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Solar panels don’t pay you back on good intentions. They pay you back on smart solar strategy. If you want to make your solar investment work hard—not just sit pretty—you need more than sunshine and a good roof. You need to optimize. Here’s your checklist for squeezing every dollar out of your system:

1. Net Metering Is Your MVP

When your panels make more power than you use, net metering lets you bank that extra energy as credits on your bill. It’s fair and it’s essential to hitting your return-on-investment goals. But not every utility handles it the same way. In Tampa, you’ll want to:

• Confirm your utility’s current net metering policy (they canchange).
• Track your usage and production regularly to catch discrepancies.
• Make sure you’ve got a bidirectional meter installed. No meter means no credits.

2. Add Battery Backup (for ROI and Peace of Mind)

Solar batteries aren’t just for emergencies—they’re a power move for your wallet. Here’s why:

• You store excess energy instead of selling it back at a lower rate.
• You avoid high utility prices during peak hours by using your own supply.
• You stay up and running during Florida’s notorious summer storms.

The up-front cost is real, but so is the long-term payoff. Especially in a place like Tampa, where the grid isn’t always dependable.

3. Keep It Clean—Literally

Dirty panels produce less power. Less power means a slower ROI. Tampa’s mix of pollen, salt, and storm debris can cloud up your panels faster than you think. Schedule a panel cleaning at least twice a year—more often if you’re near trees or the coast. Bonus: regular checks help catch cracks or wear before they become problems.

4. A Few Extra Smart Tips

Solar is a set-it-and-forget-it system—but forgetting the details can cost you. These quick habits and long-view choices can tighten up your ROI and keep things running smoothly for years to come.

• Track Your System:Use your inverter app to monitor daily and monthly performance. If production dips, you’ll know before your power bill tells you.
• Budget for the Inverter:Most inverters need replacing before the panels do. Set a little aside now, and future-you will thank you.
• Use Power Wisely:If you’re generating your own energy, it pays to time your high-usage activities for when the sun’s out. Think laundry, AC, dishwasher—during daylight hours.
• Double-Check Your Usage Plan:If your lifestyle changes—like a new EV or home addition—your system might need a size or settings update to keep pace. Revisit your usage at least once a year to stay aligned with your goals.

Want a Solar Setup That Actually Pays Off? Turn to Solar Bear of Tampa!

At Solar Bear of Tampa, we love to help you maximize your solar investment. Whether you’re adding a battery, tweaking your system for net metering, or figuring out what’s next, we’ve got your back. Call us today at (727) 999-6287 and get a solar plan that pays you back!

If one thing is true about the current automotive market, electric vehicles, aka EVs, aren’t going anywhere. And if you are one of the drivers who have jumped into the electric trend, then you’re likely curious how to sustainably charge your EV at home. But how many solar panels do you need?

Well, it all depends, and our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to help. Let’s discuss!

Understanding Your EV Charger Needs

The first step in understanding how many panels you will need is to figure out how much energy your EV charger uses. This can vary based on the charger and the vehicle’s specifications.

Generally, most EV chargers will typically require between 3.3 kW to 7.2 kW to function most efficiently, but again, this depends on the model itself. We recommend checking your owner’s manual for more information.

Calculating Your Energy Requirements

The next important consideration is how often you need to charge your vehicle and how much energy you use. If you charge your EV every day and it uses 7.2 kW, you will need to generate 216 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of energy per month.

Read More > What is Florida’s Average kWh Per Day?

Estimating How Many Solar Panels You’ll Need

Now, let’s discuss solar panels. The average solar panel that we install produces about 300 watts of power. If you get around 5 hours of sunlight a day, that means that a single solar panel can produce about 1.5 kWh of energy a day, or about 45 kWh a month.

To calculate how many panels you need, use this formula:

Total monthly energy consumption (kWh) ÷ Monthly energy production per panel (kWh)

So, if we use the earlier example: 216 kWh (for the EV charger) ÷ 45 kWh (produced per solar panel) = 4.8 panels

If you follow this example, you would need about 5 panels to adequately power your EV charger.

Remember, this is just an example. The number of panels that you will need will depend on your specific EV’s battery size, your driving habits, and your solar panel’s size and overall efficiency.

Note: We always like to recommend considering some extra capacity for efficiency losses and future energy needs, as your driving habits or vehicle may change.

Let’s Power Your EV

Ready to power your electric vehicle at your Central Florida home with the power of the sun? You’ve found the right team! Here at Solar Bear Orlando, we are happy to assess your energy needs, evaluate your roof’s solar potential, and design a custom system just for you.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, feel free to reach out to us at (727) 353-3886. We’re excited to get started on your solar project!

