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Hurricane Milton left its mark. High winds, pounding rain, and the unmistakable sound of shingles peeling off rooftops across Tampa. If your home needs a new roof, there’s a silver lining to all the chaos—right now is the perfect time to go solar.

New Roof and Solar—A Power Move

Most homeowners don’t realize this, but your roof and solar panels go hand in hand. Installing panels on a brand-new roof? That’s a smart investment move. Why? Because you won’t have to worry about removing and reinstalling solar panels when it’s time for a future roof replacement. Put simply, you save money and hassle down the road.

If your roof is getting replaced anyway, adding solar now means one seamless project, one crew, and one major upgrade to your home’s value.

Financial Incentives? Tampa Homeowners, Take Note

Here’s where it gets even better: there are serious financial perks to installing solar in Florida right now.

• Federal Solar Tax Credit: The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) lets you deduct 30% of your solar installation costs from your federal taxes.
• Florida Property Tax Exemption: Solar panels won’t increase your property taxes, even though they boost home value.
• Sales Tax Exemption: You’ll pay zero sales tax on your solar system.
• Net Metering Benefits: Excess energy your system generates? It goes back into the grid, lowering your electric bill.

Hurricane-Resilient Power

Florida weather is unpredictable, but here’s what we do know: hurricanes mean power outages. Solar panels with a battery backup system keep your home powered even when the grid goes down. That means lights stay on, refrigerators keep running, phones stay charged—life goes on uninterrupted. There’s no scrambling for gas generators. You aren’t left sitting in the dark.

Lock in Energy Savings NOW

With utility costs rising, locking in lower energy bills with solar just makes sense. Pairing solar with your new roof means maximum efficiency from day one. You’re setting your home up for decades of lower energy costs—and more independence from the grid.

Make the Smart Move With Tampa Bay’s Preferred Solar Partner

If Hurricane Milton left you needing a new roof, take this as an opportunity. Go solar now! You’ll save money, take advantage of tax incentives, and protect your home from future outages. Solar Bear of Tampa is here to help! Get in touch today at (727) 471-7442, and let’s turn this setback into an upgrade.

Why go with a stale and faceless solar panel company when you can receive the loving charm of a local business for all of your solar needs? You don’t have to settle for a national company for the best experience when local solar installers can get the job done with added benefits. This guide explores every great reason to support your local business like Solar Bear Orlando!

1. Rest Easy With That Irresistible Local Charm In Your Solar Panel Services

It’s sad to say, but corporations just see you as another number on their payroll. Their goal is to reach a monopoly in their industry by any means necessary. Meanwhile, local businesses have a fondness for their community because they’re actually a part of it. That’s why you’ll notice a significant difference in the quality of service any time you go to a family-owned establishment. This goes for every type of business, including solar panel installation.

Local solar panel businesses like Solar Bear Orlando thrive off of local reputation and positive feedback. Read our testimonials online to see what we mean!

2. Local Solar Panel Experts Know the Laws, Rules, and Regulations That Matter to You

National franchises typically offer a one-size-fits-all solution to appeal to a wider audience. But as a unique homeowner with just as unique needs, you know that this kind of approach just won’t cut it. As residents of the nearby area themselves, small solar panel businesses know exactly how to tailor their services to the climate and abide by citywide regulations for solutions that deliver even greater results while staying in line with local laws.

For our residents in Orlando, Solar Bear knows how to properly install and maintain solar panel systems in ways that combat weather conditions specific to the local environment.

3. Avoid the High Price of National Solar Panel Providers With Small Businesses

A major perk to supporting local businesses that people absolutely love is the lower cost compared to buying products and services from a national corporation. Part of the reason for this is because local businesses tend to buy their products from nearby suppliers which cuts down on shipping costs whereas major companies often ship their materials internationally at a higher rate. And while you might encounter added or hidden fees with national solar providers, local businesses like Solar Bear will make honest and transparent offers up front with competitive pricing at lower rates.

Solar Bear can present you with financing options to help cover the cost of solar. All you need to do is ask, and we’ll find the best solution for you!

4. Stimulate the Local Economy By Putting Your Money Back Into the Community

The best part of supporting your local business when going solar which is often underestimated is the idea of stimulating the local economy. Most of the money that gets put into a national company is spread thin across the country. Meanwhile, any money that is spent on local businesses typically stays within the community. Keeping your local economy stimulated helps the community thrive which ensures everyone stays happy!

Support Your Local Businesses And Call Solar Bear Orlando Today!

There are literally no downsides to shopping small, so support your local business by calling Solar Bear Orlando today at (727) 471-7442 for all of your solar needs! Book an appointment online for top-notch solar panel installation and reliable solar maintenance near you.

