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Why would you pass up the chance to get a new roof and add solar to your home all in one go? There are a bunch of drawbacks to solar shingles that you might not have even thought of, but that’s why we’re here. Your trusted solar experts at Solar Bear Tampa put together this in-depth guide with eye-opening insights between solar shingles and solar panels that will help you make the right decision for your home.

What Solar Shingles Will Get You In Tampa

More problems than you signed up for. The main issue that many homeowners in Tampa don’t really think about before getting solar shingles is the high cost. And we’re not just talking about the upfront cost. It doesn’t take much research to find out that solar panels are typically cheaper, but solar shingles can drain your wallet in other ways.

When your roof is damaged, you repair it. When your solar panel is damaged, you repair it. When your solar shingles are damaged, you’re paying for roof and solar repairs. By merging your roofing and solar power into a single entity (that being solar shingles), you create a more expensive asset that’s just as costly to repair or replace when disaster inevitably rolls through Tampa.

You have to think about what’s more important to you. Aesthetics, or saving money.

The Many Perks of Choosing Solar Panels Over Solar Shingles

Aside from an overall lower cost in installation and repairs, choosing solar panels for your Tampa home comes with countless other benefits that make them the better choice in most situations.

Solar panels have higher energy efficiency. Smaller solar shingles can only absorb so much sunlight at a time. Panels are much larger, and have the capacity to store much more sunlight, which can equate to higher energy savings over time.

Solar panels are more powerful. Not only are they able to absorb more sunlight than solar shingles, but solar panels are also capable of putting out more power to be used in almost any given situation.

Solar panels are easier to install. While you may only need to install a few solar panels, you would have to install plenty more shingles to cover your home’s entire roof. Solar panels also don’t require you to dismantle your roof.

Solar panels can be relocated. When you move, you can bring your investment with you, as solar panels are easy to remove and install. Meanwhile, once solar shingles are on, they are on. At least with solar panels, you have the choice to either sell them with your home or load them onto the moving truck.

Enjoy Premium Solar Panels From Solar Bear Tampa. Ask For a Quote Today!

Call Solar Bear Tampa today at (727) 353-3886 to ask for a free quote on solar panel installation in your neighborhood. We carry top-quality solar panels that are guaranteed to improve your home in more ways than one!

Yes, it is entirely possible to have too many solar panels on your Florida home. Not to worry, we’re here to tell you how to find the right number of solar panels for you! Take a look through our in-depth guide before reaching out to your reputable team of solar experts near you at Solar Bear Orlando. Our team will make sure your house is properly equipped to prevent hazards and prioritize your safety!

Excessive Solar Panels Can Make Your Roof Collapse

Sometimes, the weight of going solar can feel like too much for your home to bear. That’s because your house can only hold up so many panels before reaching its physical limit and the roofing starts to cave in on itself. The easiest way to prevent this from happening is by knowing your Orlando home’s structural capacity and comparing that to the weight of the number of solar panels you are looking to get.

You Can Overload Your Inverter With Too Many Solar Panels

An even bigger hazard is that of the electrical kind. When your Orlando home has too many solar panels, it can overload your solar inverter and cause it to short-circuit. This can increase the chances of a fire or other electricity-related accidents in your home. At the very least, your solar panel system can shut down in response. Overloaded solar inverters can also have a negative impact on your home’s energy efficiency.

Your Town’s Public Electrical Grid Might Not Be Able to Handle It

Imagine being the reason for a power outage in your neighborhood. That would be pretty embarrassing, but a likely possibility when you work too many solar panels into your sector’s public electrical grid. If the public grid isn’t equipped to handle a large number of solar panels in one spot, it can become unstable and pose potential hazards. Always follow your electric company’s local voltage regulations in Orlando to prevent the worst from happening.

Excess Solar Energy Can Go to Waste If Not Prepared

Do you believe that you can have too much of a good thing? Whether you believe it or not, it is certainly the case with solar panels. Solar energy is nice, there’s no doubt about that. However, much of the energy you collect can go to waste if you’re not prepared to have more than your system can handle. Without a backup battery, your excess solar power will go back to the grid for net metering in Orlando, but there’s also a chance that the value of the solar energy you put back into the grid won’t equate to a 1:1 conversion.

How to Be Smart With Solar Panel Installation:

1. Go By the 120% Rule

A good rule of thumb is to keep your solar panels within 120% of your home’s annual energy usage in Orlando.

2. Review Local Rules and Regulations

Local regulations are in place for your protection and have been designated by professionals who understand solar and energy usage.

3. Hire a Solar Panel Professional

Local solar panel companies know all of the necessary rules, regulations, and other knowledge for you so you don’t have to spend time on your own research.

Learn more about our solar panel systems on our website!

Play It Safe When You Hire Solar Bear Orlando For Solar Panel Installation

Don’t take your chances on solar panel installation. So many things can go wrong, but trusting Solar Bear Orlando makes it all right! Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to schedule a consultation and start looking out for your safety.

