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Solar Cost Breakdown – Average Prices For Solar In 2024

The most frequently asked question we get is “How much do solar panels cost?” Of course, we understand why home or business owners ask this question as it can be a significant investment to install a solar system.

Unfortunately, this question is not one that we have a one-size-fits-all answer for. To accurately estimate how much a solar system will be, we need to know the site details including the system size, location, equipment, and more.

While we may not be able to outline an exact price for you in this article, our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to give you some rough estimates for average commercial or residential projects. This can help you budget for a solar panel system this year!

What Factors Impact the Cost of Solar?

First, let’s discuss some of the things that impact the final cost of your solar system in Orlando.

Installation Method

Generally, we install solar panels on roof or ground mounts. We can also install them on carports.

Roof mounts are attached to your roof’s structure and when considering cost, they are generally less expensive than ground-mounted systems or those on carports due to lower labor costs and require fewer components.

Though solar panels can be installed on metal, shingled, or flat roofs, each material requires varying levels of labor and components to install.

Ground mounts and carports can be a great option for businesses or homes that don’t want to install solar on their roofs or don’t have a suitable space on the roof for solar panels. Though these can be installed in areas that will generate the most sunlight, the trade-off is that they generally cost more than roof-mounted systems.

Type of Equipment

Two of the most important variables when it comes to solar panels are:

• Power density: The amount of power that a solar panel can produce per unit. The more power-dense the panel, the higher the cost is per watt.

• Color: Basic panels come with blue cells, white back sheets, and silver frames. Panels with a black frame, black back sheet, or black cells are more expensive.

Solar Inverters

We install two different types of solar inverters:

• String inverters: Link solar panels in one or groups. These are generally more cost-effective than other kinds of inverters.

• Micro inverters: These are installed on individual panels. Though they have many benefits, they are also the most expensive type of inverter.

Energy Consumption

One of the most important things you have to know about the cost of solar for your home boils down to how much energy your household uses.

Bottom line? The higher your electricity bill is, the more solar panels and equipment you’ll need.

Shading

Another aspect that impacts how much your solar system will cost is the amount of shade your system will have. How much energy your panels will get directly correlates to the type of inverter, the size of the panels, and the overall placement of your system, and thus, the cost.

Local Weather Patterns

Of course, living in the Sunshine State has many advantages besides our beautiful beaches. We receive A LOT of sun, which is great for generating solar power.

This can help reduce the cost of your system, as you may not need the number of solar panels someone in a less sunny climate may need. Nice!

This is just an overview of what could impact the cost of your system, there are several other factors at play, so if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask. For now, let’s move on to some average prices.

The Cost of Solar

So, now that we have gone over some of the factors that play into the cost of solar, let’s take a look at some average prices for commercial and residential customers.

Commercial Systems

The average size of a commercial solar array is between 50 kW and 200 kW a month. The average cost to install a system that will generate enough power for these numbers could be anywhere from $145,000 to $500,000.

Note: This is before grants or tax incentives. When using tax rebates or grants, commercial solar systems could be reduced by 60-90%

Residential Systems

The average size needed to run the average household is between 5 kW and 10 kW a month. Before any tax rebates or incentives, homeowners could look at their solar array costing between $25,000 to $50,000.

Note: If homeowners utilize a 30% federal tax credit, they could pay between $18,000 to $38,000 depending on the size of their system.

Bottom Line

The best way to accurately budget for a solar system installation is to request a hassle-free estimate from our team at Solar Bear Orlando.

When quoting we will walk you through the complete installation cost based on your needs and explain all the incentives available to you so you know what to expect before investing.

Get a Solar Quote

Ready to get started on your solar journey? We’re excited you’re here! Contact our friendly solar pros at Solar Bear Orlando for a quote and let this year be the one where you take the first step toward harnessing the power of Florida’s ample sunshine!

Call us at (727) 471-7442 today!

What Are The Main Environmental Benefits Of Solar In 2024?

