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3 Ways Solar Power Increases Your Home Value

There are numerous reasons why adding a solar system to your property makes sense, from developing an environmentally friendly footprint for your home to lowering energy costs. But one aspect that many people may forget is that solar power can also increase your home’s property value. 

According to Zillow, homes with solar panels generally sell for 4.1% more than homes without them and can add nine thousand dollars to the cost of the home. 

Here are the top three ways that you can increase your home’s property value with solar panels from our pros at Solar Bear…

Solar Energy is Valuable 

Energy efficiency is great for the planet and your bottom line. Generally, any kind of energy-efficient upgrade will increase the value of your property, and when it comes to solar panels, home buyers want them. 

Not surprisingly, research indicates that solar-powered homes sell faster than non-solar homes in some markets. Further, some buyers want a move-in-ready house, so they may find extra value in a home that already has energy-efficient upgrades like a solar system in place. 

Solar Power Pays Back 

Once you have your solar panels up and running, you will be less reliant on the energy grid, and your system will start paying you back through energy savings. 

Even if you are not sure that you are going to stay in your home long enough to enjoy the benefits of solar, they are still a smart investment because of the value that they add to your home. 

How much value that they add to your home depends on many factors including:

• Where you live
• The price of electricity in your area
• The size, condition, and value of your home (before installation)
• The age of the solar panels
• How much energy the system saves

Energy Savings 

Finally, a solar panel system will allow you to enjoy enhanced electricity bill savings over the 25-30 years of your solar system’s lifetime. As utility rates increase, your electricity bill savings will grow with time. Even if you never sell your home, your solar installation will fully pay for itself many times over. 

If you do decide to sell, you will be able to sell for a higher price, which will help cover the upfront cost of installing solar panels. 

Other Ways Solar Panels Increase Your Home’s Value

Not sold yet? Here are a few other ways that solar panels can increase your home’s value:

• Reduce costs of homeownership
• Environmental protection
• Protection of your roof from the elements 
• You can sell excess power back to the power company 
• Futureproofing
• Able to charge electrical vehicles at home with solar energy
• Self-reliance and self-sufficiency 

Things to Keep in Mind

Solar panels are more desirable in certain markets and areas than in others. In cities where buyers are more conscious of environmental issues, solar panels are more valuable when selling a home. 

In addition to improving a home’s value, solar panels can also help your property sell more quickly. Many home buyers actively seek out green or energy-efficient properties, and solar panels can draw in buyers who are seeking a reduction in utility bills, energy savings, and environmental protection. 

If you are concerned about increasing your home’s value with solar panels, consider talking with an experienced real estate agent in your area. They will be able to determine if green improvements like solar panels will enhance your home’s value and make it easier to sell in the future. 

Choose Solar Power 

Whether you are a homeowner or an owner of a small business, investing in solar power has both immediate and long-term value. Solar energy systems benefit homeowners by allowing them to gain energy independence, reduce utility bills, and add value to your home. 

Solar Bear has extensive solar panel installation experience and can help you decide if a solar panel system is right for you! We also offer home energy audits to show you all the potential ways that you could be saving money and energy—and adding value to your home! 

Contact us today for a free estimate on a solar system in or around the Orlando area —407-904-7585!

How to Take Advantage of Florida Solar Incentives

On average, Florida has 237 days of sun so it is easy to see why it is called the Sunshine State. But this is just one of the reasons why Floridians choose to go solar. Florida also offers attractive solar incentives that could help homeowners make the switch to solar power for less!

Solar Bear is a leading residential solar contractor in Florida, and we work to help you gain energy independence, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy Florida’s solar incentives. 

Let’s take a look at the solar incentives Florida currently has to offer.

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

With the Federal Solar Tax Investment Credit, you can buy and install new Florida solar panels throughout 2021, with or without battery storage, and qualify for the 26% federal solar tax credit. The residential tax credit drops to 22% in 2023 and ends in 2024. 

Example:

An average-sized 5-kilowatt system costs $17,885 in Florida but after the 26% ITC in 2021, the system could cost $13, 235.

You may be eligible for this tax credit if you meet the following criteria:

• Your PV solar system was installed between Jan 1, 2006-Dec 31, 2023. 
• The solar system is located at your primary or secondary residence in the U.S. 
• You own the PV system (you purchased it with cash or through financing but are not leasing) 
• The PV solar system is new or being used for the first time. The credit can only be claimed for the original installation of the solar equipment. 

Solar System Property Tax Exemption

With the Solar System Property Tax Exemption, when you add a photovoltaic (PV) system to your Florida home, your property taxes will not go up thanks to Florida’s Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Property incentives. 

Installing a solar panel system could help you increase the value of your Florida home by 4%. 

Home Solar System Sales Tax Exemption

When you buy a new rooftop solar panel system in Florida, you will not have to pay any sales tax with the Home Solar System Sales Tax Exemption. This exemption is for 100% of the sales tax of a new home solar panel installation and can save you 6% right away. 

PACE Program 

Under Florida law, some cities offer loans to homeowners to help them finance their solar power projects and other energy-efficient upgrades. These are paid for through a property tax increase for the city’s government.

The PACE program can help homeowners get solar panels installed, passing the balance of their loan to the next owner if they sell their home down the road. From there, the new owner can either choose to continue paying on the loan or remove the solar equipment. 

PACE financing is not available in all areas, so check with your local county officials to see if it is available in your town. 

Create and Store Solar Energy in Florida

Choosing to go solar means that you may qualify for Florida’s state and federal incentives. Thanks to Duke Energy, Florida Power & Light (FPL), and Tampa Electric Company’s (TECO) net energy metering programs, you can earn bill credits for any excess power that you create with your solar system.

