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When it comes to investing in a solar panel system at your Orlando home or business, one of the most important things to consider is of course the price. With so much talk about inflation and tariffs, you may be wondering whether solar prices will increase this year.

It’s a valid question, and our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to share what we know.

#1. Tariffs & Trade Issues

Tariffs were put in place under the Biden administration to protect domestic solar manufacturing, but now, there has been an expansion of these tariffs under President Trump’s administration, which is causing the prices of imported solar panels and components to rise.

We do not know how many tariffs are going to be put in place moving into the rest of 2025, so our advice to homeowners is to buy now if they can. This will help ensure they get a good price before tariffs cause prices to skyrocket.

Read More > How Will Tariffs Impact Solar Panel Prices in 2025?

#2. Incentives and Tax Credits

The good news is that there are many solar incentives and tax credits available to consumers, which can help offset the initial costs of installation. The not-so-good news is that these programs can change—sometimes without much notice due to who is the majority in Congress.

A decrease in governmental support for renewable energy could result in changes to the Federal Solar Tax Credit, as well as a reduction in solar technology as a whole.

By purchasing a solar system now, homeowners and business owners in Central Florida can take advantage of federal incentives before they decrease or disappear altogether.

#3. Supply Chain Issues

A huge factor in the rising costs of solar panels is the global supply chain. Solar panel production is heavily reliant on raw materials such as silicon, aluminum, and copper, and disruptions in the supply chain due to global tensions, for example between the US and China, has led to an increase in manufacturing costs as well as shipping components worldwide.

Further issues in the supply chain could continue to drive up shipping costs, material prices, and the overall cost of finished solar systems.

#4. Rising Energy Costs

It’s important to note that the longer homeowners wait to invest in solar, the longer they will have to contend with rising energy costs. If they choose to install solar now, they can begin to generate their own power and take advantage of the savings that solar panels provide.

Choose Solar Bear Orlando

Don’t wait until prices start rising! NOW is the perfect time to make the switch to a renewable resource like solar power. If you have any questions or want a quote, feel free to reach out to our friendly team at Solar Bear Orlando.

We’re here to help you harness the energy from the Florida sun. Call us today at (727) 471-7442!

Headed out of town and wondering what to do with your solar panels while you’re gone? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we get from Tampa homeowners—especially those new to solar. You’ve made the investment. You’ve embraced the future. Now you’re wondering: “Do I need to my solar energy system down before going on vacation?” The short answer? No. Here’s why:

Your Solar System Is Smarter Than You Think

Modern solar systems—especially the ones we install here at Solar Bear of Tampa—are made to operate automatically. Once your system is up and running, it generates electricity, feeds your home, and routes excess power back to the grid (or to your battery, if you’ve got one). No babysitting required. It doesn’t care if you’re home or not. If the sun’s shining, your system is working.

What If My System Overproduces While I’m Away?

Good question. Let’s say you’re sipping something cold in the Keys while your panels are back home in Tampa soaking up rays with no one around to use the energy. What happens then?

If you’re grid-tied (which most Tampa area homeowners are), your system sends excess power back to the utility through net metering. You’re essentially banking credit for later. If you have a solar battery, that extra power gets stored and is ready to be used the moment you return. Either way, it’s a win.

Are There Any Exceptions?

There are a few minor considerations, but none of them require unplugging anything.

• Weather Worries:If a storm’s brewing and you’re leaving town for a while, it’s smart to double-check your homeowner’s insurance and make sure your solar system is covered. But you don’t need to shut your system down because of weather concerns.
• Older or DIY Systems:may have different needs. Some off-grid setups or legacy inverters might benefit from being powered down before long trips—but that’s rare and mostly applies to systems not installed by pros.
• Peace of Mind: Your comfort level is always a personal thing. If you just feel better flipping the switch off, many inverters have a simple shutdown option. Just make sure you know how to restart it correctly—or give us a call and we’ll walk you through it.

Make the Switch to Solar With Confidence—Call Us Today!

Leaving your solar system on while you’re gone is not just okay—it’s smart. You’re letting your system do what it was designed to do: harvest clean energy and lower your utility bills, even while you’re off the grid in more ways than one. And when you get back? You’ll be greeted by a home that’s been racking up savings in your absence.

Still Unsure? That’s what we’re here for. If you’re solar-curious but still have questions—about installation, net metering, or whether your panels will behave while you’re gone—reach out to Solar Bear of Tampa. Call us today at (727) 353-3886, and we’ll answer your questions honestly, clearly, and with zero pressure.

