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Does Home Solar Improve Property Value?

Looking for ways to increase your home’s property value? Go solar! Adding solar power to your home is one of the best ways to increase your property’s value and reduce your monthly utility bills. Keep reading to learn more…

The Importance of Solar 

According to the Solar energy Industries Association, in 2020, solar energy accounted for 43% of new electricity-generating capacity in the United States! Because of the many benefits to installing solar power, this number is on the rise. 

How much can solar increase a home’s resale value?

Studies show that sellers in the state of Florida receive 4.6% more of the selling price if the home is powered by solar. This increase equals an additional $9,000 for the median-priced home! 

Why do solar-powered homes sell for more?

There are many benefits to installing home solar power, all of which add to the home’s property value. Some of these benefits include:

Lower Utility Bills: The main reason for an increase in property value is cost savings. Houses with solar systems are less expensive to own because of the utility bills are significantly less (up to $300 less per month!). 

Florida Net Metering: As if lower utility bills weren’t enough, there’s also a program called Florida Net Metering which is one of the most important regulatory policies for residential solar owners in the state of Florida. It works by monitoring the amount of electricity that a home uses by being on the grid. (Homeowners continue to “stay on the grid” as a backup power supply). The solar panels create solar energy, any unused energy supplied by your electric company will be sent back to the grid and the homeowner will receive a credit. 

Energy Efficiency: Today, Americans are increasingly concerned about the environment. Solar energy has become increasingly popular because it helps homeowner reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and lowers their carbon footprint. Also, the operating expense for energy-efficient homes are less, thus they are cheaper to own. 

Contact the Solar Power Experts at Solar Bear Tampa!

Interested in learning more about how solar power can increase your home’s property value, lower your utility bills, and reduce your carbon footprint? Contact the solar power experts at Solar Bear Tampa at (813) 519-4970 to schedule an appointment. 

Things to Look for When Choosing a Solar Panel Installer

Going solar is a big decision! While it’s an investment that should pay for itself through lower utility bills, rebates, and incentives, it’s an investment nonetheless and one that involves significant upfront costs. BUT, to see a return on your investment, the solar panels must be top-quality, and more importantly, must be installed correctly. Here we touch on what to look out for when choosing a solar panel installer. 

#1: Experience & Longevity 

When it comes to installing solar panels, experience and longevity are key. Experienced installers have seen it all and have the knowledge required to address any unforeseen issues. 

Why choose Solar Bear? We have been in business since 2015, and we are the largest residential installer of solar panels in Florida. We have a proven track record of success and are one of the few companies in the state of Florida that offer both solar panel and roofing services. This puts us in the unique position to quickly handle any issues without having to outsource a roofing contractor – saving our clients both time and money.  

#2: Reviews

Client reviews, both good and bad, are an excellent way to see what a company is all about. Glance through review sites such as Yelp, Facebook, and Google. Also, get recommendations and referrals from people you know and trust such as family, friends, and neighbors. 

Why choose Solar Bear? We are A+ rated with the BBB and have more 5-star reviews on the BBB than any solar company in the state! In 2019, we were named #1 Solar Contractor in the nation by SolarReviews.com’s Top 100 Solar Contractors list. 

#:3 Customer Service 

Customer service is the core of every successful installation company. Without it, you’re just stuck with solar panels that don’t work the way they should. 

Why choose Solar Bear? We guarantee all of our installations and solar production. We have over 200 W2 employees – all of whom work in-house (unlike a vast majority of our competitors who only use subcontractors). We offer same-day service and discounts for senior citizens, first responders, and military personnel. 

#4: Warranty 

Most reputable solar panel installation companies offer a 25-year workmanship warranty and a 30-year solar panel warranty. Anything less than this would be a red flag. 

Why choose Solar Bear? In addition to a 25-year workmanship warranty and 30-year solar panel warranty, we also offer a 25-year no-leak guarantee and a 30-year production warranty. Want more?? The first five years of panel cleanings are free of charge! 

#5: Company Values & Process

One of the most vital factors in choosing a solar panel installer is how the company runs its business. Do they value customer service? How will they react to any unforeseen issues? What processes do they have in place to ensure a quality installation? 

Why choose Solar Bear? Our customers’ satisfaction is our top priority and that is apparent through our work and how we run our business. From the initial quote to the final steps of the installation process, we guarantee a job well done! 

Call Solar Bear Tampa for a FREE quote!

Interested in learning more about solar panel installations with Solar Bear Tampa? Please contact us at (813) 535-6627 to schedule a FREE quote! 

Do’s and Don’ts of Shopping for Home Solar

Using solar energy to power your home offers many benefits. Not only will you be able to shrink your carbon footprint, but you will be able to decrease your utility bill and save quite a bit of money. 

Of course, switching to solar energy requires planning and consideration, and it can be difficult to know where to begin when shopping for solar panels. Here are some things to consider before going solar from the solar energy pros at Solar Bear. 

