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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!

You don’t have to be an electrician—or a solar tech—to know when something’s off. Your solar energy system is supposed to quietly save you money. But sometimes, what should be a low-maintenance setup starts giving off warning signs, and that’s when it’s time to pick up the phone and call a pro.

At Solar Bear of Tampa, we’ve seen it all, from systems fried by summer storms to minor wiring issues that quietly drain performance, the red flags are usually there if you know what to look for. Let’s walk through those signs together.

1. You See the Problem

Cracks, discoloration, bent racking, or even just panels that look out of alignment—these aren’t simply cosmetic issues. In Florida’s extreme heat and storm-prone climate, visible damage can quickly escalate into power loss or system failure.

If your panels have taken a beating, don’t wait for your next power bill to find out. A trained tech can inspect the system, reseal or replace damaged panels, and ensure your setup is safe and optimized.

2. Your Power Bill Catches You Off Guard

When your solar array is working, your power bill should feel like a reward—not a question mark. If you’ve noticed your electric bill creeping up, but your usage hasn’t changed, something may be disrupting your energy output. It could be panel degradation, inverter glitches, or even hidden wiring issues. None of them are DIY fixes—but all are solvable with a skilled technician.

3. Your Inverter Starts Acting Moody

Your inverter is the “brain” of your solar setup. If it’s throwing error codes or making weird noises, it’s not just “having a bad day.”

A malfunctioning inverter means your system isn’t converting solar energy into usable power correctly, and every minute it’s down, you’re losing money. A quick diagnostic check from a professional can keep things humming.

4. There’s Moisture Where There Shouldn’t Be

Are your panels looking foggy? Notice condensation under the glass? No moisture should be near your solar system.

Moisture can destroy internal components and lead to corrosion that spreads invisibly over time. Catching it early with a professional inspection can prevent serious damage—and protect your long-term investment.

5. Your Lights Flicker or Things Just Feel Off

Even subtle signs, like flickering lights, momentary outages, or unexplained electrical weirdness—can point to solar system faults. These are often caused by loose connections, aging wiring, or improper grounding. Your solar energy system should feel invisible. If you’re noticing odd behavior from your home’s power, it’s time to let an expert take a look.

Don’t Ignore It, Don’t Stress About It—Just Call Us!

A healthy solar energy system should work quietly in the background. But when it starts asking for attention, listen. Solar Bear of Tampa offers expert diagnostics and maintenance to keep your system running at full strength—storm-tested and sun-ready. Whether it’s a minor adjustment or a more in-depth repair, we treat your solar investment like it’s our own. Call us now at (727) 353-3886 to schedule service and get your solar energy system back in business.

Living in Central Florida definitely has its perks: sunshine, great weather, and proximity to beaches and theme parks. The downside? Hurricane season. But don’t worry, just because we often have hurricanes to contend with doesn’t mean that your solar panels are obsolete.

We often get asked if solar panels still save money when storms roll through. The answer is yes—and in many cases, solar panels can actually make your home more resilient during hurricane season by keeping energy costs lower.

Follow our team as we share how solar panels perform during a storm and why they are still a smart investment for Florida homeowners.

Built for Tough Conditions

Modern solar panels are engineered to withstand high winds and severe weather. Most panels that we install in Florida are tested to resist winds of up to 140-160 mph, which meets or exceeds hurricane building codes.

Plus, solar panels are secured to roofs with reinforced racking systems to ensure they can handle the toughest storms.

Energy Savings Year-Round

Even during hurricane season, our area gets plenty of sunshine. When the skies are clear, your panels will generate power just as efficiently as they would any other time of year. And if it’s cloudy, they will still generate power, just not as much as they would on a full sun day.

These benefits are far-reaching and include:

• Lower monthly bills
• Net metering benefits, which let you earn credits for any excess electricity sent back to the grid.
• Protection from rising utility costs, which often climb with storm recovery costs.

What About Power Outages?

One of the biggest concerns during a hurricane is losing power. While standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut down when the grid powers down (for safety reasons), you can still use solar power by pairing your panels with a solar battery backup system.

A solar and battery storage setup lets you:

• Run essential appliances like lights, refrigerators, and medical equipment even if the grid is down.
• Avoid the noise, fuel costs, and maintenance headaches of a gas generator.

The sad truth is that power outages can last hours—or even days—after a major storm. So it’s best to be prepared with a solar array and battery backup system.

Insurance and Peace of Mind

Believe it or not, solar panels are covered under most standard homeowners’ insurance policies. This means that if your system is damaged during a hurricane, repairs or replacements are usually covered. That gives homeowners peace of mind, especially during our stormy season.

Why Solar Still Makes Sense in Orlando

Despite the risks that hurricane season brings, solar panels are one of the best investments that Florida homeowners can make. Our area enjoys over 230 sunny days a year, which gives plenty of opportunities to generate clean energy. And with federal and local incentives, the upfront costs of going solar are lower than ever before.

And if you go to sell your home, your property will have more value, making it more attractive to future buyers.

Stay Storm-Ready With Solar Bear

At Solar Bear Orlando, we know the challenges of living in Central Florida during hurricane season. That’s why we design and install solar systems with hurricane season in mind. From reinforced panel mounting to optional battery backups, we help you stay safe, save money, and keep the lights on when you need them most.

Call Solar Bear Orlando at (727) 353-3886 today to schedule your no-hassle solar consultation!