Enrolling in a Net Metering program can dramatically speed up the payback of your solar panels. Not only are you saving money by going solar, but you are also essentially “monetizing” the sunshine that hits your roof every day which equals further savings! 

Say Yes to Solar

Team up with Florida’s solar authorities from Solar Bear to harness the power of the sun and gain energy independence for your Tampa, Orlando, or Sarasota home! 

Go solar today! Contact Solar Bear today for a solar installation quote and to discuss what incentives you may qualify for— 407-904-7585!

Why Going Solar Makes Sense in 2021

There has never been a better time to install solar. In fact, in 2021, solar energy is more efficient, accessible, and cost-effective than ever before. 

Thanks to an increase in investment for research, improved technology, and a greater commitment to renewable energy from federal and state governments, going solar is one of the best investments that you can make in 2021!

Why Go Solar?

There are many reasons to go solar powered in 2021, regardless of your location, or circumstances.

Here are some of the top reasons to go solar in 2021! 

Utility Bill Savings 

Installing solar panels can offset and, in some cases, eliminate your monthly energy bill. The lifespan of a solar panel system is 25+ years, so just imagine the savings that you will enjoy! 

Return on Investment 

Solar panels are one of the most dependable investments on the market today. Once you have paid off your system, you will be able to generate free electricity for years to come. 

Generally, a photovoltaic system (PV) will see a 20% ROI in the first year after install. Keep in mind that payback periods and costs vary for every home and solar system. Some homeowners will spend more on their system than others, while others will use more electricity due to their location or the size of their house. 

Avoid Volatile Electricity Costs 

Electricity costs constantly increase, and while utility rates are volatile and unpredictable, you can safeguard yourself against rising electricity prices by installing a solar system. 

Increased Property Value 

Solar panels will increase the value and demand for your property. As we all become more well-informed about renewable energy, properties with solar panels will stand out as more competitive in the real estate market. 

Boost the Local Economy

The solar sector has seen staggering growth over the past decades as renewable energy grows in demand. By choosing to go solar with Solar Bear, you are not only supporting a locally owned and operated business, but you are supporting your local economy and giving back to Mother Earth. 

Environmental Benefits

Choosing to install solar is one of the best ways that you, as a homeowner, can reduce your carbon footprint and fight against climate change. 

Solar-powered energy is clean and renewable and reduces dependence on fossil fuels. Most of the energy that we use in the United States comes from coal or natural gas, which can be expensive to extract from the Earth, and harmful to the surrounding environment. Solar is free and abundant. Think about it, if we could harness just one hour of all the sun’s energy shining down on Earth, we could power the entire world for a year! Yes, you read the right—an entire year!

Tax Credits 

Homebuyers who decide to install a solar system will be able to take advantage of the 26% Renewable Energy Federal Tax Credit which has been extended through the year 2022. 

Let’s put this into perspective. If your solar system is $15,000, the tax credit will drop your income tax liability to $3,900 (26% of 15,000) which makes the actual cost of your solar system $11,100. Sounds good right!? 

Choose Solar in Orlando 

If you are ready to go solar in Orlando and throughout Central Florida, our friendly experienced team at Solar Bear is here to help! We specialize in solar energy, solar panel installation, roofing, and spray foam insulation to make sure that you are on the cutting edge of renewable energy. 

Say yes to solar with Solar Bear, ranked #1 in the nation for solar panel installs! Call today Solar Bear Orlando 407-904-7585!

Why Choose Solar Bear for Tampa Home Solar

The benefits to going solar in Tampa are plentiful, however, there are several important factors to consider – one of which is who will do the installation. At Solar Bear Tampa, we understand that you have options when it comes to choosing a solar system installation company. However, there’s a reason why we’re the preferred residential home solar installation company in Tampa! Here’s why…

Guaranteed Quality Installations

Providing quality installations since 2015 is just one of the reasons why Solar Bear Tampa has become the largest residential installer of solar panels in Florida. With over 200 employees, all of our work is done in-house without the use of subcontractors. 

We’re so confident in the quality of our installations that we offer a 25-year workmanship warranty, a 25-year no-leak guarantee, a 30-year solar panel warranty, and a 30-year production warranty. On top of this amazing warranty package, we also offer same-day service and FREE panel cleanings once a year for five years after the system is installed. 

Rave Reviews & Accolades

When word on the street just isn’t enough, the proof is in the reviews, accolades, and awards. Here’s where we get our bragging rights…

• Solar Bear is A+ Rated with the Better Business Bureau and has more 5-star reviews than any solar installation company in Florida. 
• Solar Bear was awarded the #1 Solar Contractor in the nation in 2019 by SolarReviews.com Top 100 Solar Contractors list. 
• Solar Bear has a 5.0 rating with the country’s largest solar forum, Energy Sage. 

Doing Good for the Community 

Solar Bear is a proud partner of GIVE POWER, a non-profit organization that brings energy and clean drinking water to areas that don’t have either. In addition to our charitable endeavors, we also offer discounts to senior citizens, first responders, and members of the military. 

One-Stop-Shop

It only makes sense for a roofing contractor to offer a complete line of roofing services that includes installations, repairs, and solar systems. However, we are one of the few companies in the state of Florida that does all three! This gives us the unique ability to address any roof issues before your solar system is installed. 

In addition, Solar Bear is the only solar contractor in the country that also provides spray foam insulation. A good thing because 75% of our customers decide to get both solar panels and spray foam as a complete energy savings package!

Call Solar Bear Tampa for a FREE quote on home solar!

Interested in learning more about the home solar services offered at Solar Bear Tampa? Please contact us at (813) 535-6627 to schedule a FREE quote!