If you haven’t gone solar in Central Florida yet, what are you waiting for? Florida is the perfect state to harness the power of the sun due to our ample year-round sunshine, and doing so can help curb your carbon emissions over your lifetime.

Still not convinced? Our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares why 2024 is a great time to reap the amazing environmental benefits of going solar.

Let’s get into it!

The Environmental Benefits of Residential Solar

As a clean and renewable energy resource, solar power produces no harmful emissions and has a minimal impact on the environment.

While coal, natural gas, and oil are traditional energy sources that have been used for decades, solar power does not generate any greenhouse gases or pollutants that contribute to climate change and bad health around the world.

Carbon Emissions

Carbon emissions have been a hot topic in the news over the past few years, and for good reason. As these emissions, also known as greenhouse gases, blanket the Earth’s atmosphere, the sun’s heat is trapped within—hence the name “global warming.”

This warming has begun to change weather patterns that disrupt the overall balance of nature.

Solar power produces no carbon emissions, making it one of the cleanest energy sources on the market today.

Energy Independence

Energy independence is one of the main benefits of solar power, not just on the homefront but environmentally. With Florida’s ample sunshine, solar power is a reliable and sustainable source of energy that is not subject to pricing fluctuations that homeowners often experience with traditional energy sources.

Reducing reliance on utility companies and becoming more self-sufficient not only helps Floridians save money but has a far-reaching impact on the environment.

Solar’s Reliability

One of our favorite benefits of solar power is that it is reliable and can provide power during power outages, inclement weather, and emergencies.

On the other hand, traditional energy sources that come from fossil fuels can be interrupted due to weather disasters, supply chain disruptions, and other factors. Solar systems can operate independently of the grid, offering power when other systems fail.

This can be greatly beneficial during hurricane season here in Florida. Depending on the size of your system, you could power your air conditioner, refrigerator, lights, and more if the power is out due to a storm.

The Impact of Manufacturing Solar Panels

While solar panels don’t produce emissions when they are mounted on your roof, they aren’t entirely emission-free over their entire lifetime. They must be manufactured and then recycled at the end of their useful life, and there are some environmental impacts due to these processes.

Generally, the environmental impact of solar power is framed around what’s known as the energy payback time (EPBT). This illustrates how long it takes for solar panels to produce enough clean energy to “payback” the energy and resources needed to manufacture them.

This is calculated based on:

• The productivity of your solar system. Living in a sunny region like Florida, your system will generate more electricity and will have a shorter EPBT.
• The manufacturing process. Some solar cells require more energy to be produced than others. Thin-film modules have a smaller environmental footprint than silicon modules since they use less energy during the manufacturing process.
• Where the panels were manufactured. Solar panels have to be transported from when they were manufactured. If they were built in a different country, they have a higher EPBT since they had to be transported to the United States and then installed.

As we make more strides in the production of more “green” solar panels here in the United States, the EPBT of solar will be much less and therefore will be that much more ecological.

Plus, as recycling processes become more streamlined, we will see more environmentally friendly practices that will further reduce the EPBT.

Go Solar in Central Florida

Ready to take advantage of Florida’s sunshine? We are called the Sunshine State after all! We’d love to assist you on your journey to energy independence by installing a solar system at your Orlando area home. Soon, you’ll be reaping the benefits of producing your household’s energy while making a positive impact on the environment. It’s a win-win!

Contact our friendly team at Solar Bear Orlando at (727) 471-7442 for a solar installation quote today!

Are Ground-Mounted Solar Systems Cheaper Than Roof Solar?

When it comes to solar energy, the debate between ground-mounted and rooftop solar systems is as enduring as the energy source itself. Homeowners and businesses looking to make the sustainable switch are often caught in this dilemma. The common question is: are ground-mounted solar systems cheaper than roof systems? It’s a classic case of “It depends.” Let’s check out the factors that swing the cost pendulum between these two solar choices.

