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Can You Have Too Many Solar Panels?

Yes, it is entirely possible to have too many solar panels on your Florida home. Not to worry, we’re here to tell you how to find the right number of solar panels for you! Take a look through our in-depth guide before reaching out to your reputable team of solar experts near you at Solar Bear Orlando. Our team will make sure your house is properly equipped to prevent hazards and prioritize your safety!

Excessive Solar Panels Can Make Your Roof Collapse

Sometimes, the weight of going solar can feel like too much for your home to bear. That’s because your house can only hold up so many panels before reaching its physical limit and the roofing starts to cave in on itself. The easiest way to prevent this from happening is by knowing your Orlando home’s structural capacity and comparing that to the weight of the number of solar panels you are looking to get.

You Can Overload Your Inverter With Too Many Solar Panels

An even bigger hazard is that of the electrical kind. When your Orlando home has too many solar panels, it can overload your solar inverter and cause it to short-circuit. This can increase the chances of a fire or other electricity-related accidents in your home. At the very least, your solar panel system can shut down in response. Overloaded solar inverters can also have a negative impact on your home’s energy efficiency.

Your Town’s Public Electrical Grid Might Not Be Able to Handle It

Imagine being the reason for a power outage in your neighborhood. That would be pretty embarrassing, but a likely possibility when you work too many solar panels into your sector’s public electrical grid. If the public grid isn’t equipped to handle a large number of solar panels in one spot, it can become unstable and pose potential hazards. Always follow your electric company’s local voltage regulations in Orlando to prevent the worst from happening.

Excess Solar Energy Can Go to Waste If Not Prepared

Do you believe that you can have too much of a good thing? Whether you believe it or not, it is certainly the case with solar panels. Solar energy is nice, there’s no doubt about that. However, much of the energy you collect can go to waste if you’re not prepared to have more than your system can handle. Without a backup battery, your excess solar power will go back to the grid for net metering in Orlando, but there’s also a chance that the value of the solar energy you put back into the grid won’t equate to a 1:1 conversion.

How to Be Smart With Solar Panel Installation:

1. Go By the 120% Rule

A good rule of thumb is to keep your solar panels within 120% of your home’s annual energy usage in Orlando.

2. Review Local Rules and Regulations

Local regulations are in place for your protection and have been designated by professionals who understand solar and energy usage.

3. Hire a Solar Panel Professional

Local solar panel companies know all of the necessary rules, regulations, and other knowledge for you so you don’t have to spend time on your own research.

Learn more about our solar panel systems on our website!

Play It Safe When You Hire Solar Bear Orlando For Solar Panel Installation

Don’t take your chances on solar panel installation. So many things can go wrong, but trusting Solar Bear Orlando makes it all right! Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to schedule a consultation and start looking out for your safety.

What Federal And Local Solar Incentives Are Offered To Orlando Residents?

If you’re considering going solar, several federal and local incentives are available to help take the sting out of the price of installing solar. In this guide, our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares everything you need to know about these solar incentives and how to make the most of them. Let’s go!

Federal Incentives

One of the most exciting incentives available to homeowners who are installing solar is the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). It allows people to deduct a large percentage of their solar installation costs when they file their yearly taxes.

As of the beginning of 2025, the rate is set at 30%, and it will stay at this percentage until 2033, when it will drop to 26%.

State and Local Incentives

In addition to the ITC, Florida residents can take advantage of several local and state incentives, including:

Florida Solar Rebate Program

This Florida-specific program offers rebates to homeowners who install solar systems. The funds are limited each year and can run out, so it is important to apply for it as soon as possible once you choose to go solar.

Property Tax Exemption

Solar energy systems are exempt from property taxes in Florida, which is an amazing perk! Usually, if you make home improvements, it will increase your property tax bill due to the increase in the value of your home. But not for solar. We call that a big win!

Net Metering

Duke Energy in the Orlando area offers net metering, which allows homeowners with solar systems to receive credits for the excess energy that their systems produce. This means that on sunny days, when your panels are generating more energy than your home uses, those credits can offset your electricity costs on cloudy or rainy days.

Tips to Maximize Your Savings

To help you make the most of these incentives, follow these tips from our team at Solar Bear Orlando:

• Research: Keep an eye out for updates to both federal and local incentives. Programs and percentages can change, so staying informed can help you find the best opportunities.
• Consult with our Team: We recommend reaching out to our team at Solar Bear Orlando if you are unsure what incentives you may be eligible for. We are always here to help navigate the ins and outs of which to apply for and how to do it!
• Plan Your Install: Choosing the best time for your installation can affect the available incentives, so make sure to keep this in mind during the planning process.

Read More > Will Solar Prices Increase This Year? 4 Reasons to Buy Now

Choose Solar Bear Orlando

It’s a great time to go solar in Orlando, and with so many incentives available, going solar is now more accessible than ever. If you have any questions about the ITC or local incentives, reach out to our team at Solar Bear Orlando. We are always happy to help our community take advantage of Florida’s abundant sunshine!

Ready to get started? Contact us for a solar installation quote today at (727) 471-7442!

How Is Net Metering Calculated In Orlando?

If you’re planning on installing solar in Orlando, you might be wondering if net metering is an option for you. The answer is yes! Today, we will explain what net metering is, how it works, and why it can be a great way to save money.

