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Here’s a question we hear a lot at Solar Bear of Tampa: “If I get a battery with my solar panels, does that qualify for the solar tax credit, too?” Put simply, yes. Here’s what that means, how it works, and why now is the time to seriously consider adding storage to your solar setup.

A 30% Boost, Straight from the IRS

Thanks to the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, you can claim 30% of the cost of battery storage systems—whether you install them alongside a new solar array or add them later as a standalone upgrade.

Yes, that includes the battery itself, plus installation costs, labor, and other eligible expenses. If you spent $10,000 on a battery, for example, that’s $3,000 right back in your pocket in the form of a tax credit. That’s a dollar-for-dollar credit against what you owe the IRS. And in a world where electricity costs are climbing, that’s more than helpful—it’s empowering.

What Qualifies? Here’s the Fine Print (In Plain English)

The federal tax credit isn’t unlimited. But the good news? The bar isn’t set unreasonably high either. Your system needs to meet these key requirements:

• Storage Capacity: The battery must have at least 3 kWh of capacity. (Most do. Just double-check.)
• New Gear Only: It has to be new, never used.
• Location Matters: The battery must be installed at a U.S. residence you own and live in (full-time or part-time). Rentals that you don’t live in don’t qualify.
• Timing Is Key: To get the full 30%, your system needs to be installed and placed in service before December 31, 2025. After that, the credit starts to phase down.
• Ownership Counts: You must own the system—meaning no leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs). Loans are fine.

How Do I Get the Credit?

You’ll need to file IRS Form 5695 when you do your taxes for the year your battery was installed. You’ll input your total qualifying costs, and the IRS will calculate your credit. If your tax bill is smaller than your credit, you can roll the unused amount forward to future tax years. That’s a nice cushion if you don’t owe much this year but still want to take full advantage. Still, we always recommend checking in with a tax professional—just to make sure every detail is in place and every dollar is counted.

Solar Storage Is Worth It, Especially in Tampa—We’ll Show You How

In Florida, we know all too well how one storm can knock out power for hours, days, or longer. Batteries give you back control when the grid goes down. At Solar Bear of Tampa, we’re seeing more families add batteries not just for security, but for savings too. Time-of-use rates, rising electric bills, and backup peace of mind? That’s a triple win, and the federal tax credit makes it all that much sweeter.

If you’ve been on the fence about adding a battery—or going solar at all—this incentive is a powerful reason to move forward. Want help running the numbers? Call us at (727) 353-3886 and let’s talk! We’re here to make it easy.

If you’ve been waiting to go solar, now is the time to pay attention and make a decision, because the federal solar tax credit is starting to wind down. As utility companies continue to raise rates, the timing of installing your system couldn’t be more important.

Follow along as our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares what the tax credit ending could mean for your solar project.

The Federal Solar Tax Credit: What’s Changing

The federal solar tax credit (also called the ITC) has helped millions of homeowners in Central Florida make the switch to solar energy by covering 30% of installation costs. But that credit is scheduled to phase out after December 31st, 2025, meaning that systems installed later could miss out on thousands of dollars in savings.

For many homeowners, that 30% credit makes a huge difference. It can bring a $25,000 system down to $17,500, which is significant savings! And once the ITC expires, the cost to go solar will rise accordingly.

Meanwhile… Electric Rates Keep Rising

For the past few years, electricity costs have been trending in one direction: up, and in Central Florida, residents have already seen several rate hikes from Duke Energy. Between population growth, AI data centers, the demand from electric vehicles, and aging energy infrastructure, rising costs are just going to continue.

Plus, if fewer people choose to install solar due to the ITC phase-out, the power grid could face higher demand, since it wouldn’t receive the same influx of energy from homeowners that it would if solar installations were still incentivized with the tax credit.

The ending of the tax credit adds urgency to something that many homeowners have already been considering, and the time to act is NOW.

Why Acting Now Makes Sense

Every month that you wait to go solar means higher energy costs and one less month generating your own power from the sun. With the end of the year fast approaching, the demand for solar installations is likely going to spike as the ITC deadline nears. We recommend getting started as soon as possible so you can secure your tax credit and your spot on our schedule.

We do want to mention that even with the ITC, solar is a great investment, especially in Florida, where our sun shines almost every day. Plus, net metering programs in Central Florida allow homeowners to sell any excess energy back to the grid, which is a great perk!

Read More > 5 Reasons Solar Is Still A Smart Investment – Even Without The Tax Break

How Solar Bear Orlando Can Help

At Solar Bear Orlando, we make the process of going solar simple and stress-free. Our team handles everything, from evaluating your home’s solar potential to offering financing options and managing the entire installation process.

We’ll also calculate your potential energy savings, estimate your payback period, and make sure your system is ready to qualify for the full federal credit before time runs out at the end of the year.

Don’t Wait for Rates to Rise Again

The bottom line? The solar tax credit is ending in just a couple of months, but the value of solar power isn’t. With electricity costs continuing to climb, going solar now may be one of the smartest financial decisions you can make for your family’s financial security.

