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A solar panel system is a great investment that can provide you with renewable solar energy for the next 25 years or more. But how are they maintained? Do they require regular tune-ups to stay in peak condition? 

Scroll down to learn the answers to the most common solar power maintenance questions! 

Solar Panel Maintenance

Solar panels typically require extraordinarily little maintenance to keep running efficiently, but they do need a light cleaning periodically to remove dirt, leaves, and other debris. 

The only time you might need to perform more extensive maintenance is during periods of heavy snowfall (in the Northern states) or if their energy output starts to decrease. 

How Do You Maintain Solar Panels?

If you have tilted panes, you are in luck. Rainfall usually clears away any debris that might have accumulated on them. During a dry season or extended periods without rain, it is important to clean your solar panels manually. We recommend performing solar panel cleaning at least two to four times a year. 

The good news is that cleaning them is simple. All you need is a leaf blower or a quick spray off with a hose. Never use hot water on your solar panels, as they could crack depending on the temperature outdoors. 

Bird droppings are more detrimental to your system than dust or leaves. If your solar array has string inverters or micro-inverters, the bird droppings can impede the flow of current in your panel. If you have trees near your solar system, they will attract birds. Checking your panels regularly for bird droppings, dust, and leaves will ensure that your system is running efficiently. 

Cleaning Ground Panels Vs. Roof Panels 

The only difference between the maintenance of ground-mounted solar panels and roof solar panels is that ground panels are easier to access, therefore easier to keep clean. If you notice any debris building up, you can easily sweep them off with a broom. 

Standard Solar Panel Warranties 

Before going solar, ensure that you have a solid solar panel warranty. Over time, your solar panel’s efficiency will start to decrease, so you will need to have a professional come out to perform maintenance on your system. This can save you thousands of dollars over the years. 

Warranties generally last between 15 and 25 years and guarantee that your solar panels will continue to produce 85% of your energy or above for that entire period. 

Will Extreme Weather Impact Solar Panels? 

Solar panels are designed to withstand all kinds of weather from wind to hail, to snow, etc. They can even survive through the high winds of hurricanes! 

Of course, they are not 100% indestructible and they can suffer damage from hail, lightning, hurricanes, or tornadoes. If you have a good warranty and coverage through your homeowner’s insurance policy, you should be able to have any damaged panels replaced or repaired. 

Heat is the main issue that can have an impact on your solar panels. When the temperature outside is over 90 degrees, they lose efficiency by 1% a degree. Elevating them a few inches from the ground or roof will allow for air circulation to help cool them down and maintain peak efficiency. 

Tampa Bay Solar Panels 

Solar panels are easy to maintain. Just make sure that you have a good warranty and insurance coverage, and maintain the cleanliness of your solar panels, and you will be golden. Your solar panels will continue to operate at peak efficiency and supply you with clean renewable energy for years to come!

Harness the power of the sun with Solar Bear! Call us today for a solar power quote—Solar Bear Tampa: 813-567-8484 or Solar Bear Orlando: 407-904-7585!

There are many reasons why homeowners decide to add solar to their homes, especially as electricity costs continue to increase and our climate continues to warm up. Making the switch to solar is the best way to lock in decades of predictable energy costs all while helping the environment! 

If you are considering adding solar panels to your home or business, consider the importance of these eco-friendly advantages.

Reduction of Greenhouse Gas and CO2 Emissions 

The environmental impact of solar panels is quite substantial. In Florida, the average home consumes around 1,078 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month, and a modestly sized solar power system could easily reduce that number by 80%. Over twenty years, a solar energy system that is producing 80% of a home’s energy requirements can offset the equivalent of CO2 emissions from over 150,000 pounds of burned coal or the greenhouse gas emissions from 45 tons of waste from a landfill. 

Power an Electric Vehicle

Opting for an electric vehicle can offset 100% of a traditional vehicle’s harmful C02 emissions. When you charge an electric vehicle from a non-solar home, you are moving that expense that you might pay at the pump with a gas-powered vehicle to the energy expenses at your home. A professionally designed solar energy system will power both your home and your vehicle to help further offset the electricity that you purchase from your utility company. 

Solar Power Reduces Water Pollution

This is one of the biggest environmental advantages of going solar. While all manufacturing processes require water, the total amount of water used to generate solar electricity is much less than traditional energy sources. 

Older technologies like natural gas, coal-fired facilities, and nuclear power all require massive amounts of water for cooling. When using solar energy, there is little to no risk to local water resources, and the operation of solar power does not put a strain on the water supply. You won’t be competing with agriculture, drinking water, or other vital water needs with a solar panel system!

Reduces Strain on Finite Resources 

Our global population on Earth continues to grow, and we only have a finite amount of coal, oil, and natural gas to keep the world running. The sun is our most abundant energy source and produces 173,000 terawatts of solar energy every second! That is 10,000 times the world’s total combined energy usage. 

Fossil fuels are non-renewable and at some point, they will be gone or the cost of finding and extracting them might be too expensive. If we do not make a change, the damage to our environment might be irreparable. Going solar is the best way to protect the planet that we call home and save our dwindling resources.

Protect the Environment. Go Solar! 

Going solar not only saves the planet, but it can save you money too! It is one of the only home improvement investments that have an immediate and measurable impact on the environment. 

Installing solar is a great way to contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future while keeping your hard-earned money in your pocket. 

Ready to go solar and protect the environment? Contact Solar Bear today for a solar panel consultation—Solar Bear Tampa: 813-567-8484 or Solar Bear Orlando: 407-904-7585!

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. 

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!