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Most people leave their solar panels up and running every hour of the day. But when you have to disconnect them for whatever reason, is it a bad idea to leave them disconnected? As your local solar panel experts, the Solar Bear Tampa team is here to warn you of potential hazards along with all of the best ways to handle your solar panel system!

Why Leaving a Solar Panel Disconnected Can Be Dangerous

Leaving solar panels disconnected for too long is an easy mistake for Tampa homeowners to make. The thought process goes something like, “If they’re not plugged in, then they’re not generating energy” which implies that there are no electrical hazards to worry about. What you might not know is that solar panels continue to generate energy after they’re unplugged. The only thing is that the energy it generates isn’t being put to use anywhere. This leads to excessive heat build-up which introduces a whole mess of potential hazards.

Heat build-up is already something to be worried about, but much of the threat is directed towards the condition of your solar panels. When your solar panels are disconnected and the collected energy isn’t being channeled anywhere, it can damage your panels and reduce their lifespan. One way to preserve your solar panels while they’re unplugged is to cover them up in the meantime.

When Would You Need to Disconnect Your Solar Panels?

Most homeowners don’t think to pull the plug on their system since there’s no harm in leaving your solar panels on 24/7. However, people in Tampa might disconnect their panels on rare occasions like moving locations or renovating the property’s exterior. Solar panels should also be disconnected during deep cleaning and maintenance.

How to Safely Disconnect Your Solar Panels

Disconnecting solar panels is nothing like unplugging your coffee machine. There are multiple steps involved, and even if you know exactly what to do, it can be dangerous without the professional expertise of your local solar panel company in Tampa.

Here’s what to consider when disconnecting your solar panels:

• Identify whether or not there’s a disconnect switch
• Use reflective or non-transparent panel coverings
• Ensure that your voltage meter is reading “zero”
• Find all bolts and clamps to be unscrewed
• Wear safety gear like a hard hat, work boots, and gloves

Anyone who has thought about DIY solar panel installation often realizes that they are not easy to install yourself. So just as you would leave that task to a professional, it is also wise to hire solar panel experts when you need them disconnected.

Don’t Put Yourself In Danger. Solar Bear Offers Solar Panel Maintenance In Tampa!

You can trust Solar Bear Tampa for more than just new solar panel installation. We’re also here to handle your solar panel maintenance needs, including disconnecting them safely and securely. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to see what we can do for you! Schedule an appointment and ask for a free estimate on your next solar panel service.

Solar has never been more popular. It’s more efficient and affordable than ever before. But will that change in 2025? With new trade policies and tariffs on the table, some homeowners worry that the cost of going solar might rise. It’s a valid concern, but here’s the reality: solar is still one of the smartest investments you can make. Even if prices shift, the long-term savings—and energy independence—still outweigh short-term costs. So, what do you need to know about tariffs and their potential impact on solar pricing? Here’s what we know:

Will Solar Costs Go Up in 2025?

Maybe. But not by much. Increased tariffs on solar panels, inverters, and batteries could lead to higher upfront costs for some equipment. That’s because many solar components are still sourced from overseas. But there’s a bright side:

• S. solar manufacturing is growing—meaning more domestic production could help stabilize prices.
• Federal tax credits and incentives remain in place, offsetting potential cost increases.
• Electricity rates keep rising, making solar an even smarter financial decision. Even with tariffs, solar remains one of the best ways to cut long-term energy costs.

How Tariffs Could Affect Solar in 2025

Tariffs may cause some short-term price fluctuations, but they won’t change the bigger picture—solar is still one of the smartest energy investments you can make. Here’s what to expect, and why it still makes so much sense to go solar in 2025.

• Higher Costs for Imported Panels: New tariffs could increase the cost of imported solar panels. But most estimates suggest the increase would be moderate, not massive.
• Supply Chain Shifts: Fewer imports from China could disrupt the supply chain temporarily, but U.S. manufacturers will step in to fill the gap. That could mean a short-term adjustment period but a stronger domestic solar market in the long run.
• Battery Prices May Rise: Tariffs on lithium-ion solar batteries could jump to 25% sooner than expected. If you’re considering solar with battery storage, now might be the best time to buy.
• The Long-Term Payoff Stays the Same: Even if installation costs rise slightly, solar still pays for itself. Between federal tax credits, state incentives, and lower electric bills, homeowners continue to save thousands over time.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Go Solar

If you’re thinking about solar, 2025 is still the year to make the switch. Why?

• Take Advantage of Incentives: The 30% federal tax credit remains, meaning big savings on installation costs.
• Electric Rates Are Rising: The longer you wait, the more you pay to the utility company.
• Solar Panels Last 25+ Years: Even if tariffs impact prices, solar still provides decades of savings.

Solar Is Still a Smart Investment—Don’t Wait to Lock in Your Savings

Yes, tariffs might shift the numbers slightly—but solar energy is still the best long-term energy solution. If you’re thinking about going solar, lock in your pricing now before any changes take effect. Contact Solar Bear of Tampa today at (727) 471-7442 and start saving—no matter what happens with tariffs.