If you’re planning on going solar in 2025, you’re in the right place! The sun shines almost every day here in sunny central Florida, and with incentives and rebates, there has never been a better time to go solar.

Wondering what your options are? Our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares what you can expect when installing residential solar in 2025.

#1. Types of Solar Panels

Nowadays, there is a wide selection of solar panels to choose from, which can be overwhelming. But that’s what we are here to help with so don’t worry!

Monocrystalline panels are one of the most popular types due to their high efficiency, but polycrystalline and thin-film panels are other worthwhile options. We’ve also seen a lot of interest in bifacial solar panels which can capture sunlight from both sides. Just think about how much energy output you could get!

Another newer style of solar panel has what are called quantum dot solar cells, which may capture a wider range of light and offer increased efficiency.

The kind of panel that will work for your home depends largely on your energy needs, the orientation of your home, the scope of your project, and of course, your budget! 

There are many ways to install residential solar as well. It doesn’t just have to be a solar array on your roof. Some of our favorite projects include:

• Solar carports
• Solar pool heaters
• Solar pergolas and awnings
• Ground-mounted systems

#2. Solar Incentives & Financing

One of the best things about going solar in Central Florida is the potential savings. The federal solar tax credit is a great option, and there are numerous other rebates that homeowners may be eligible for here in Florida.

We also offer financing options that make installing solar more budget-friendly. Don’t hesitate to ask us about our options, we’re happy to help!

#3. Battery Storage Solutions

Solar battery storage is more accessible and efficient than ever. We love these systems because they allow you to store excess energy that your system generates for use at night, during cloudy weather, or during power outages.

And we can’t forget to mention that this allows you to have even more control over your energy usage and more savings over time.

#4. Net Metering

Net metering is a great option in Orlando. It allows you to sell excess electricity back to the grid which can help you reduce your energy bills even further.

Choose Solar Bear Orlando

There has never been a better time to go solar in Central Florida, and as you can see, there are many options to choose from for residential applications. If you have any questions about what style of panel to install, get started with a hassle-free quote or reach out to our friendly team at Solar Bear Orlando at (727) 471-7442 today!

Did you know that you can save even more money with your solar panels through net metering? This sounds like a very beneficial system, but is this something that’s allowed in Florida? Get caught up on 2025 net metering updates in Florida and what you can expect in this detailed guide! For premium solar panel installation near you, call Solar Bear Orlando today for a free estimate.

What Is Net Metering? Here’s How It Can Help You Save:

Net metering offers another way for you to save money on energy with any leftover solar power that you return to the main electrical grid. Any solar energy you don’t use can help the city, and you’ll be rewarded in credits towards your next electric bill. You save money, the city gets more energy. It’s a win-win scenario for everyone!

Solar panels already save you money on energy, but you can triple your savings when you factor in net metering and federal solar tax credits together. With so many ways to make back what you spend on solar panels, it really is worth it to go solar in Orlando, Florida in 2025 where the sun shines brightly pretty much all year.

Florida’s Rules Regarding Net Metering

Think net metering sounds too good to be true? There might be some regulations to keep in mind here and there, but this program still makes going solar a worthwhile investment in the grand scheme of things.

Here are the most recent updates regarding net metering in 2025:

• The incentives from Florida’s net metering program fluctuate depending on the size of the solar panel system.
• The only electric companies that offer net metering in Florida are Tampa Electric, Florida Power & Light, Gulf Power, and Duke Energy.
• Energy savings with net metering will decrease to 60% in 2026 and 50% in 2027 and 2028.

Right now, you can receive 75% credit through net metering as long as your application was approved in 2024 or you’ll have it approved in 2025. This means that now is the time to invest in solar panels for maximum savings!

What Happens When You Roll Over Your Energy Output

You get credit back for solar energy that you put into the grid, simple as that. However, there’s a cap to how much energy you can receive credit for in Florida. You will only earn credit up to the amount of energy that your property has used for the month. But before you think that you should hold back on solar collecting from lack of reimbursement, you should know that any energy that exceeds your limit will be rolled over to the next billing cycle so your contributions won’t completely go to waste.

Bottom line, you can roll over your net metering credits just like you can roll over unused solar tax credits into the next year. Remember, the government wants you to go solar to help the environment. That’s why solar incentives are generous with their terms so you can reap the benefits!

Let Solar Bear Orlando Set Up Your Solar Panels And Start Racking In the Savings!

Take advantage of all your solar incentives by calling Solar Bear Orlando at (727) 580-1090 for expert solar panel installation near you. We’ll make sure your new solar panel system is set up for net metering so you can save big on solar in Florida!