If you’re considering going solar, several federal and local incentives are available to help take the sting out of the price of installing solar. In this guide, our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares everything you need to know about these solar incentives and how to make the most of them. Let’s go!

Federal Incentives

One of the most exciting incentives available to homeowners who are installing solar is the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). It allows people to deduct a large percentage of their solar installation costs when they file their yearly taxes.

As of the beginning of 2025, the rate is set at 30%, and it will stay at this percentage until 2033, when it will drop to 26%.

State and Local Incentives

In addition to the ITC, Florida residents can take advantage of several local and state incentives, including:

Florida Solar Rebate Program

This Florida-specific program offers rebates to homeowners who install solar systems. The funds are limited each year and can run out, so it is important to apply for it as soon as possible once you choose to go solar.

Property Tax Exemption

Solar energy systems are exempt from property taxes in Florida, which is an amazing perk! Usually, if you make home improvements, it will increase your property tax bill due to the increase in the value of your home. But not for solar. We call that a big win!

Net Metering

Duke Energy in the Orlando area offers net metering, which allows homeowners with solar systems to receive credits for the excess energy that their systems produce. This means that on sunny days, when your panels are generating more energy than your home uses, those credits can offset your electricity costs on cloudy or rainy days.

Tips to Maximize Your Savings

To help you make the most of these incentives, follow these tips from our team at Solar Bear Orlando:

• Research: Keep an eye out for updates to both federal and local incentives. Programs and percentages can change, so staying informed can help you find the best opportunities.
• Consult with our Team: We recommend reaching out to our team at Solar Bear Orlando if you are unsure what incentives you may be eligible for. We are always here to help navigate the ins and outs of which to apply for and how to do it!
• Plan Your Install: Choosing the best time for your installation can affect the available incentives, so make sure to keep this in mind during the planning process.

Read More > Will Solar Prices Increase This Year? 4 Reasons to Buy Now

Choose Solar Bear Orlando

It’s a great time to go solar in Orlando, and with so many incentives available, going solar is now more accessible than ever. If you have any questions about the ITC or local incentives, reach out to our team at Solar Bear Orlando. We are always happy to help our community take advantage of Florida’s abundant sunshine!

Ready to get started? Contact us for a solar installation quote today at (727) 471-7442!

If you’re planning on installing solar in Orlando, you might be wondering if net metering is an option for you. The answer is yes! Today, we will explain what net metering is, how it works, and why it can be a great way to save money.

Our team at Solar Bear Orlando breaks it down!

What is Net Metering?

Sometimes on sunny days, your solar panels will generate more energy than your home needs to power everything you need to be comfortable. Net metering allows you to receive credit for this excess energy by feeding it back into the grid.

For Central Florida residents, that means that on the days when your system produces more energy than your home consumes, you can reduce your utility costs significantly, which is a major win!

Learn More > What is the Difference Between Net Metering and Net Billing?

Benefits of Net Metering

Here are some of the great benefits of net metering:

#1. Money Savings

Since you are “selling” excess energy back to the grid, net metering can significantly reduce your overall energy costs.

#2. Environmental Impact

Using renewable energy and taking part in net metering reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, which can be quite impactful on the environment.

#3. Energy Independence

With net metering, homeowners can have more control over their energy usage and production, which reduces their overall dependence on the utility grid.

#4. Investment

Net metering allows homeowners to recoup their investment in their solar panels faster than other methods.

#5. Grid Reliability

By producing solar energy and sending it back to the grid, net metering helps stabilize the electrical network and reduce the strain on the utilities during peak demand times.

#6. Economic Growth

Overall, the solar industry and subsequent net metering help support the growth of the renewable energy industry in the Sunshine State, creating jobs and stimulating our local economy.

By supporting the expansion of the renewable energy sector, net metering boosts local economies and creates jobs. It’s a win-win!

How Is Net Metering Calculated?

Calculating how many credits you may get from your utility provider varies, but typically, your total energy consumption is compared to how much energy you’ve sent to the grid at the end of each billing cycle. If you have generated more than you have used, you will receive credits that will roll over into the next month, which can help offset future bills.

In Orlando, many homes are powered by Duke Energy. Their net metering program provides credits for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of excess energy that is supplied to the grid. When homeowners take part in this program, Duke Energy will install a special bi-directional meter that tracks both energy sent and received from the grid.

Customers will receive a 1:1 credit for the energy they send to the grid, which means that they will get credit at full retail value. Any unused credits are usually paid out in March of each year.

Solar Bear Orlando note: Customers without solar panels can still take advantage of solar energy through Duke Energy’s Clean Energy Connection program.

Take Advantage of Net Metering in Central Florida

If you’re ready to take part in net metering, we’re here to help! We are excited to help you as you begin your solar journey. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to get a solar installation quote from our friendly team at Solar Bear Orlando.