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Did you know that the moment you install solar panels, your electricity bills start shrinking? It’s true, but so is the reverse: the moment you don’t, your utility company keeps cashing in. In Tampa, where the sun practically works overtime, going solar is a no-brainer—but timing is everything.

Right now, the clock is ticking on one of the biggest reasons to go solar sooner rather than later: the 30% federal solar tax credit. It’s scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. And when it goes, so does your shot at dramatically reducing the payback period on your system. Here’s what you need to know:

The Cost of Waiting

Most people think waiting gives them more time to decide—but when it comes to solar, waiting is the most expensive choice you can make. Here’s why:

• No More Tax Credit? Say Hello to Higher Costs. Right now, the 30% federal tax credit cuts nearly a third off your solar investment. But after December 31, 2025, that incentive disappears. Without it, homeowners in Tampa and beyond will face a significantly higher upfront cost. It’ll take you a lot longer to break even.
• You’re Still Paying the Power Company. Every month you wait, you’re still paying full price for electricity. And rates aren’t going down—they’re going up. By not switching to solar now, you’re throwing away months (or years) of potential savings that could have gone back in your pocket.
• The Sooner You Start, the Sooner You Finish. Once your system pays for itself—which, with current incentives, can happen in less than 10 years—you’re essentially powering your home for free. Solar panels last 25+ years. The longer you wait, the fewer years of that free energy you get to enjoy.

Why Going Solar Now Pays Off Big

The sooner you flip the switch on solar, the faster your home starts working for you instead of feeding the utility companies. Consider these benefits:

• Lower Net Costs Today. With the ITC and other local incentives still in play, you can lower your solar install costs dramatically. Combine that with potential financing options, and you’re looking at an accessible path to clean, cost-effective energy.
• Long-Term Protection From Rising Rates. As utility prices go up, your savings increase. Solar gives you a buffer against those unpredictable jumps—while your neighbor’s rates rise, yours stay locked in.
• Financing Could Get Better. Loan rates could drop in the coming year, which may make financing your solar system even more appealing. But the tax credit won’t wait for that—and losing 30% off the top will sting more than shaving a point off your loan.

What’s Your Payback Period?

While every home is different, there’s some general math that applies when it comes to calculating your solar energy payback period:

1. Start with your system’s total cost.
2. Subtract your incentives (federal, state, and local).
3. Calculate your yearly savings on electricity.
4. Divide the net cost by your annual savings. That number is how many years until your system has paid for itself. After that, you’re running on sunlight—free energy!

Don’t Wait—Let the Sun Start Paying You Back!

At Solar Bear of Tampa, we make the transition to solar simple, smart, and stress-free. We’ll walk you through your custom payback timeline—and help you maximize every last incentive before they disappear. Call us today at (727) 353-3886 to get started! The sooner you start, the sooner you save.

In recent years, federal tax credits have made solar more accessible for many homeowners in Central Florida and across the entire country. However, now that these incentives are being phased out, many homeowners are wondering if solar energy is still a smart investment.

And we are here to say, of course it is! With our abundant sunshine, solar is always a great idea here in Florida! Follow our team at Solar Bear Orlando as we share five reasons why going solar still makes sense, even without the tax break.

#1. Energy Independence

Living in Florida, you know how unpredictable energy costs can be. They always seem to be on the rise! But if you generate your own power through solar panels, you can truly gain energy independence.

Even without tax incentives, solar can still save you thousands over the lifespan of your system. Many of our customers find that their solar setup pays for itself within the first decade of ownership, which is a big win!

#2. Long-Term Return on Investment

Installing solar is one of the few home improvements that actively earns you money back. Once the panels are in place, the savings start immediately, the sun shines almost 365 days in Florida after all! Over 25 to 30 years, these savings can add up to tens of thousands of dollars.

#3. A Stronger, More Valuable Home

Homebuyers are getting smarter, and greener. A home with solar panels is a signal to homebuyers that your home is more efficient and offers lower monthly energy costs. Also, studies from Zillow and the U.S. Department of Energy show that homes with solar installations sell faster than those without, and often for more money too.

Central Florida’s housing market is pretty competitive, and a solar panel system can make a big difference. And even if you aren’t planning on selling soon, the added equity that you’ll gain with a solar system will become part of your long-term financial gain. A win-win!

#4. Low Maintenance, Long Lifespan

The truth is, solar panels don’t require much once installed. Modern solar systems are quite durable and are designed to withstand heat, humidity, and even hurricane-force winds when installed by a reputable installer like our team at Solar Bear Orlando.

Plus, most panels come with 25-year warranties, and the panels themselves last well without much maintenance, except for an annual checkup and occasional cleaning.

#5. A Cleaner, Greener Florida

Of course, we all know about the financial benefits, but there are environmental benefits as well. Every kilowatt-hour of solar energy that is produced reduces your carbon footprint.

Our state is uniquely vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels, which makes becoming environmentally conscious that much more important.

Ready to See What Solar Can Do For You?

Even though the federal tax credit is being phased out on December 31st, 2025, solar energy remains a powerful investment for homeowners in Central Florida. And the best part is that in the Sunshine State, the benefits will grow over time!

Ready to get started? Contact Solar Bear Orlando at (727) 353-3886 for a free, no-pressure installation quote. Our team is excited to design a system customized to your home so you can start saving, NOW!

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!