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Did you know that solar panels alone might not keep your house running during a Florida power outage? Not even on the sunniest day of the year, because standard grid-tied systems shut off automatically during blackouts to protect utility workers from live wires. Your roof could be soaking up golden rays, but what happens if you don’t have a solar battery? Well, you’re still sitting in the dark. In Tampa, where lightning strikes are practically a daily ritual and hurricane season rolls through like clockwork, a solar battery is an absolute must-have.

Why Tampa Solar Homes Need a Backup Battery

Storms don’t ask if you’re ready. They cut the power, shake the trees, and move on. And without a battery, your solar system sits quietly offline—unable to help. But with a backup battery, here’s what you can expect:

• Your refrigerator stays cold, your phones stay charged, and your lights still turn on.
• If you rely on medical devices, they keep running without a hitch.
• You don’t have to panic-buy candles or run to a neighbor’s generator.
• You just live like normal!

This goes beyond emergencies, too. Batteries help you make the most of your solar power year-round—by storing excess energy during the day and letting you use it at night when utility rates spike. You’re not feeding the grid for pennies and buying it back for dollars. You’re using your own power, your way.

How a Solar Battery Works

Getting a solar battery up and running is far simpler than it sounds. After professional installation from Solar Bear of Tampa, here’s how it works:

1. Your panels soak up the sun.
2. Your battery stores the energy you don’t use right away.
3. When the grid goes down—or the sun does—the battery takes over.
4. The next morning? The cycle starts again.

That’s all it takes! Think of it as a clean, quiet energy reserve that’s always on call.

Get Energy Independence You Can Actually Rely On

Adding a solar battery to your system is like putting power back in your hands, quite literally. You’re not just riding the highs and lows of Tampa’s grid anymore. You’re building real energy independence, one kilowatt at a time. And if you already have solar, that’s great news. It’s never too late to add a battery. At Solar Bear of Tampa, we’ve helped homeowners retrofit systems and create setups you can rely on when it matters most.

So, ask yourself: When the next storm rolls in, do you want to watch the neighbors lose power—or be the house that’s up and running? Reach out to us today at (727) 353-3886, and we’ll make sure your solar’s always storm-ready.

When you think of solar energy, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Long summer days full of sunshine? Well, that is the reality for much of the year here in Florida! But what if you want to install solar in the winter? Does that make a difference? Since our winters are quite mild and we receive year-round sun, installing a solar array during the winter is not only possible, but it could also be a really smart move.

If you’re considering solar for your Orlando home, our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to cover some of the pros and cons of installing solar panels in the winter months. Let’s go!

Why Florida’s Winter Is Different

Unlike northern states, where winter means snow, ice, and cold weather, we get mild temperatures and a good amount of sunshine, even in our colder months. Plus, Orlando averages highs in the high 60s to low 70s throughout winter, with sun on most days; perfect for going solar!

Pros of Installing Solar Panels During Winter

Let’s cover some pros of installing solar in the winter:

#1. Shorter Wait Times

Our peak season for installing solar is usually in the spring and summer when homeowners are searching for solutions to combat high energy costs. By choosing to install in the winter, you will likely enjoy shorter wait times for consultations and installation. This means that your system will get up and running faster. A win-win!

#2. Get Ready for Peak Energy Use

Of course, summer in Florida is HOT, which means we rely heavily on air conditioning, which drives up energy bills. By installing a system in the winter, your solar panels will be in place when the heat and humidity return. This will give you a great head start on savings.

#3. Mild Weather Makes Installation Easier

Working in the summer weather can be brutal for our team. But cooler temperatures in the winter months make working on rooftops more comfortable and safer, which we love!

#4. Year-Round Sunshine in Florida

Even in the depths of winter, Florida gets much more sun than most parts of the country. This means that your panels will start producing energy right away and offset your electricity costs, even when it’s chilly out.

Cons of Installing Solar Panels During Winter

While there are many pros to installing solar in the winter, there are a few drawbacks, including:

#1. Fewer Daylight Hours

One of the drawbacks of installing solar in the winter is the shorter days. With fewer daylight hours, solar production is slightly lower when compared to summertime. But this difference is minimal compared to states that are further north.

#2. Possible Rainy Weather

Our winters are mild, but rain is quite common in our cooler months. This can temporarily reduce solar output. But don’t worry. Solar panels are designed to generate power even on cloudy days.

#3. Potential Scheduling Around Holidays

If you want to install your solar panels in December, you may run into some scheduling delays due to the holidays. Planning ahead can help you avoid this issue!

Read More > Will Homeowners Who Installed Solar In 2025 Be Able To Claim The Tax Credit In 2026?

Don’t Wait Until Summer to Go Solar

With our mild weather, lower demand for installs, and ample sunshine, winter is one of the best times to install solar in Florida. So, if you’ve been thinking about solar, there’s no need to put it off until spring or summer. Installing your panels during winter gives you a head start on savings and will get your home ready for the peak demand of summer.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Solar Bear Orlando today at (727) 353-3886 to schedule your free solar consultation, and let’s get started!