Our team at Solar Bear Orlando breaks it down!

What is Net Metering?

Sometimes on sunny days, your solar panels will generate more energy than your home needs to power everything you need to be comfortable. Net metering allows you to receive credit for this excess energy by feeding it back into the grid.

For Central Florida residents, that means that on the days when your system produces more energy than your home consumes, you can reduce your utility costs significantly, which is a major win!

Learn More > What is the Difference Between Net Metering and Net Billing?

Benefits of Net Metering

Here are some of the great benefits of net metering:

#1. Money Savings

Since you are “selling” excess energy back to the grid, net metering can significantly reduce your overall energy costs.

#2. Environmental Impact

Using renewable energy and taking part in net metering reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, which can be quite impactful on the environment.

#3. Energy Independence

With net metering, homeowners can have more control over their energy usage and production, which reduces their overall dependence on the utility grid.

#4. Investment

Net metering allows homeowners to recoup their investment in their solar panels faster than other methods.

#5. Grid Reliability

By producing solar energy and sending it back to the grid, net metering helps stabilize the electrical network and reduce the strain on the utilities during peak demand times.

#6. Economic Growth

Overall, the solar industry and subsequent net metering help support the growth of the renewable energy industry in the Sunshine State, creating jobs and stimulating our local economy.

By supporting the expansion of the renewable energy sector, net metering boosts local economies and creates jobs. It’s a win-win!

How Is Net Metering Calculated?

Calculating how many credits you may get from your utility provider varies, but typically, your total energy consumption is compared to how much energy you’ve sent to the grid at the end of each billing cycle. If you have generated more than you have used, you will receive credits that will roll over into the next month, which can help offset future bills.

In Orlando, many homes are powered by Duke Energy. Their net metering program provides credits for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of excess energy that is supplied to the grid. When homeowners take part in this program, Duke Energy will install a special bi-directional meter that tracks both energy sent and received from the grid.

Customers will receive a 1:1 credit for the energy they send to the grid, which means that they will get credit at full retail value. Any unused credits are usually paid out in March of each year.

Solar Bear Orlando note: Customers without solar panels can still take advantage of solar energy through Duke Energy’s Clean Energy Connection program.

Take Advantage of Net Metering in Central Florida

If you’re ready to take part in net metering, we’re here to help! We are excited to help you as you begin your solar journey. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to get a solar installation quote from our friendly team at Solar Bear Orlando.

What to Ask Your Realtor When Selling a Home With Solar Panels

Selling a house with solar panels? First of all—nice move. You’ve already invested in smarter energy, lower utility bills, and a cleaner future. Now it’s time to make sure your investment pays off when you sell. But not all realtors know solar—some simply nod and smile. What’s your job? Ask the right questions. Their job is to know the answers. Here’s what to ask your realtor when selling a solar-powered home in Tampa—and why each one matters.

1. Do you know how to market a solar home?

This is the most important question to ask. Selling a solar home isn’t like selling any other home. It’s not just a roof with panels—it’s a financial and lifestyle upgrade. A great agent knows the advantages of a home with solar already installed. They should be ready to highlight:

• Your lower utility bills
• The system’s warranty and longevity
• Net metering benefits
• Any transferable tax credits or remaining incentives

Not every buyer will understand solar. Your agent has to be ready to teach and sell.

2. Will you list the solar panel system details in the MLS?

If your agent skips this, it’s like forgetting to mention a newly remodeled kitchen. The solar system should have its own spotlight in your listing:

• Year installed
• Size (kilowatts)
• Ownership status (more on that next)
• Type of inverter
• Energy production stats

Bonus: ask your agent to include your most recent electric bill—or better yet, a year’s worth. It’s one of the fastest ways to turn a maybe into a yes.

3. Do I own the panels or are they leased? And how do we explain that to buyers?

You might already know the answer. But your realtor better understand how to present it.

• Owned panels? Big win. The value goes straight to the buyer. That’s a major selling point.
• Leased panels or a power purchase agreement (PPA)? Still valuable, but the buyer will likely need to assume the contract. That means extra paperwork—and extra explanation.

A strong realtor will handle that process confidently. The right one won’t make solar feel like a complication—they’ll make it feel like an opportunity.

4. Can you work solar into the appraiser’s conversation?

This one’s tricky—but critical. Home appraisals often don’t fully reflect solar’s value unless someone speaks up. You want an agent who advocates—not one who just hopes for the best. Your realtor should know how to:

• Provide system specs
• Show utility savings
• Pull comps with other solar homes in Tampa

5. Have you sold solar homes before?

The answer to this simple question will be very telling. If they have? Great, now ask how they positioned the panels to get top dollar. If they haven’t? That’s okay too—but they need to be willing to learn, and fast. Solar is a growing market in Florida. This might be your realtor’s chance to become the go-to solar-savvy agent in the Tampa area. Just make sure they’re up for it.

Shine Brighter at Closing and Beyond—We Can Help!

Selling a home with solar panels doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be smart. Ask the right questions. Hire the right realtor. And if you need system info, performance reports, or a quick cleanup before that open house? Solar Bear of Tampa has your back. Call us today at (727) 353-3886. Plus, when it’s time to move, we’ll be there to set up your new home with a brand-new system—customized for your next chapter. Same sun, new savings!