
• Coordinating with your utility companyto connect your system to the grid.

Miss a step? You could face delays, fines, or even be forced to remove your system. Pro installers handle all of this for you, so you don’t have to deal with the red tape.

DIY Solar Can Void Warranties and Cost You More

Solar panels and inverters come with warranties—but only if they’re installed correctly. Manufacturers typically require professional installation to honor their warranties. If you install them yourself and something goes wrong? You’re on your own.

Plus, if you make a mistake during installation, repairs can cost more than hiring an installer in the first place. A pro guarantees your system is set up right the first time, protecting your investment and keeping everything under warranty.

So, Should You DIY Your Solar System? Absolutely Not!

Going solar is one of the best decisions you can make—but only if it’s done right. A professional solar installer designs the perfect system for your home, handles all the permits and approvals, and guarantees a safe, efficient installation. It’s simply the only way to go.

Solar Bear of Tampa makes the process easy and stress-free! Get in touch with us today at (727) 471-7442—we’ll handle everything so you can start saving without the hassle.

Leave Power Outages in 2024: 5 Options for Solar Backup Power

Power outages are more than just an inconvenience—they’re a disruption to your life. Lost work hours, spoiled food, and sweltering summer nights without AC? No, thank you. But here’s the good news: Solar backup power keeps your lights on and your life running, even when the grid goes dark. It’s time to future-proof your home? Here are five powerful solar backup options to leave outages behind in 2025.

1. Solar Batteries: Reliable, Sustainable Power Day and Night

When it comes to solar backup, nothing beats a solar battery. It stores the excess energy from your solar panels during the day and powers your home when the sun goes down—or when the grid fails. Popular models like the Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery integrate with your solar system and keep your home running smoothly. You won’t even notice the power went out.

This option is best for homeowners who want seamless power during outages. It’s silent, sustainable, and fully automatic. Plus, it can reduce your electricity bills by discharging stored power during peak rates.

2. Hybrid Inverters with Backup Capabilities: Smarter Power Control

Adding a battery to your existing solar system? A hybrid solar inverter acts as the brains of your system. It manages power from your panels and battery, so you’re always using the most efficient energy source available. With a hybrid inverter, you can store energy when rates are low and use it when rates are high—hello, savings!

3. Whole-Home Solar Generators: Ready for Anything

A whole-home solar generator is a powerhouse. It’s designed to provide backup power to your entire home, not just a few essential circuits. This option is typically best for larger homes or for property owners who can’t afford to lose power.

There are a lot of great features that come with whole-home solar generators. They’re scalable—add more solar panels or batteries to increase your backup capacity. Plus, unlike gas generators, these run on the sun—no fumes, no noise, and no fuel costs.

4. Portable Solar Generators: Power You Can Take Anywhere

Need something flexible? Portable solar generators are perfect for camping, tailgating, or powering small essentials during an outage. Portable units like the Jackery Explorer or Goal Zero Yeti are compact and easy to use, plus you can charge them from your home solar panels.

5. Solar-Powered Microgrids: The Ultimate Energy Independence

A solar microgrid is like having your own personal power plant. It’s a complete, independent energy system that can power your home—or even an entire neighborhood—off-grid. If you want complete energy independence, this is your best bet. They can combine solar, batteries, and even wind power for a fully sustainable system.

Leave Power Outages Behind—Solar Bear of Tampa Has You Covered

Don’t wait for the next storm to knock out your power! Solar Bear of Tampa has reliable solar backup solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you want a whole-home battery system or a portable solar generator, we’ve got you covered. It’s time to power your home with the sun—day or night. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 for a consultation and reclaim your energy independence!

Should I Always Leave My Solar Panels On?

You want to know how to be a responsible homeowner, and that includes optimizing your solar panel usage for peak energy efficiency. Your local solar panel experts are here to teach you how to operate your system as they were meant to be used! Today, we’re here to answer one common question: Should you leave your solar panels on at all times? Solar Bear Tampa is here with all of the details you’re looking for and to offer you top-notch solar panels and installation near you!

Why You Simply Don’t “Turn Off” Your Solar Panels

Solar panels collect energy throughout the day to either be used immediately or stored away for later. For maximum output, your solar panels need to collect every ounce of sunlight from dusk to dawn. That can’t happen if your panels are shut off which is why solar panels aren’t really something that you “turn off” to begin with.

It doesn’t cost energy to collect solar power, so there’s no harm in letting your solar panels stay active 24/7. If you’re worried about potential hazards, read our risk mitigation tips regarding water and solar panels including recommended maintenance. Even then, water doesn’t pose as much of a threat to premium solar panels especially when installed by industry experts.

How to Squeeze Maximum Energy Collecting From Your Solar Panels

Letting your solar panels collect every bit of daylight is just the first step in achieving peak energy efficiency. You also need the right equipment to control the flow of energy and properly store the remainder when not in use. An optimal setup consists of additional solar appliances like a charge controller, solar inverter, and backup battery storage. With an entire solar panel management system on hand, you can make the most of your collected solar energy and prevent the consequences of overcharging.

Solar panels are meant to offer a long-term approach to energy savings, so it’s important to maximize your solar power output. Leave the installation to Solar Bear Tampa for a self-sufficient solar panel system that optimizes energy efficiency with minimal maintenance!

The Verdict: Yes, Let Your Solar Panels Do Their Thing!

The concept behind solar energy is that it’s meant to be the way of the future. That means producing the best results with little interference so that it’s easy for the average homeowner to do their part in helping our ecosystem. This is why solar panels are designed to perform their best without you having to manually turn the system on and off every day. So go ahead and let your solar panels do what they were meant to do!

Become Energy Dependent With 24/7 Solar Panel Systems From Solar Bear Tampa!

The bottom line is yes, you should always leave your solar panels on so they can rake in as much solar energy as possible. When you trust Solar Bear Tampa with your solar panel installation, you’ll receive a self-sufficient system that will bring energy efficiency to your home with little effort on your part. Call us today at (727) 580-1090 to ask for a free estimate on reliable solar panel installation near you!