Florida might feel like paradise most of the year, but if you’ve ever walked outside in spring or fall and found your car wearing a fuzzy yellow coat, you know we’ve got a pollen problem. And if it’s blanketing your car, you can bet it’s coating your solar panels, too. How does pollen and debris affect your solar system?

Here’s the problem: even a thin film of pollen or debris can cut your solar panel output by up to 25% or more. That’s real money and energy you’re missing out on! Here’s what you need to know:

How Does Pollen Mess With Solar Panels?

Your solar panels work by soaking in direct sunlight. But when fine particles of pollen land on the glass surface and stay there, they create a barrier that makes it harder for sunlight to penetrate. And Florida pollen is not going anywhere fast.

• Sticky Stuff: The pollen grains are powdery but clingy, often sticking to glass even after a decent rain.
• Cumulative Effect: Left alone, the buildup keeps compounding—making your system less and less efficient with time.
• It’s Not Just Pollen: Throw in bird droppings, dust, and salty coastal air, and you’ve got a recipe for blocked sunlight.

Even in Tampa’s sunshine, your panels can’t do their job if they can’t see the sky.

Why Rain Doesn’t Cut It in Florida

Florida sees a lot of rain, but here’s the thing: rain is nature’s rinse cycle—not a deep clean for your solar. It won’t remove baked-on grime or stubborn pollen stuck to the edges. In fact, pollen can create a thin film that water only smears around. So, if you want your solar system performing like it should—especially during heavy pollen seasons—you’ll need to get a little hands-on.

The Quick & Safe Way to Clean Your Solar Panels

Luckily, you don’t need fancy tools or a cleaning crew to freshen up your system. Most homeowners can handle basic panel cleaning with what they already have at home. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Rinse: Use a garden hose (low pressure only!) to spray loose debris off the panels.
2. Wash: Use a soft sponge or long-handled brush with a solution of warm water and a drop of mild dish soap (or diluted vinegar).
3. Rinse Again: Thoroughly remove all soap to avoid streaks or buildup.
4. Dry (Optional): Use a squeegee or microfiber cloth if you want a spotless finish.

You should clean on an overcast morning, so the panels are cool. Cleaning hot panels can cause water spots—or worse, cracked glass from temperature shock.

Keep Your Panels (and Your Savings) in Peak Condition

At Solar Bear of Tampa, we love the Florida sunshine. But we also know that the more you protect your solar system, the more it pays you back. Cleaning your panels just a few times a year—especially during pollen season—can help protect your investment, improve energy production, and keep your electric bill trending down.

Got questions? Want a professional cleaning recommendation? Reach out to us now at (727) 353-3886!

Thinking about going solar comes with many questions, especially when it comes to financing the project. One of the best incentives for switching to solar energy is the federal solar tax credit, also known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). While big changes are coming up for this tax credit, you can still claim the credit on your taxes in 2026.

Follow our team at Solar Bear Orlando as we share how.

How the Solar Tax Credit Works

The federal solar tax credit allows homeowners to deduct a percentage of their solar installation costs from their federal taxes. Right now, the credit is set at 30%, and had been planned to extend through 2032, but it is now going to end on December 31st, 2025.

Taking advantage of the solar tax credit means that if your solar system costs $20,000, you could get $6,000 back as a tax credit. It’s not a rebate or a check in the mail, but it directly lowers the amount of taxes you owe, which is a pretty big deal.

Claiming the Credit in the Year After Installation

Because this is the last year to claim the tax credit, you will be able to file for the credit on your 2026 taxes. The key thing to remember is that the system must be installed and operational by December 31, 2025, to qualify for the credit.

Act Now

The Inflation Reduction Act initially had the incentive diminishing into the 2030s but the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed on July 4th, 2025, put an end to the phase-out schedule. Now it is going to expire after 2025. This means you must act now if you want to take advantage of the tax credit’s savings.

Remember, to take advantage of the full 30% savings, your system needs to be installed and operational by December 31, 2025—so the clock is ticking!

Read More > Is Going Solar Worth It After the Tax Credit Ends?

What You’ll Need to Claim It

When tax time rolls around, you’ll just need a few things to claim your credit:

• Documentation from your installer showing the total cost of your system (including equipment, labor, and permitting)
• IRS Form 5695 (Residential Energy Credits) filled out and submitted with your federal tax return

If you use a tax preparer, they can handle this part for you. If you file yourself, the IRS provides instructions for the form online. It’s fairly simple—and worth the effort, especially since this is the last year to claim it!

Why Going Solar in 2025 Still Makes Sense

Though the tax credit is going away very soon, going solar still is a great idea! Our ample sunshine in Central Florida makes solar panels especially effective, and the sooner you install them, the sooner they start paying for themselves.

And with energy costs always creeping up, a solar system can help you take control of your monthly bills while increasing the value of your home. Plus, it feels good knowing you’re powering your home with clean energy.

Ready to Make the Switch? Call Solar Bear Orlando

If you’ve been thinking about solar, now’s the time! If you install in these last few months of 2025, you can claim the federal credit in 2026 without any problem—and our team at Solar Bear Orlando can help you every step of the way. We make the process easy, from design and permits to installation and paperwork.

Call Solar Bear Orlando today at (727) 353-3886 to schedule your free solar consultation and start planning your 2025 installation before the credit disappears.