Initial Installation Costs

First, let’s discuss the most immediate concern—the installation costs. Rooftop solar panels often seem the go-to for their perceived simplicity. They piggyback on existing structures, seemingly cutting down on costs. However, the reality is not always that simple. Factors like the condition of your roof, its orientation, and angle play significant roles. If your roof needs reinforcement or an overhaul, those costs quickly add up.

Ground-mounted systems, on the other hand, require land. If you’ve got the space, great! But there’s more to it. These systems need frameworks and mounts built from scratch. The upside? They can be oriented and angled precisely for maximum sun exposure, something that’s not always possible with the fixed structure of a roof.

Long-Term Energy Yield

Efficiency plays a critical role in the cost-effectiveness of solar systems. Ground-mounted panels have the edge here. Their adjustable angles allow them to capture more sunlight throughout the year compared to their roof-mounted counterparts, which are at the mercy of the roof’s orientation. This increased efficiency potentially translates to higher energy yields and, in the long run, could offset the initial higher setup costs of ground systems.

Maintenance and Durability

When pondering over costs, maintenance and durability are often overlooked. Rooftop panels, being high up and less accessible, can be more challenging and costly to clean and repair. Ground-mounted systems are easier to reach, making routine maintenance less of a hassle and potentially cheaper.

Aesthetics and Space

Aesthetics play a surprisingly significant role when people choose between rooftop and ground-mounted solar energy systems. Rooftop panels are less intrusive visually, and they also don’t take up the yard space that ground-mounted systems do. This choice can affect property value in ways that are not strictly monetary but are worth considering.

Ready to Make the Switch to Solar? Keep Your Costs Low With Solar Bear of Tampa

So, are ground-mounted solar systems cheaper than rooftop ones? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but Solar Bear of Tampa aims to keep your costs as low as possible. Ready to make the switch? Contact us today at (727) 471-7442 to get an estimate!

Did You Know You Can Enjoy Your Pool Year-Round With Solar?

Have you ever wished you could enjoy your pool every day of the year, but the thought of chilling temperatures or skyrocketing energy bills made you shiver? Solar energy can make your dream come true! Let’s dive into how solar power can heat your pool, so you can enjoy it year-round.

Heating Your Pool With Solar Energy

The first and foremost benefit of using solar energy for your pool is the year-round warmth it provides. No matter if it’s a chilly December morning or a breezy March evening, your pool can maintain a cozy, inviting temperature.

 

Solar pool heaters use the abundant and free energy from the sun to heat your pool water. They circulate the water through solar collectors, where it’s heated and returned to the pool. Now, it’s easier than ever to keep your pool at a comfortable temperature without high energy costs.

Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Heating

When you choose solar energy for your pool, you’re not just making a decision that’s good for your wallet—you’re making one that’s great for the planet. Solar power is clean, renewable, and reduces your carbon footprint in a big way.

Unlike traditional pool heaters that rely on gas or electricity, solar heaters emit no greenhouse gases. Plus, after the initial setup cost, the energy you use is free! You’ll immediately notice significant savings on your energy bills.

Low Maintenance and Long Lasting Systems

Solar pool heaters are incredibly durable and have low maintenance requirements. They often last longer than gas or electric heaters, and they don’t require as much upkeep. You can spend more time enjoying your warm pool and less time worrying about equipment maintenance.

Perfect for Tampa’s Climate

Tampa’s sunny climate is perfect for solar pool heating. With an average of 246 sunny days per year, there’s plenty of solar energy to be harvested. Solar pool heating is not only feasible but highly effective in this unique region. Even during the cooler months, Tampa gets enough sunlight to keep your pool comfortably warm.

 

Enjoy Your Pool Year-Round With the Help of Solar Bear of Tampa

Enjoying your pool year-round in Tampa doesn’t have to break the bank! With the help of Solar Bear of Tampa, you can seamlessly shift to an affordable, eco-friendly solar pool heating system. Contact us today at (727)-335-4509 to get started on your journey to a year-round pool paradise!