If you’re curious how much you could save, or just want to see if solar makes sense for your home, call our friendly team at Solar Bear Orlando at (727) 353-3886 today for a free, no-hassle consultation! We can’t wait to help you go solar!

There’s a quiet kind of power in saying, “I’ve got it from here.” That’s what going solar feels like. In Tampa, where sunshine is as constant as the Gulf breeze, harnessing free solar energy gives you control and confidence. You’ll finally have a say in how your home runs and who profits from your power. At Solar Bear of Tampa, we believe in that freedom, and we’re here to help you claim it! Let’s talk about what this all means.

Your Power, On Your Terms

For decades, Florida homeowners have had no real choice when it came to powering their homes. You used the grid, paid what the utility company told you to pay, and hoped the lights stayed on during summer storms. But solar flips that equation. With panels on your roof, you’re no longer just an energy customer—you’re an energy producer. It really is that amazing!

You enjoy much more stability when rates rise. You’ll never worry about outages. You have the final say in how you manage your energy use. It feels very empowering.

Freedom from Rising Costs

Nobody likes opening a power bill and feeling like they’re being held hostage by peak rates, unpredictable fees, or yet another seasonal spike. Solar offers a way out. Once your system is installed, the sun starts doing the heavy lifting—quietly, reliably, and for free.

While utility companies adjust rates and infrastructure costs, your solar panels keep doing their job day after day. And over time, the difference between “renting” power from the grid and owning your own energy source adds up in your favor.

A Greener, Smarter Choice

Here in Florida, we’re lucky to live in one of the most naturally beautiful states in the country. From the mangroves to the manatees, our environment is worth protecting. Switching to solar reduces your carbon footprint and cuts down emissions. You’re making a choice that aligns with your values. Every kilowatt your system generates is one less pulled from fossil fuels. That’s a small shift with a big impact.

Boosted Home Value and Tax Perks

In addition to energy savings and peace of mind, there’s a bonus: solar adds value. Homes with solar panels often appraise higher and sell faster. Buyers recognize the long-term savings and built-in sustainability. Add to that federal tax incentives, and your upfront investment becomes a smarter, faster return than most home upgrades can offer.

You Have the Freedom to Decide—We Can Help

This isn’t just about panels or kilowatts or rebates. It’s time to decide how you want to live. At Solar Bear of Tampa, we’ve helped countless families take that leap—from dependent to independent, from passive to proactive. The best time to go solar is right now, and if you’re ready to take control of your energy, we’re here for you! Give us a call at (727) 353-3886 to get started.

We often get asked if a battery-storage system is necessary when installing solar panels. While we advise our clients that you can absolutely go solar without a battery, you may be leaving money and flexibility on the table.

Follow our team as we discuss how solar batteries work and why we often recommend them.

How Solar Without a Battery Works

When you install your solar panels on your roof and connect them to the grid, you’ll be able to generate electricity during daylight hours when the sun is shining. This power can offset your energy consumption and can reduce or eliminate your electric bill.

Without a solar battery system, you will still be reliant on the grid when the sun goes down or when the weather is bad outside. Why? Because you won’t have any extra solar power saved up, as you would if you had a solar battery.

The Upfront Savings Scenario

Of course, going solar without a battery will usually cost less upfront, since you will be buying fewer components and avoiding the added expense of battery hardware, installation, and upkeep.

If you only need electricity during the daytime, this could be a great option.

What You May Be Missing

Skipping the battery storage system does have trade-offs, though:

• Limited Backup Capabilities: If the grid is down due to a storm in Central Florida, your solar panels may not work if they are grid-tied. And you won’t have any stored power unless you have a battery backup.
• Peak-Demand vs Nighttime Usage: If your home uses a lot of power during the evening on running the HVAC, appliances, or charging an EV overnight, you may find that the daytime power your system produces isn’t enough. A battery system allows you to store that excess power for later.

Are you “Missing Out” on Full Savings?

So, will you be missing out on the full savings your system can offer? Not necessarily. If you only need to generate a small amount of electricity, and your evening power usage is modest, then solar without a battery may be a great option for you.

But if you want backup power in case the grid goes down, or have greater electricity needs, then having a battery storage system becomes a good idea.

What Our Team at Solar Bear Orlando Recommends

When you contact us for a no-hassle estimate, we will evaluate your home’s orientation, energy usage patterns, roof condition, insulation (we also offer spray-foam insulation to boost efficiency), and future usage plans.

We’ll show you the cost difference between installing “solar only” vs “solar + battery storage,” and help you decide which option is the best for you.

Related > Is Going Solar Worth it After the Tax Credit Ends?

Go Solar Today

At Solar Bear Orlando, we want to help you make the best choice for your Central Florida home rather than simply selling hardware. Whether you decide on solar alone or with a battery, the key is matching the system to your home’s usage, goals, and budget.

If you’re ready to explore your options and see real-world numbers for your Orlando home, we’re here to walk you through it. Contact us at (727) 353-3886 for a quote today!