Wondering how to clean your solar panels without damaging them? You wouldn’t detail your car with ketchup. You wouldn’t wash your floors with hairspray. So—should you really use Windex when cleaning your solar panels? It’s a common impulse. After all, Windex makes glass sparkle. And solar panels look like glass, right? We want to make sure you’re treating your panels right, so here’s what you need to know about cleaning them.

Your Solar Panels Are Not Just “Glass”

Sure, the surface is shiny. But solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells covered with specialized glass—glass that’s built to absorb light, not reflect it. That protective layer is engineered to withstand heat, hail, and all the gritty chaos Tampa’s weather throws its way. And that’s where the problem with Windex starts.

Window cleaners like Windex are full of ammonia, dyes, and surfactants. On your kitchen windows? Great, but on your solar panels, it’s risky. The residue can leave behind a thin film that actually blocks sunlight from getting through. So not only could your panels look streaky, they might stop performing at their best. In other words: clean panels are efficient panels. But only if you clean them right.

So, What Should You Use to Clean Your Solar Panels?

Skip the pressure washer and the Windex. Stick with simple tools that won’t scratch or strip the surface. Here’s the short list:

• Deionized or Distilled Water: This is the gold standard for no minerals, no streaks.
• Soft Brushes or Sponges: Don’t use anything abrasive. These aren’t your bathroom tiles.
• Non-toxic Solar Panel Cleaner: A little goes a long way, because it’s made for the job.

Still Thinking of Doing It Yourself?

It’s fair to want to clean your panels yourself, but here’s a pro tip from the team at Solar Bear of Tampa: If you’re going to climb up on your roof, make it count. Put safety first and wear footwear with grip. Only work in the cool, early morning hours. And if your panels are tilted or tough to reach? It’s okay to call in a pro (Really. We do this all the time.).

We know that living in Tampa means sunshine, salt spray, and that delightful layer of pollen that coats everything. But your system is an investment, so clean it like one.

Keep Your Panels Clean, the Right Way—We Can Help

Can you clean your solar panels with Windex? Not if you care about performance. Smart solar starts with smart care. Keep it gentle, keep it streak-free, and when in doubt, let Solar Bear handle the heavy lifting. Call us at (727) 353-3886 to learn how to keep your panels performing perfectly. Sunshine’s too valuable to waste!

Hey, Central Florida! Did you know that scams are on the rise in the solar industry? Unfortunately, it’s something that we have been noticing for a while. That’s why our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to help!

Today, we are sharing some common scams to watch out for as you navigate the world of solar installations. Keep reading to learn what to look out for.

#1. Unrealistic Promises

Be on the lookout for companies that guarantee immediate savings or energy independence from the utility company overnight. While solar energy can reduce your electric bill over time, it is important not to be lured in by these kinds of unrealistic promises.

A reputable installation company like Solar Bear Orlando will be transparent about the potential savings and timeline that you can expect for these savings based on your home and energy usage.

#2. Low-Quality Equipment

Also, be wary of companies that are offering solar panels and equipment at low prices that seem too good to be true. Always invest in high-quality panels built by trusted manufacturers. We always recommend checking for reviews before making a purchase. But when you work with our team, you won’t have to worry about that, because we only deal with reputable solar panel manufacturers.

#3. Pressure Tactics

If a solar company is pressuring you to sign a contract on the spot, that is a big red flag. A trustworthy solar company will allow you to take your time and review your options and won’t pressure you into making a split-second decision on such an important investment.

#4. Hidden Fees

We always recommend reading the fine print. Some solar companies will tack on hidden fees that can end up costing you more in the long run. These fees can be for anything from installation costs and service fees to maintenance agreements.

Make sure you know the exact costs of your installation and what you are signing off on.

#5. Unlicensed Installers

You don’t have to worry about this one with our team at Solar Bear Orlando, but we recommend checking to see if your solar company has the proper licensing and certifications. This ensures that they will install your system according to local regulations and up to code.

#6. Lack of Warranty or Support

A robust warranty is the trademark of a trustworthy solar company. Make sure you ask about any warranty coverage for both the panels and the installation before you sign the contract. This can save you from dealing with costly repairs in the future.

Read More > What Will Solar Look Like Under the Trump Administration?

Stay Sunny with Solar Bear Orlando

Knowledge is indeed power, especially when it comes to solar energy. By being aware of what scams are out there, you can protect yourself from falling prey to scammers and make the best investment for your Central Florida home.

At Solar Bear Orlando, we are here to help you invest in solar power with confidence. If you have any questions or need guidance along the way, feel free to reach out to us at (727) 353-3886. We are always happy to help!