Category: Uncategorized

Solar Installation: The Long-Term Approach to Money & Energy Savings

Florida sunshine. It’s powerful, abundant, and simply waiting to be harnessed. So, what happens when Tampa goes solar? Beyond going green (although that’s certainly a huge benefit), switching to solar helps you take control of your energy future and secure long-term savings that make a real difference in your life. Here’s the long-term approach to money and energy savings with solar.

Solar Isn’t a Quick Fix—It’s an Investment in Your Future

Sure, you can chase short-term savings, clipping coupons and adjusting the thermostat. But these are temporary solutions—Band-Aids on a bigger issue. Installing solar panels is different because it’s a strategic investment, one that pays dividends for decades to come.

Think of it like this: you’re essentially locking in your energy costs at today’s rates, shielding yourself from the inevitable price hikes that utility companies love to impose. Predictable costs are always better than unpredictable ones.

The Numbers Don’t Lie—Solar is a Smart Financial Move

Let’s talk about the financial benefits, because they’re substantial. With a properly designed and installed solar system, you can drastically reduce—or even eliminate—your monthly electric bill. That’s money back in your pocket for family vacations, home improvements, or simply building a more secure financial future.

Over the lifespan of your system, which can easily exceed 30 years, those savings add up to a significant sum, creating a snowball effect.

Taking Savings to the Next Level With Batteries and Net Metering

Want to maximize your energy independence and savings? Consider adding solar batteries to your system. Batteries store excess energy produced during the day, allowing you to use it at night or during a power outage—but that’s not all. With net metering, you can even sell surplus energy back to the grid, earning credits on your utility bill. Sound good?

Solar Adds Value to Your Home

Beyond the monthly savings, solar panels significantly boost your home’s value. Studies have consistently shown that homes with solar sell faster, and for a premium, compared to those without.

Potential buyers recognize the long-term value and energy independence that solar provides—it’s a desirable feature that sets your home apart in a competitive market. Solar is a smart move for now and for when you move on.

The Time to Act is Now—Make the Money-Saving Switch to Solar

The sun is shining and the opportunity to take control of your energy future is here. Don’t wait for another utility rate hike to hit your wallet. The longer you wait, the more you stand to lose.

Call Solar Bear of Tampa today at (727) 471-7442 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s explore how solar can transform your home, your finances, and your future. Let’s start saving, Tampa!

How Long Is The Typical Solar Payback Period In Orlando?

When homeowners decide to install solar, the question that we often get is “How long is the payback period?” This is a valid question as solar installations can be a large investment depending on the size of the solar array.

Today, our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares some insight into this question to help you make the best decision for your Orlando home.

What is the Solar Payback Period?

First, let’s discuss what the solar payback period actually is. Essentially, it is the amount of time that it takes for your solar installation to pay for itself through savings on your monthly energy bills and possible net metering.

Factors That Impact the Solar Payback Period

Our abundant sunshine in Florida allows solar installs to have a much faster return on investment (ROI) than many other states. That said, the solar payback period is largely impacted by the following:

• The amount of electricity your home uses
• How many solar panels in your array
• The total cost of the system
• If you qualify for any solar incentives
• If you use solar batteries or net metering

Most of our customers qualify for some kind of solar incentive, which can have a big impact on the cost of the solar array. By far the biggest factor to consider when trying to calculate the solar payback period is how much you pay for the solar system overall and how much your costs are offset by the installation.

Typical Solar Payback Period in Orlando

On average, the typical solar payback period in Orlando is around 7-8 years, depending on the system size and incentives taken advantage of.

For example, if you install a 5-kilowatt solar system, you could be looking at a cost between $11,000 and $14,000. With the government’s solar tax credit, you could save 30% on the installation cost alone. And that doesn’t include any other solar incentives that you may be entitled to!

Net Metering

Net metering allows customers to connect solar panel systems to the electrical grid and receive credit or payment for the excess energy that they produce. This is often applied to their next month’s bill, which can offset costs tremendously.

Solar Batteries

Solar batteries can help shorten the overall solar payback period by storing excess energy that is generated to use during peak electricity periods like the evenings. This allows homeowners to avoid paying extra costs for grid-tied power, which can lead to a much faster return on investment. 

Related Reading > Florida’s Average kWh Per Day: How Your Home Compares

Ready to Go Solar?

As you can see, the solar payback period in Orlando is influenced by many factors including the size of your solar array, the amount of electricity your home uses, qualification for solar incentives, and if you take part in net metering or use solar batteries.

If you’re ready to install solar and are unsure of what your solar payback period may be, reach out to our team at Solar Bear Orlando and we will generate a comprehensive quote that will help you make the best decision for your Orlando home. Get started today by calling (727) 471-7442!

Solar Myths & Scams to Avoid in 2025

Solar power: a revolution in energy or just another trend? For some, it’s a no-brainer. For others, it’s a confusing tangle of misinformation and sneaky scams. So, let’s clear the air. If you’re thinking about going solar in 2025, here’s your guide to avoiding myths that mislead and scams that steal.