If you are thinking about installing a solar system at your Central Florida home, you may be wondering what size inverter you will need for your home. Great question! Our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to guide you through everything you need to know.

Let’s get to it!

Understanding Solar Inverters

First things first, let’s talk about what a solar inverter does. Essentially, it’s the device that will convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by your solar panel system into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what your home uses.

This is why it is so important to choose an inverter that will match your home’s size and maximize your system’s overall efficiency. 

Determine Your Electricity Needs

To ensure the inverter is the right size for your home, we will need to start by evaluating your household’s electricity consumption. This can typically be found on your utility bills and is shown as your energy usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Look for your average monthly usage, and if you notice any variations, like when it is hot here in Orlando, make a note of that too.

Consider Your Solar Panel System

Next, we will consider the size and output of the solar panel system that you have or want to install. We measure the power of solar panels in watts, and most residential panels range from 250 to 400 watts per panel.

So, once we know the size of your system, we can estimate the appropriate size of the inverter. Generally, we will divide the total wattage of your solar panels by 1000 to convert it to kilowatts (kW). For example, if you have an 8 kW solar system, you will need an inverter that can handle that output.

Inverter Sizing Guidelines

Solar inverters come in different sizes and generally range from 1 kW to 10 kW or more. We recommend choosing an inverter that can handle the maximum output of your solar panels without being oversized.

If the inverter is too large, it can be inefficient, while if it’s too slow, it might not adequately manage your power needs.

Redundancy and Future Expansion

Remember, it’s also important to keep your plans in mind when choosing an inverter. If you want to add more panels later, it might be a good idea to choose an inverter that can accommodate that additional capacity.

Consult a Professional

Of course, you don’t have to choose your solar inverter on your own! While these tips are a good starting point, we are here to help. Our team can help assess your home’s energy usage and the size of your system to help you find the perfect match.

Read More > What Are My Options for Residential Solar?

Central Florida Solar Installations

If you have any questions or want to get started with installing a solar system at your Orlando home or business, reach out to us at (727) 471-7442 today. We’re excited to help you make the switch to solar power!

Homeowners in Florida are all potential targets for roof damage when storms and hurricanes hit. You need to have a plan in place for repairs, but having solar panels thrown into the mix might make things seem a bit more complicated. Find out what it’s like to have your roof repaired or replaced after having solar panels installed with this in-depth guide. For reliable solar panel services in your area, Solar Bear Orlando is ready and waiting for your call!

It’s Possible, It Just Takes a Lot of Work

Replacing or repairing a roof with solar panels isn’t impossible. There are just some added steps you need to consider before you pick up the phone to call a repair company.

If you’re fortunate enough, your roof damage might be located far enough away from your solar panels so you won’t need to be jumping through hoops. But if your roof damage happens to be near your panels, you’ll probably need to remove them just long enough for repairs. If you’re dealing with the latter, where do you even begin?

Maneuvering roof repairs around solar panels in Orlando just requires two phone calls on your part: A call to your local roofing company for repairs, and a call to your local solar company for a temporary solar panel removal. Schedule your days right and let your neighborhood professionals handle the rest!

Is It Really Necessary to Remove My Solar Panels? Whether or not you have to remove your solar panels for a roof repair in Orlando depends on the scope and location of the damage. Some minor fixes can be done around your panels without temporary uninstallation. The best way to find out is by getting a roof inspection!

What You Should Know Before You Start

Before calling around, there are a couple of things you should know first. For one, be prepared to receive a large invoice for your roof repair. The materials and labor involved aren’t cheap so don’t be too surprised when you get the bill. Secondly, you’ll want to double-check your solar panel warranties in Orlando. You could be voiding the terms by accident if you attempt to remove them without the right means. Typically, manufacturers want you to hire certified suppliers to handle your solar panels for you.

Read more > Roof Repairs and Solar Panels: 5 Considerations

Who Should You Call First?

The first thing you want to find out is if your solar panels need to be removed for your roof repairs. A solar panel company in Orlando will be able to help you with that, and if it seems like removal is necessary, they can start the process right away. Then, when you call your roof company for repairs, your house will already be prepped and ready to go!

Solar Bear Orlando Delivers Top-Notch Solar Panel Maintenance Near You!

A major perk to supporting your local business is that you can get all sorts of solar panel services in your area, including temporary removals. If you need your solar panels taken down momentarily for roof repairs, Solar Bear Orlando is the one to call! Reach out to our team today at (727) 471-7442 to get started with a free quote.