Category: Uncategorized

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!

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!

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! 

  

Solar panels use energy from the sun and convert it into electricity, but what you might not know is how exactly the sun’s rays are converted to energy with your solar system. Let’s take a look at how an at-home solar energy system works!

How Solar Panels Work 

Solar panels work by allowing the sun’s rays to interact with atoms in photovoltaic cells to generate a flow of electricity. Each solar panel is composed of around 60-72 solar cells that are linked together. Each of these cells contains positive and negative layers that combine to form an electrical field—perfect for creating energy! 

Inside the top silicon layer is phosphorus which creates a negative charge, while the boron in the bottom layer provides the positive charge. 

These two fields interact and turn the rays from the sun into energy that then flows from your solar panels to your inverter. The more solar panels you install, the more energy you will generate. 

Related: 4 Things to Know About Home Solar Energy 

Components of Solar Panels 

The most important parts of a solar panel are the photovoltaic cells that capture sunlight and then transfer the energy to the inverter. Each photovoltaic cell is encapsulated within a larger silicon cell that is encased in glass and metal to protect it from inclement weather and water damage. 

The glass that covers the photovoltaic cells is covered in an anti-reflective coating to help the panels collect the most energy from the sun as possible, and, in turn, generate the optimal amount of energy. 

What is a Solar Inverter?

A solar inverter is the system’s “power plant” that converts the energy to alternating current (AC). Think of a solar inverter as a translator. It translates solar energy from DC into the type of electricity (AC) that can be used in your house. 

How Solar Energy Works: Step by Step

Step 1:

Sunlight hits the charged layers of your solar panels, and the photons and electrons interact to create an electrical current. 

Step 2:

The electrical current flows from your solar panels down to the solar inverter, where the energy generated from your panels is converted into usable energy for your home. 

Step 3:

The energy flows from the inverter into the breaker box in your home, which can then be used throughout your home.

Step 4: 

Any unused energy will flow back to your utility meter and remain available for later consumption. In many states like Florida, homeowners have the option to return the unused energy to the electrical grid in the form of energy credits on their next power bill. This is called net metering. 

Solar Energy at Night 

Solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity, but the sun does not shine at night. To power your home at night, you can install a grid-tied solar panel system, where you rely on getting the power at night from your utility company, or a backup battery where excess energy will be stored when you need it the most. 

Learn more: Solar 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Going Solar

Make Solar Power Work for Your Home 

Ready to install solar panels at your home or business? Say yes to solar with Solar Bear! We are Florida’s efficient energy authorities for Tampa, Orlando, Sarasota, and all over Florida! 

Call us today for your solar, spray foam insulation, and energy efficiency needs—Solar Bear Orlando: