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Is 2025 the Final Year to Claim the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit?

There’s urgency in the air—and not just from the summer heat. If you’ve been thinking about going solar, 2025 might be your last chance to make it count in a big way. Thanks to recent legislation, the clock is ticking on the 30% federal residential solar tax credit. After December 31, 2025, that generous credit disappears for good. Yes—gone. Here’s what you need to know:

What’s Changing With Solar—And Why It Matters

For years, the 30% federal solar tax credit (a.k.a. Section 25D) has been one of the strongest motivators for homeowners to make the switch to solar. It allowed you to claim nearly a third of your total system cost back on your federal taxes. That’s thousands of dollars you could put toward savings, home improvements, or that vacation you’ve been putting off.

Originally, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 extended this credit through 2032. But recent legislation just changed all that. Under the new law, the residential solar tax credit ends December 31, 2025. After that? No federal incentive for homeowners purchasing solar outright. So, there’s no rollover to 2026. No, “I’ll just wait another year and see.” This is a real deadline with real financial consequences if missed.

The Difference Is Big

Let’s say your solar installation in Tampa runs around $24,000. With the 30% federal tax credit still in place, you’d be eligible to claim $7,200 on your taxes. Without it, you pay full price.

That’s a major missed opportunity, especially for Floridians, who already enjoy one of the sunniest climates in the country—and don’t pay state income tax. Solar in Tampa is financially optimized, but timing is everything.

What Counts as “Installed and Placed in Service”?

This detail matters—and it’s one too many homeowners misunderstand. To qualify for the 30% credit, your system doesn’t just need to be purchased in 2025. It must be installed and fully operational by December 31, 2025. Not in progress. Not “almost done.” Fully placed in service.

That means permitting, inspection, and utility approval all wrapped up. And here’s the catch: the closer we get to the end of the year, the more packed installers’ schedules become. If you wait until fall, you’re not just rolling the dice—you’re likely out of luck.

Why Go Solar Now, Not Later?

Besides the looming deadline? You can:

• Lock in long-term energy savings now while incentives are high.
• Increase your home value with a system buyers actually want.
• Beat rising electricity rates and gain energy independence.
• Support local clean energy jobs right here in Florida.
• And maybe most importantly—you’ll finally stop thinking about it and start benefiting from it.

It’s easy to put things off. But if you’ve ever kicked yourself for missing a good deal, you already know how this story ends.

You’ve Got Sun, You’ve Got Time (For Now)—Call Us

Here in Tampa, sunshine is a guarantee. But incentives like this are not. The 30% federal solar tax credit has powered hundreds of thousands of installations across the country—and it’s been a key reason why. Don’t let 2025 slip by without locking in your piece of it.

Solar Bear of Tampa is here to make the process easy, quick, and totally hassle-free. Our team handles everything—from permits to installation to making sure you hit that all-important “placed in service” milestone. The sun is still shining and the savings are still on the table, but the deadline is real. Let’s make this the year you finally go solar. Call us at (727) 353-3887 to schedule your free consultation today!

Do Solar Pool Heaters Utilize A Lot Of Electricity?

Have you ever wondered how much electricity your pool heater consumes? When pool use is at its peak, likely a lot. But not with a solar pool heater! Here at Solar Bear Orlando, we believe that enjoying a warm pool shouldn’t cost a fortune, especially in sunny Central Florida, where the sun shines almost every day!

Ready to learn more about solar pool heaters? Follow along as our team discusses the efficiency of solar pool heaters and shares tips to help you conserve energy while enjoying your pool.

How Do Solar Pool Heaters Work?

It’s simple. A solar pool heater uses the sun’s energy to warm your pool. They work by using a solar collector that is installed on a roof or another sunny area. These collectors absorb energy from the sun and transfer that energy with a pump to heat the water.

This cycle of warming pool water by circulating it through the solar collectors continues as long as the sun is shining, making it quite efficient.

So, if you think about it, solar pool heaters don’t use much electricity at all; the only electricity that they use comes from the small pump that circulates the water through the solar collectors.

Maximizing Efficiency

To get the most out of your solar pool heater, consider these tips:

• Place the solar collector toward the south. For maximum sun exposure, it is important to consider the angle of the solar collectors as well.
• Avoid shading. Try to avoid any trees or structures that can cast shadows on the collectors, especially during peak sunlight hours.
• Choose the right size. The solar collector should be sized to be 50-100% of the pool’s surface area.
• Keep your pool covered when not in use. This helps retain the heat and will reduce the
• time your solar heater will need to work.
• Maintain proper water balance. Preventing corrosion and scale buildup is important to ensuring that your system runs efficiently.
• Adjust the water temperature. Lower the temperature of your swimming pool when on standby or not in use. This can help you save on energy costs.

Read More > Do I Really Need to Get My Solar Panels Cleaned if It Rains Often?

Choose Solar to Heat Your Pool

As you can see, using solar pool heaters to heat your pool won’t increase your electricity bill, especially if you take the steps to ensure their efficiency. Just remember, it’s important to maintain your pool and your solar heater to help retain heat!

Ready to make the switch to a solar pool heater or have more questions? Our team at Solar Bear Orlando is happy to help! Call us at (727) 353-3886 for a quote or more information today.