Myth: Solar Panels Don’t Work on Cloudy Days

Here’s the big one. Yes, solar panels work when the sky isn’t crystal blue. Think of it like your smartphone screen on low brightness—it’s not as intense, but it’s still on. Germany, one of the cloudiest countries in Europe, leads the world in solar power production. So, unless you live in perpetual darkness, you’re good.

Scam: The “Free Solar Panels” Pitch

Spoiler alert: nothing is free. If someone offers you “free” solar panels, they’re probably trying to lock you into a shady lease with ballooning payments. Here’s the deal: reputable solar companies explain financing options—like loans or leasing—upfront, without vague promises or fine print tricks. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Myth: Solar Panels Will Ruin My Roof

Not unless you let amateurs handle it. Properly installed solar panels don’t just spare your roof—they can protect it. They act as a shield, absorbing heat and reducing wear and tear. However, sketchy installers can cause issues. Always go with a licensed, experienced professional (hello, Solar Bear of Tampa). Your roof will thank you.

Scam: “Limited-Time” Tax Credit Deals

Here’s the truth: tax credits exist, but they’re not a flash sale.

The federal solar tax credit is a real thing. In 2025, you can still claim 30% of your system’s cost on your taxes. But if a salesperson pressures you with lines like, “You have to act now or lose your credit forever,” walk away. They’re using scare tactics to close a deal fast.

Myth: Solar Panels Require Constant Maintenance

This one’s pure fiction—solar panels are built to last, with minimal maintenance. Most systems only need an occasional rinse to clear dirt or leaves. They don’t have moving parts, which means fewer chances for something to break. If your system needs constant care, the problem might be with the installer, not the panels.

Scam: Inflated Savings Promises

Beware the “save 80% on your bill overnight” spiel. Solar does reduce energy costs, but the exact savings depend on your energy usage, location, and system size. Any company throwing out wild claims is probably bending the numbers. A trustworthy installer will give you a customized savings estimate—based on facts, not fantasy.

Avoid the Scams—Choose Tampa’s Trusted Solar Provider

Solar power is one of the smartest investments you can make. But like any industry, it has its share of myths and traps. So, do your homework. Partner with a trusted company. And stay skeptical of anything that sounds too good to be true.

At Solar Bear of Tampa, we make solar simple and scam-free. Ready to see what solar can do for you? Call us today at (727) 471-7442—we’ve got your back!

Can Solar Make My Roof Leak?

So, you’ve decided to go solar? That’s awesome! We are happy to have you in the club! While you may be excited to get started, you likely have some questions, such as one of our most frequently asked questions, “Can solar make my roof leak?”

This is a great question, and we will answer it in our guide below. Follow our team at Solar Bear Orlando as we share the ins and outs of roof leaks and solar. Let’s go!

Solar Panels & Leaking Roofs

While a solar installation won’t cause a roof leak just because it was installed, if the installation was poorly executed, leaks could occur due to penetration into the roof where the panel is mounted. This is why it is so important to choose a skilled installation company to ensure that your system is up to standard.

Note: Most leaks occur within the first year of installation if there was an issue with the installation process.

Common Types of Roof Damage

Damage caused by roof panels can include:

• Broken tiles
• Damaged shingles
• Structural problems
• Fire hazards from improper wiring

That said, generally, the installation of solar panels can extend the life of your roof by protecting it from inclement weather and elements like sun, rain, wind, and hail. Panels act like a barrier, ultimately reducing the wear and tear on your roof, and keeping it in better condition over time.

Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

Proper Installation Is Important

As we stated above, the best way to prevent leaks is to hire a qualified solar installation company like Solar Bear Orlando which knows how to properly install solar panels to your roof without causing any leaks in the process.

Roof Condition Matters

Remember, if your roof is already old or damaged, installing solar panels could make any existing issues worse. This is why we always assess the condition of your roof before installing anything. Plus, we recommend having routine inspections and maintenance completed to help protect your roof.

Other Causes of Roof Damage

While improperly installed solar could be the cause of roof damage, there are often other culprits of leaks and damage including:

Small Animals & Birds

Small animals like squirrels and birds can make nests under your solar panel systems, which can cause extensive damage, wear and tear, and leakage. To avoid this, we often install wiring mesh that guards the underside of your panels against any of these cute, yet pesky critters.

Water Flow & Debris

Solar panels can leak due to standing water on the roof or debris from trees causing damage to your roof. Most solar racking systems are designed to allow the proper flow of water around the panels, if they were improperly installed, or the wrong size or shape, this could cause standing water damage to your roof. 

But don’t worry, our professionals at Solar Bear Orlando ensure that our installations are completed with water flow in mind, which is important during the rainy season here in Orlando!

Read More > Roof Repairs & Solar Panels: 5 Considerations

Choose Solar Bear Orlando

Ready to install solar? You’re in the right place! Our professional and skilled team at Solar Bear Orlando is just a call away. We will ensure that your system is installed as seamlessly as possible, without any nuisances like leaks cropping up down the line.

Get your hassle-free quote from our team today by calling (727) 471-7442 or filling out our online form and one of our sales team members will reach out shortly.