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Should I Include Solar Panels In My Home Insurance Policy?

You wake up one morning to find your precious solar panels damaged by a freak hailstorm or struck by a fallen tree branch. Ouch, right? Now, imagine facing the hefty repair or replacement costs out of pocket. Double ouch! Wondering whether you should include solar panels in your home insurance policy? The answer is a resounding YES, and here’s why.

Your Solar Investment Deserves Protection

Let’s be real—solar panels are a major investment in your home’s energy future. They’re designed to withstand the elements, but accidents happen. From severe weather events to unexpected damage, your panels aren’t invincible.

Including them in your home insurance policy is the best way to protect your investment, guaranteeing you’re covered if the unexpected occurs. It’s peace of mind knowing that you won’t be left in the dark (literally and figuratively) if something goes wrong.

The Cost of Neglect: A Gamble You Can’t Afford

Skipping solar panel insurance might seem like a way to save a few bucks on your premium. But consider this: repairing or replacing a damaged solar panel can cost thousands of dollars. Are you willing to gamble with that kind of financial burden?

It’s kind of like driving without car insurance. Sure, you might never get into an accident, but if you do, the consequences can be devastating. Apply similar logic to your solar panels. Insurance doesn’t just protect your investment—it safeguards your financial and energy future.

What to Look for in Your Policy

Not all home insurance policies offer the same coverage. When it comes to solar panel coverage in particular, here are some key things to look for:

• Specific Coverage for Solar Panels.Make sure your policy explicitly covers damage to your solar panels from perils like fire, hail, windstorms, and theft.
• Adequate Coverage Limits.Make sure the coverage limits are sufficient to cover the full cost of repairing or replacing your system.
• Low Deductibles.A lower deductible means you’ll pay less out of pocket in the event of a claim.
• Loss of Income Coverage.Some policies offer coverage for lost income if your solar system is damaged and unable to generate electricity, impacting your potential savings.

Partner with a Knowledgeable Insurance Agent

Dealing with insurance companies and agents can be confusing, especially when it comes to specialized coverage like solar panels. So, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable insurance agent who understands the nuances of solar energy systems and can help you find the right policy to meet your needs.

Protect Your Solar Investment—We’ll Tell You How!

Your solar panels are a pathway to energy independence, financial savings, and a greener future. Make sure to protect your investment and ensure your solar journey is a smooth one.

Thinking about making the switch to solar but have questions about insurance coverage or anything else? The experts at Solar Bear of Tampa are here to help. We’ll guide you through every step of the process—from choosing the right system for your home to understanding the ins and outs of solar insurance. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to get started!

Solar Carports vs Solar Canopies: Which Is Better?

If you don’t have space in your yard or on your roof for a solar panel installation, you may be wondering if there is a way to still reap the benefits of solar on your property. The answer is yes! If you install a solar carport or canopy at your home, you can take advantage of everything that solar energy has to offer.

Our solar pros at Solar Bear Orlando share the pros and cons of each style, and which might be better for your unique situation.

What Are Solar Carports & Canopies?

These structures are designed to provide shade as well as generate solar energy.

Generally, the idea behind solar carports and canopies is similar, but they can be used in different ways:

Purpose

Often, solar carports are installed over parking spaces and are made up of a supporting structure with solar panels mounted on the roof.

Solar canopies are also similar in that they provide shade, but they can also be installed over outdoor living spaces like a pergola.

Structure

Solar carports are built on top of areas where cars park, and usually have a hard roof that is fully enclosed except for on one side. Solar canopies are often open on all sides like a pergola as we mentioned above.

Materials

Generally, solar canopies are made from flexible silicon which is a type of plastic that’s embedded with silicon photovoltaic cells.

Solar carports are often made from high-quality aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or carbon steel.

Benefits of Solar Carports & Canopies

There are many benefits to installing either a solar carport or canopy at your Central Florida home or business including:

Energy Savings

Solar carports and canopies can reduce overall energy costs which can help offset rising electricity rates.

Protection from the Elements

Solar canopies and carports can shade vehicles on hot Florida days and can also protect parking areas from inclement weather, which is great during the rainy season here in Central Florida!

Electric Vehicle Charging

Both structures can provide shade and protection for electric vehicles while they are charging which can significantly prolong the life of the batteries.

Revenue Generation

Whether a residential or commercial property, solar carports, and canopies can be used to generate extra revenue by selling any of the excess energy generated back to the electrical grid.

The Pros & Cons of Solar Carports & Canopies

Both of these solar structures have many benefits but have pros and cons when buyers consider the cost, space efficiency, and adaptability.

Cost

Solar canopies can be more expensive due to their construction, but solar carports are becoming more affordable and are a great option for residential clients who want to charge their electric vehicles or for businesses who want to attract more customers.

Space Efficiency

Overall, both solar carports and canopies are more space efficient than ground-mounted solar panels because they can use existing carport or pergola-like structures or can be built over driveways or existing parking spaces.

Adaptability

Solar canopies can often be combined with other solar systems or electric vehicle chargers, while solar carports can be built in single, double, and larger span configurations depending on how large the buyer’s driveway is.

So, Which is Right for You?

As you can see, there are many benefits to installing either a solar carport or canopy at your Central Florida home or business. Ultimately, which option is best for you will depend on your needs. If you have an electric vehicle you want to charge, a solar carport might be the best option for you as it will protect your vehicle and charge it at the same time.