Things to Do:

Location, Location, Location

Before you even purchase solar panels, you need to ensure that you have a place to put them. Many solar panels are mounted on the roof of your home, but older homes may require repairs or modifications before they can support solar panels. Solar panels can be installed in yards in some locations which can be a potential alternative if a roof install is unfeasible. 

No matter their location, you’ll want to make sure that they are faced in the optimal position to get the most sunlight exposure. In the southern hemisphere, solar panels should face north where they will receive the most direct light throughout our sunny Florida days. If large trees are blocking your roof, you may want to get them trimmed back so you get the most sun exposure possible. 

Get an Energy Audit 

By getting an energy audit done, you will know how much energy your home or building needs and uses daily. There is not much point in installing solar panels if they won’t provide enough energy for your needs and you end up needing to supplement the deficit with regular electricity. 

Further, you want to reduce energy output as much as possible before installing solar. Upgrade appliances and switch to LED lighting wherever possible. This not only will benefit your energy audit, but it will ensure that your solar system will be able to supply enough electricity once you switch to solar. 

Check to See if You Need a Permit

Before installing solar, you’ll need to look into city codes and see if you need a permit. Every city, county, and state has different rules and regulations when it comes to installing solar on residential properties, so be sure to comply before moving forward. 

Applying for necessary permits can take some time, so be patient! 

Things to Avoid:

Never Cut Corners

When installing solar, never cut corners to save money. While you might think that you can save a few dollars by installing solar yourself, it is best to get them installed by a professional company like Solar Bear to ensure that they are installed correctly. 

Steer clear of cheaper materials and panels. Cheaper materials are cheaper for a reason and can end up costing you more money in the long run. 

Don’t Forget to Research 

Installing solar panels is an expensive endeavor and one that should not be decided on lightly. Do your research so you are fully prepared when solar companies give you a quote. A lack of knowledge will only end up costing you money. 

Don’t Perform Energy Audits in the Wrong Season 

You won’t get an accurate calculation if you get an energy audit down in the off-season. Assess the energy usage during the season where the most energy will be used, such as the hot Florida summers here in Tampa Bay. 

If you base the installation of solar panels on the low energy months, you will be left short of energy in those months when your energy needs increase. 

Expert Solar Panel Installation

Avoid costly mistakes and call the pros at Solar Bear for a solar panel installation quote today! We can help you decide which kind of solar panel system is right for your needs, and right-size the perfect solar panel array for you. We also offer home energy audits to help you save the most money and ensure that your home is energy efficient! 

Contact Solar Bear for free estimates on solar panel systems in Tampa Bay, Orlando, and across the state of Florida at 813-567-8484 in Tampa or 407-904-7585 in Orlando. Save energy with Solar Bear! 

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

One of the most common questions we get from homeowners is, “How long do solar panels last?” This is a great question! Naturally, you want to know how long your solar panels will produce ample energy so that you can receive a return on your investment. 

Solar panels will be able to offset your electricity use and lower your utility bills for decades, but certain factors that will affect the life span of your panels. We explain…

How long do solar panels last?

The short answer is that solar panels last about 25 to 30 years. Here comes the long answer. Solar panels don’t stop producing electricity after 25 years. Instead, the energy production declines by what solar panel manufacturers consider to be a “significant amount.” 

Solar panels will continue to work for years and years, as long as they aren’t physically damaged by wind, debris, or any other external factors. This durability is in part to the fact that solar panels do not have any moving parts that break from within. If damage occurs, it is most often caused by a poor installation or inclement weather. 

What is the panel degradation rate? 

Based on a 2012 study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, solar panel output falls by 0.8 percent each year on average, a rate known as the solar panel degradation rate. The good news? Thanks to advanced technology, solar degradation rates are constantly improving. Since this study was performed, newer and more efficient panels with just a 0.5 percent degradation rate have become available. 

To determine the projected output of your solar panel system after a certain number of years, simply multiply the degradation rate by the number of years you are interested in and subtract that number by 100 percent. 

For example: 

25 years x 0.8% degradation rate = 20% 

100% – 20% = 80% operating energy output by year 25

It is important to note that not every solar panel is created equal, and some brands are better than others. A good way to gauge how long your panels will last is the duration of the manufacturer’s service warranty (typically 25 years). You will also receive an equipment and performance warranty – both intended to guarantee your panels produce a certain amount of energy (typically 10 to 12 years). 

Is there a way to make solar panels last longer?

Solar panels are extremely durable and have been made to withstand high winds and falling hail. And since they do not have moving parts, they require little to no maintenance. However, there are ways you can extend the life of your solar panels, some of which include:

• Work with a reputable installation company, such as Solar Bear, that provides excellent customer service, high-quality solar panels, and quality installations.
• Schedule annual maintenance checks by your installation company. *At Solar Bear, the first five years of maintenance checks are FREE!
• Keep panels clear of debris and other damaging materials.

Contact Solar Bear! 

Interested in learning more about the solar panel installation process? Solar Bear Tampa can help! Please contact us at 813-922-3735 to schedule a FREE quote!