How Long Does It Take for Solar Panels to Heat a Pool in Tampa?

Want to heat your pool with solar? In Florida, we’re spoiled with sun-soaked days and warm breezes, so solar pool heating works faster than in most places. Really fast, in fact. So, how long does it take for solar panels to heat a pool in Tampa?

For a well-sized system and an average Tampa day, you’re looking at a 10–15°F boost in as little as 24 to 48 hours for a smaller pool. Larger pools might take closer to 3–4 days, but the sun’s working full-time—and it doesn’t charge by the hour.

Let’s Talk About What Actually Affects Heating Time

All pools are a little bit different, and all solar energy systems are, too. So, if you’re wondering how long your solar setup will take to turn your pool from cool to comfortable, here’s what you need to consider:

• Pool Size. It’s simple math. A 10,000-gallon pool heats up faster than one double the size. More water needs more sun power for heating.
• System Efficiency. A Solar Bear system installed correctly (by pros who know Tampa) will always outperform a slapped-together job. Panel size, placement, and pump settings all matter.
• Weather Conditions. On a clear, sunny day, solar heating works like a charm. Cloudy skies will provide some warmth, but slower.
• Ambient Temperature. If the air is 85°F and the sun’s doing its thing, your pool water gets warmer quicker. Winter mornings? It takes longer to build and keep the heat.
• Using a Pool Cover. A solar pool cover locks in heat at night and reduces evaporation during the day. Less heat loss means faster warm-ups.

What’s the Typical Timeline for Solar Pool Heating in Tampa?

While exact numbers will vary depending on the factors outlined above, there are some general figures to give you guidance. Here’s how long it takes to heat a pool in Tampa with solar:

• Small pool (10,000 gallons):1–2 days
• Medium pool (15,000 gallons):2–3 days
• Large pool (20,000+ gallons):3–4 days

That’s assuming decent sun exposure, a good system, and—you guessed it—Tampa weather doing what it does best.

Pro tip: On sunny days, expect your water temp to climb around 1°F every 4–5 hours. That might not sound like much, but it adds up quickly. Especially with back-to-back sunny days (which Tampa has plenty of).

Solar Is the Sustainable Way to Heat Your Pool

Solar heating isn’t just fast. It’s clean, quiet, and basically free to operate after installation. No fumes, no bills, no noise—just sun power doing its thing. If you’re tired of guessing when your pool will finally feel swimmable, solar gives you consistency. In a place like Tampa Bay, where sunny days outnumber cloudy ones, that consistency means more pool time!

Ready to Heat Your Pool Sustainably? Call Solar Bear of Tampa Today

Solar Bear of Tampa has helped thousands of homeowners make the switch to efficient, effective solar pool heating. Call us now at (727) 353-3886 and let’s make your pool feel like summer—no matter what month it is. Reach out today and get a free estimate. The sun’s ready. Are you?

Mid-Year Check-In: What’s Going On With Solar In 2025?

Did you know that solar power installations in Central Florida have grown by over 40% in the past year? We love to see it! Now that we are halfway through 2025, we’d like to take a look at what’s going on in the solar world, because the more you know about solar, the better prepared you will be when you begin the process of installing it. Let’s discuss!

What’s New?

A lot is going on in the solar industry, so let’s break it down into sections:

Market Trends

• Overall, solar continues to expand and become a major player in the renewable energy industry.
• New large-scale solar plant projects are expected to continue.
• Solar batteries are becoming more efficient and even more popular.
• Due to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), domestic manufacturing is on the rise.
• Equipment costs are falling in some sectors, but residential solar is experiencing an increase in costs due to tariffs
• Installation delays and scheduling backlogs are a problem, and utility interconnection is taking longer than normal. Remember to allow 2-3 months for permitting and installation.
• Utility prices are rising, which makes solar installations more popular than ever.

Read More > Are Solar Batteries Worth the Cost in Florida?

Legal & Government

• There are potential changes to the Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC). Recently, a House bill proposed that it should end after December 31st, 2025, which could impact residents wishing to go solar. This tax credit was supposed to last decades, so if this bill is passed, it could put a damper on solar installations. The situation is ongoing, though, so there is hope.
• Tariffs on goods from China and Southeast Asia continue to be a concern
• Some states (not Florida currently) are implementing new policies that affect net metering programs. This could impact how some homeowners are compensated for the excess energy that they send back to the grid.

Read more > What Solar Incentives Are Offered to Orlando Residents?

Solar Innovations

• Solar roof tiles, bifacial panels, and perovskite solar cells are new and exciting technologies that we can’t wait to explore more.
• Solid-state and flow battery technologies are offering longer lifespans and safer operation.
• AI integrations are being used for solar system performance optimization, including maintenance and energy storage management.

Solar is Always On Trend

Looking back at the first half of 2025, we are excited to see how solar is reshaping renewable energy production across Florida. Though there are some challenges due to tariffs and possible disruptions to tax credits, there is still a lot to be optimistic about!

If you are considering installing a solar system at your Central Florida home, now is a great time to act! Waiting to go solar could cause you to miss out on substantial savings, face higher tariffs, or experience even more delays with installation.

Get started today by calling Solar Bear Orlando for a quote at (727) 353-3886!