If you’d rather install solar panels above your patio or garden area, a solar canopy designed to look like a pergola is a great option as it is open on all sides so you have a 360-degree view.

More Solar Uses > Heating Your Hot Tub with Solar

Go Solar in Central Florida

When deciding between a solar carport or a solar canopy, consider important factors such as cost, space, and adaptability to help determine which one aligns best with your needs. If you aren’t sure, that’s where we come in!

Our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to help you make the most of Florida’s ample sunshine and is ready to design the perfect solar carport or canopy for you. Ready to get started? Contact us for a quote today at (727) 471-7442!

How Many Solar Panels Does It Take To Charge A Hybrid?

If you have a hybrid vehicle, one that is powered by solar and gas, then you may be wondering if you can charge it with solar power. And the answer is yes! Just like fully electric vehicles, you can harness the power of the sun to charge up your hybrid at your Central Florida home.

Our pros at Solar Bear Orlando explain what you need to know, and how many solar panels you may need to charge your hybrid vehicle. Let’s go!

Why Should You Charge Your Hybrid Vehicle with Solar?

Of course, one of the biggest benefits of driving a hybrid vehicle is that it can help control your fuel costs. And even though you have access to public chargers, there’s just something exciting about charging your hybrid at home.

And the best part is that charging via solar power costs about half as much as charging via the grid.

Charging a Hybrid Vehicle with Solar Power

Generally, to charge a hybrid car with solar panels, you will need between 5 and 12 solar panels. How many panels your specific setup needs will depend on many factors including:

• The size of your hybrid’s battery
• Your driving habits
• The size and efficiency of your solar panels
• Average hours of sunlight

For the most reliable charging for electric and hybrid vehicles, we recommend around 8 to 12 panels.

Considerations to Keep in Mind

As noted above, how many panels your system will ultimately need will depend on several factors. Let’s break those down a little further.

Driving Habits

Of course, the more you drive, the more panels you’ll likely need to charge your hybrid vehicle. Because it’s a hybrid, you can rely on the gas-powered side of things, so you may need fewer panels than someone with a fully electric vehicle. If you are unsure, we can help you decide!

Battery Size

It’s important to remember that larger hybrid batteries will need more solar panels to fully charge. We can help you determine the size of your hybrid’s battery if you aren’t sure what size battery you have. Then, we can design a system that promotes optimal charging.

Panel Efficiency

The higher efficiency your solar panels have, the more power they can generate. We strive to offer the most efficient panels on the market to ensure you have enough power to charge your hybrid car.

Average Hours of Sunlight

We get ample sunlight here in the Sunshine State so you don’t have to worry about not having enough sun to power your hybrid.

Read More > Questions to Ask Your Solar Installer

Go Solar with Solar Bear Orlando

Charging your hybrid vehicle with a solar system is the best way to save on costs and give back to the environment. So if you’re ready to install a charging system at your Central Florida home, don’t wait to reach out to our solar pros at Solar Bear Orlando.

We will make sure that your system is the most efficient it can be to charge your hybrid! Get a personalized quote today at (727) 471-7442!

5 Tips for Claiming Solar Tax Credits for Your Rental Properties

As a savvy Florida landlord, you’re always looking for ways to maximize your rental property investments. And with the sun shining bright in the Sunshine State, solar energy is a smart move that can boost your bottom line and attract eco-conscious tenants. But did you know that you can also reap significant financial rewards through solar tax credits? 

You read that right—the federal government and the state of Florida offer attractive financial incentives to encourage the adoption of solar energy. Here’s how to claim these tax credits and maximizing your savings.

1. Get to Know the Federal Solar Tax Credit

The federal solar tax credit, also known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), allows you to deduct a percentage of the cost of your solar system from your federal taxes. For systems installed in 2023, the credit is 30%. That means if you install a $20,000 solar system, you could potentially receive a $6,000 tax credit! And that’s a big deal.

The federal solar tax credit is currently set to step down in the coming years. So, the sooner you install your solar system, the more you can save. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to maximize your tax benefits.

2. Explore Florida’s Property Tax Exemption

Florida sweetens the deal with a property tax exemption for solar energy systems. So, the value added to your property by the solar installation won’t be subject to property taxes. It’s like getting a bonus discount on your property taxes, year after year.

3. Partner with a Reputable Solar Installer

Choosing the right solar installer is crucial for a smooth and successful installation. Make sure your installer is licensed, insured, and experienced with the tax credit process. They’ll help you gather the necessary documentation and ensure your system meets all the requirements for claiming the credits.

4. Keep Meticulous Records

When it comes to tax credits, documentation is key. Keep detailed records of all your solar-related expenses, like invoices, receipts, and any permits or approvals. You’ll make the tax filing process so much easier, ensuring you receive the full credit you’re entitled to.

5. Consult with a Tax Professional

Tax laws are complex, and it’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified tax expert to ensure you’re maximizing your deductions and credits. They can help you understand the specific rules and regulations related to solar tax credits, so you get the most out of your investment.

Solar Is a Smart Investment for Your Rental Property—Get Started Today

It’s time to turn sunshine into savings! Reach out to Solar Bear of Tampa today—we’ll help you harness the power of clean energy, reduce your energy costs, and boost your rental property’s value. It’s a smart investment that benefits both your wallet and the environment. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to get started!