If you’re an Orlando homeowner and are considering making the switch to solar power, you’re in the right place! We are excited to help you choose the right system for your home, and if you need financing, we can help you with that too!

Follow along as our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares some of the best financing options for your system.

Understanding Solar Financing

Whether you want to pay for your system upfront, look into loans, or consider leasing options, there are several ways to finance your solar system in Orlando.

#1. Cash Purchase

If you have the funds available, buying your solar system outright is one of the best ways to finance it as it saves you from accruing interest, and you won’t have to pay monthly payments.

#2. Solar Loans

If you aren’t ready to pay upfront, solar loans can be a great option. Signing up for a solar loan allows you to pay for the cost of your system over several years.

Some of the loans available include:

• Home Equity Loans: These allow you to borrow against the equity that you’ve built in your home and often have lower interest rates.
• Personal Loans: These kinds of loans can be unsecured or secured and typically have fixed interest rates.
• Solar-Specific Loans: Many lenders offer loans specifically for solar installations. We work with EnerBank ™ and Sunlight Financial ™.

If you are unsure of which option may be best for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for help. We are happy to assist you in getting your system financed!

#3.Leasing Options

Leasing can be another option, which is where you pay a monthly fee to use solar panels while the solar company retains ownership. This also means that you will enjoy lower up-front costs and maintenance. However, one thing to keep in mind is that you won’t be able to take advantage of tax credits since you aren’t purchasing the system yourself.

Tips For Choosing The Right Option

Consider these tips to help you choose the right financing option:

Evaluate Your Finances: Consider your current financial situation and how much you can afford to pay upfront or monthly. This will help you determine which situation is best for you.

Research Incentives: Consider local, state, and federal incentives that can help reduce costs, such as tax credits and rebates. The Federal Solar Tax Credit is an option, as well as state and local tax rebates.

Consult with Experts: Our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to help! We are always happy to discuss the best financing options available for your unique situation.

Read More: What Are the Best Ways to Invest in Your Home?

Go Solar with Solar Bear Orlando

As you can see, there are plenty of solar financing options available for Orlando homeowners to make the switch to solar energy. Whether you choose to buy, lease, or finance your solar system, choosing to go solar has many benefits!

If you have any questions or want to ask us about our solar financing options, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (727) 471-7442 today!

Being a homeowner in Florida calls for a lot more compared to living in most other states. People in Tampa need to account for unexpected power outages due to frequent storms, and they need to make the most of their sunny days with a complete solar panel system to boot. These two appliances are essential, but can they be used together? Find out how solar panels and generators work under the same roof before calling Solar Bear Tampa for reliable solar panel installation in your area!

Solar Panels and Generators Work Together, Just Not Together

Having solar panels and power generators work back-to-back makes for a great combo in Tampa households. The only problem is, they don’t exactly work at the same time. Why? Simply because they can’t. These appliances aren’t designed to operate simultaneously, but that doesn’t mean they don’t benefit each other.

How it works is that your solar panels gather up energy during the day and store it in a backup battery for later. When the power goes out and your generators kick on, it uses the solar power that you’ve collected and puts it to good use. This reliable setup is especially popular among Tampa homeowners who like the reassurance of passive backup power for emergencies.

Learn more > How to Prepare Your Solar Power System for a Hurricane: 6 Expert Tips

What You Need to Incorporate a Solar Panel/Generator Hybrid Setup:

For a proper solar panel/power generator setup in Tampa, you’ll need a few essential items to ensure that everything runs smoothly in times of crisis. Here’s your must-have checklist:

Solar Battery Storage

Your generators need to have a source of solar power to pull from, and that would be your solar battery storage. This battery storage system acts as a tank for collected solar energy to funnel into for later use like when you need to operate your backup power generators. Just keep in mind that solar batteries require maintenance to guarantee they stay in working condition!

A Hybrid Inverter

Hybrid solar panel/backup generator systems in Tampa, FL work best with a compatible hybrid inverter. This inverter allows your home to effortlessly swap between solar panel, generator, and grid power as needed. Systems can be made to work automatically which can come in handy when you’re not able to see clearly or make it to the controls.

An Automatic Transfer Switch

When you want your solar panel/generator hybrid system to work automatically in your Tampa home, you’ll need an automatic transfer switch (or ATS). Properties equipped with an ATS will sense power outages and respond by switching your power source without the need for manual inputs.

Take this scenario:

A heavy storm in Tampa, FL causes a power outage in your neighborhood. You are in a dark room with no easy way to make it to your backup generator safely. Thanks to your fully-equipped solar panel/generator hybrid system, your generators automatically route your backup solar power to your home and get your electricity up and running again.

Call Solar Bear Tampa Today For a Reliable Solar Panel Setup!

Protect yourself from unexpected power outages with a complete solar panel/backup generator hybrid setup in your Tampa home! Call Solar Bear Tampa today at (727) 471-7442 for more information about having this reliable system installed and to book an appointment for an on-site consultation.