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Florida might feel like paradise most of the year, but if you’ve ever walked outside in spring or fall and found your car wearing a fuzzy yellow coat, you know we’ve got a pollen problem. And if it’s blanketing your car, you can bet it’s coating your solar panels, too. How does pollen and debris affect your solar system?

Here’s the problem: even a thin film of pollen or debris can cut your solar panel output by up to 25% or more. That’s real money and energy you’re missing out on! Here’s what you need to know:

How Does Pollen Mess With Solar Panels?

Your solar panels work by soaking in direct sunlight. But when fine particles of pollen land on the glass surface and stay there, they create a barrier that makes it harder for sunlight to penetrate. And Florida pollen is not going anywhere fast.

• Sticky Stuff: The pollen grains are powdery but clingy, often sticking to glass even after a decent rain.
• Cumulative Effect: Left alone, the buildup keeps compounding—making your system less and less efficient with time.
• It’s Not Just Pollen: Throw in bird droppings, dust, and salty coastal air, and you’ve got a recipe for blocked sunlight.

Even in Tampa’s sunshine, your panels can’t do their job if they can’t see the sky.

Why Rain Doesn’t Cut It in Florida

Florida sees a lot of rain, but here’s the thing: rain is nature’s rinse cycle—not a deep clean for your solar. It won’t remove baked-on grime or stubborn pollen stuck to the edges. In fact, pollen can create a thin film that water only smears around. So, if you want your solar system performing like it should—especially during heavy pollen seasons—you’ll need to get a little hands-on.

The Quick & Safe Way to Clean Your Solar Panels

Luckily, you don’t need fancy tools or a cleaning crew to freshen up your system. Most homeowners can handle basic panel cleaning with what they already have at home. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Rinse: Use a garden hose (low pressure only!) to spray loose debris off the panels.
2. Wash: Use a soft sponge or long-handled brush with a solution of warm water and a drop of mild dish soap (or diluted vinegar).
3. Rinse Again: Thoroughly remove all soap to avoid streaks or buildup.
4. Dry (Optional): Use a squeegee or microfiber cloth if you want a spotless finish.

You should clean on an overcast morning, so the panels are cool. Cleaning hot panels can cause water spots—or worse, cracked glass from temperature shock.

Keep Your Panels (and Your Savings) in Peak Condition

At Solar Bear of Tampa, we love the Florida sunshine. But we also know that the more you protect your solar system, the more it pays you back. Cleaning your panels just a few times a year—especially during pollen season—can help protect your investment, improve energy production, and keep your electric bill trending down.

Got questions? Want a professional cleaning recommendation? Reach out to us now at (727) 353-3886!

Thinking about going solar comes with many questions, especially when it comes to financing the project. One of the best incentives for switching to solar energy is the federal solar tax credit, also known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). While big changes are coming up for this tax credit, you can still claim the credit on your taxes in 2026.

Follow our team at Solar Bear Orlando as we share how.

How the Solar Tax Credit Works

The federal solar tax credit allows homeowners to deduct a percentage of their solar installation costs from their federal taxes. Right now, the credit is set at 30%, and had been planned to extend through 2032, but it is now going to end on December 31st, 2025.

Taking advantage of the solar tax credit means that if your solar system costs $20,000, you could get $6,000 back as a tax credit. It’s not a rebate or a check in the mail, but it directly lowers the amount of taxes you owe, which is a pretty big deal.

Claiming the Credit in the Year After Installation

Because this is the last year to claim the tax credit, you will be able to file for the credit on your 2026 taxes. The key thing to remember is that the system must be installed and operational by December 31, 2025, to qualify for the credit.

Act Now

The Inflation Reduction Act initially had the incentive diminishing into the 2030s but the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed on July 4th, 2025, put an end to the phase-out schedule. Now it is going to expire after 2025. This means you must act now if you want to take advantage of the tax credit’s savings.

Remember, to take advantage of the full 30% savings, your system needs to be installed and operational by December 31, 2025—so the clock is ticking!

Read More > Is Going Solar Worth It After the Tax Credit Ends?

What You’ll Need to Claim It

When tax time rolls around, you’ll just need a few things to claim your credit:

• Documentation from your installer showing the total cost of your system (including equipment, labor, and permitting)
• IRS Form 5695 (Residential Energy Credits) filled out and submitted with your federal tax return

If you use a tax preparer, they can handle this part for you. If you file yourself, the IRS provides instructions for the form online. It’s fairly simple—and worth the effort, especially since this is the last year to claim it!

Why Going Solar in 2025 Still Makes Sense

Though the tax credit is going away very soon, going solar still is a great idea! Our ample sunshine in Central Florida makes solar panels especially effective, and the sooner you install them, the sooner they start paying for themselves.

And with energy costs always creeping up, a solar system can help you take control of your monthly bills while increasing the value of your home. Plus, it feels good knowing you’re powering your home with clean energy.

Ready to Make the Switch? Call Solar Bear Orlando

If you’ve been thinking about solar, now’s the time! If you install in these last few months of 2025, you can claim the federal credit in 2026 without any problem—and our team at Solar Bear Orlando can help you every step of the way. We make the process easy, from design and permits to installation and paperwork.

Call Solar Bear Orlando today at (727) 353-3886 to schedule your free solar consultation and start planning your 2025 installation before the credit disappears.

If you opened your TECO bill this month and did a double take, you’re not alone. Across Tampa, homeowners are asking the same thing: Why is my electric bill suddenly so high? The answer isn’t just “summer heat” or “you used more power”—though that’s part of it. There are real, structural reasons your bill is climbing, and no, you’re not imagining it. We want to walk you through why your energy bill keeps rising, and what you can do to fight back.

It’s Not Just You—It’s TECO and It’s 2025

The price of everything is going up, and energy is no exception. Several things are driving up TECO rates this year—and most of them are outside your control:

• Base Rate Increases:Florida approved rate hikes in 2025 so utilities like TECO could upgrade their infrastructure. So, your bill goes directly to grid improvements, system efficiency, and building resilience against extreme weather. It’s a long-term investment—but in the short term, you’re footing the bill.
• Storm Surcharges:Last year’s brutal hurricane season left Florida’s power grid battered. Insurance didn’t cover everything. So now, a temporary storm recovery fee is baked into your monthly bill. TECO is using it to pay for repairs and restore service faster after future storms.
• Fuel Cost Spikes:Electricity doesn’t just appear out of thin air. It’s still largely generated from fossil fuels—and those prices have jumped. Even small swings in fuel costs can send your bill soaring.
• Tampa’s Summer Heat:Air conditioners here don’t get a break. Even a few extra degrees on the thermostat can send your energy usage skyrocketing. If your home isn’t well-insulated, your HVAC system is working overtime—and so is your wallet.

TECO does offer time-of-use rates, so you can save money by planning the bulk of your energy during off-peak hours. But do you really want to do that?

Is There Anything You Can Do to Fight Rising Energy Prices in Tampa?

We’re glad you asked. Because while you can’t control TECO’s rates, you can control how you get your energy. It’s time to go solar.

When energy costs climb and TECO rates keep rising, solar isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a game-changer. With Tampa’s sunshine working in your favor, installing solar panels can dramatically reduce (or even eliminate) your reliance on the grid. That means smaller bills, long-term savings, and real peace of mind every time rates go up.

You generate your own power. You control your energy future. Wouldn’t it be nice to stop worrying about how high the next bill might be?

The Time to Save Is Now! Call Solar Bear of Tampa Today

If your electric bills are creeping higher every month, don’t wait for the next rate hike to do something about it. There are smart, affordable ways to take control of your energy use—and they start at home.

Solar Bear of Tampa can help. Whether it’s spray foam insulation to keep the heat out, solar panels to reduce your grid dependency, or just a free consultation to see what’s possible, we’re here to make your home more efficient and your bills a lot more bearable. So, fight back against rising TECO bills. Call Solar Bear of Tampa today at (727) 353-3886. We’re ready to make your home cooler and more energy-efficient—starting now!

If you’ve recently installed a solar panel system and are noticing clicks, hums, or creaks, you might be wondering if it’s normal. While most solar panels are designed to operate quietly, some noises can be heard depending on the time of day, weather conditions, or specific equipment included in your system.

Follow our team at Solar Bear Orlando as we take a closer look at what’s considered normal and when you should take a second look at your solar setup.

Why Solar Panels Are Generally Quiet

If you didn’t know, solar panels themselves don’t have moving parts. Unlike a generator or an HVAC system, there isn’t a motor inside that could create vibration or sound. Generally, solar panels should run silently while they absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity.

Then what is the sound that you are hearing? Well, any humming or clicks you may hear typically come from the supporting equipment in the system, such as inverters, wiring, or mounting hardware.

Common Sources of Solar Panel Noise

If you’ve noticed some sounds around your solar array, here are the most common reasons:

Inverters

Think of the inverter as the brain of your solar system. It converts direct current (DC) from the panels into usable alternating current (AC) for your home. String inverters can sometimes produce a buzzing or low humming noise during the day when they are working the hardest.

At night, when they aren’t producing energy, they should be quiet.

Rooftop Expansion and Contraction

The sun here in Central Florida can heat your roof, causing materials to expand and contract. This can cause small popping or creaking noises around the hardware that mounts your panels into place.

Wind

On breezy Central Florida days, you might be able to hear whistling or whooshing noises as the wind moves around and under the solar panels. If installed properly, this should be minimal, but it isn’t uncommon to hear a little wind noise when it’s especially windy.

Loose Wiring or Hardware

If you hear rattling or clanking sounds, it may mean that a wire clip or piece of hardware has come loose. While usually minor, this should be checked out by the installer to prevent damage to your panels or roof.

When Noise Might Signal a Problem

While most sounds are harmless, there are times when you’ll want to address the noise, as it could mean that there’s something wrong with your panels.

• Persistent Loud Buzzing: If your inverter is unusually loud, it may be overheating or struggling to operate efficiently in the heat.
• Constant Rattling: This could indicate loose racking or hardware that needs tightening.
• New or Sudden Noises: If you didn’t hear anything for months and suddenly notice a new sound, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection.

Tips to Reduce or Prevent Solar Panel Noise

If you want to keep your solar system as quiet as possible, here are some steps you can take:

• Choose Microinverters or Optimizers: like string inverters, microinverters are mounted directly to each panel and make little to no noise.
• Regular Maintenance: Annual inspections can catch loose wiring, clips, or mounting hardware before they become noisy problems.
• Quality Installation: Partnering with a trusted installer like ours at Solar Bear Orlando ensures your panels are mounted securely and designed to minimize vibration and wind noise.

More Soar Energy Tips > Our Ultimate Guide to Bird Proofing Your Solar Panels

The Bottom Line

So yes, to answer the question, it’s normal for solar panels to make some noise, especially from inverters or roof expansion. Remember, though, most of these sounds are mild and harmless. But if you notice persistent rattling, loud buzzing, or new noises, it’s worth calling in our professionals to check your system.

Ready to Go Solar?

If you’re considering installing a solar array or have questions about your current system, Solar Bear Orlando is here to help. Our team provides professional installation and support to keep your home energy-efficient and stress-free.

Contact Solar Bear Orlando today at (727) 353-3886 for a free solar quote and experience how quiet, clean energy can power your home!