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Here’s How Solar Carports Work in Your Home

Think you are too fast, too furious for solar? You might think differently when it comes to solar carports. Solar Bear of Tampa explains more about this custom-built installation and how it can work in your home.

Also known as a solar canopy, the solar carport is unlike other solar entities. The structure not only provides shade for vehicles but will also generate electricity like traditional rooftop solar installations. However, solar panel carports are unique because they do not require a surface or a roof but rather resemble a ground-mounted solar installation. This installation style allows homeowners to structure their solar carport for optimum production. All solar carports are designed for the PV panels to be high enough off the ground to create enough clearance for parked vehicles. This design also allows for an in-built electric vehicle charging station so customers can top off batteries when cars are not in use. Most solar carports in residential areas are built for a single parking spot though in commercial areas, it’s common to see them strung together in a series to cover an entire parking lot.

With solar carports, the benefits are endless. This installation style allows customers to optimize their valuable real estate while transforming a seemingly unproductive parking spot into an energy-generating machine. Not only is it a more efficient use of space but it also protects Florida’s wide range of elements. Layer all of this onto the foundational premise of solar energy installations that allows for a smaller carbon footprint, energy independence, and financial savings and you have the best of both worlds.

If you want to learn more about the most efficient solar panel system for your needs, schedule a free estimate with Solar Bear of Tampa. With the help of our professional team, making these improvements could be easier than you think. Call us at (727) 741-7442 today!

Do Solar Panels Increase Home Insurance?

When installing solar panels, you should think about how they will affect your home insurance situation. Because solar energy has a great impact on home living, it only makes sense that home insurance companies will have certain policies regarding that type of home addition. But the question that most people ask is whether or not solar panels increase the cost of home insurance. Your friends at Solar Bear Dallas are here to answer that question!

How Solar Panels Qualify for Home Insurance

First off, you should find out whether your home insurance company has a policy on solar panels or not. Most of them do under certain conditions, one of the major factors being the method of installation. For your home insurance to cover your new solar panels, you may have to install them directly onto your home, most likely onto the roof, rather than on the ground. Because this ground installation of solar panels is less effective and does not directly affect the house itself, ground installation is typically not covered under home insurance. Since every company is different, the best thing you can do is call your insurance agency and ask. Once you find out whether or not your solar panels will qualify for home insurance, it’s all a matter of cost.

How Solar Panels Affect the Cost of Home Insurance

Solar panels add value to your home no matter what. Therefore, you should always notify your home insurance provider when you get them installed, especially if you want them covered in your policy. However, this may mean a slight increase in your rate. Depending on the company, you may have to change your current policy or include an add-on to your existing one. Either way, you will likely see a slight increase, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the extra couple hundred a year especially when you consider the amount of your energy savings.

Are Solar Panels Worth It?

Even though you’ll likely experience a small increase in your yearly home insurance costs, the large sums of cash you will save on energy bills easily counteract that. Many homeowners who have solar panels properly installed have seen savings of $1,500 a year on average, which is more than enough to make up for any updated charges to your home insurance. Aside from that, solar panels come with other added benefits, such as a well-insulated home and a greener environment. And if you go to the right place, you can find very affordable solar panels in the Texas area.

Get Affordable Solar Panel Installation at Solar Bear Dallas!

If you live in Texas, you can find affordable pricing for solar panels and solar panel installation at Solar Bear Dallas! We offer quality products with the most flexible financing options so we can supply a wider array of residents in the Dallas area. We want everyone to have access to solar energy, and we do this by personally evaluating your home to give you the most accurate estimate before laying out all the best financing options that fit your exact needs. Call (727) 471-7442 today to get started!

What Factors Matter Most for Making Sure Your Property Is Suitable for Solar?

Investing in solar panels is a great way to save money while helping our beloved ecosystem. But is your house built for it? Aside from the structure of your home’s exterior, there are many other factors that determine whether or not you’re able to utilize outdoor solar products to their fullest potential. The experts at Solar Bear Houston will teach you about what makes a home suitable for solar panels.

Exposure to the Sun and Heat

Solar panels absorb both sun and heat in order to gather and store energy for later use. With that in mind, the environment surrounding your home’s location makes a big difference. A house that’s exposed to longer and hotter seasons will get better use out of solar panels than a house that is located in a town more used to snow and cloudy seasons. Thankfully, is an ideal state for solar panels due to the extremely hot and bright summer months. As long as there are no large trees blocking the way and your roof is angled right, your solar panels shouldn’t have any issues making frequent and prolonged direct contact with UV rays.

Your Roof’s Composition

Once you’ve determined that you live in an ideal environment for solar panels, the next step is making sure your roof can handle the changes. The good news is that most roofing materials are able to handle the bit of construction that’s needed in order to secure solar panels. Composite roofs are especially able to hold solar panels as well as asphalt or clay shingles, concrete tiles, and slates. The only roofing material that may cause problems is wood, which could pose a fire hazard. If you have a green insulated roof, you can double up on energy efficiency with the addition of solar panels.

The Longevity of Your Roof

Solar panels can last up to 40 years and so they pair well with roofs that have a similar or longer lifespan. If it’s already almost time to renovate your roof, you can save yourself some hassle and money by replacing your roof before looking into solar panels. Otherwise, you’ll have to get your panels uninstalled just to reinstall them after your renovations are complete. Solar panels don’t take long to install, but we don’t recommend doing it yourself—especially not when your roof is not currently sound enough for solar panel installation.

Ask the Experts at Solar Bear Houston!

If you’re still not sure whether or not your home can utilize solar panels, you can always ask the experts at Solar Bear Houston. Our professional contractors can take a good look at your home and plan out where your solar panels can get the most amount of sunlight for the best energy-saving experience. We only offer the best quality solar panels in the area, with professional installation for guaranteed satisfaction. We’ve outfitted hundreds of homes in the area with top-notch service, just ask anyone! Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to get started on a free estimate.

Houston, Florida, or Houston, Texas? Fact-checking

Our Guide to Solar PPAs

Installing a solar system on your property is one of the best investments that you can make. A well-managed and properly installed system can qualify for numerous tax credits and can increase the value of your home.

If you are looking to invest in solar energy, understanding the different options for financing your installation is an essential first step. That’s where solar PPAs come in. 

What is a Solar PPA?

A power purchasing agreement (PPA) is like a solar lease. It is essentially a rental agreement with a solar company. With a PPA, the solar system will be installed and maintained by the solar company, but they will own your system and benefit from your tax incentives.

PPAs allow you to pass the heavy lifting to a solar developer while you enjoy less expensive electricity rates.

The solar partner that you hire will hand all the details including:

• Installation
• Permitting
• Design
• Filing documents for solar incentives

Also, in a PPA, you pay the solar company for the electricity that is produced by your system.

This electricity costs less than the electricity you would purchase from your utility company, saving you money over time. Unlike a lease, there is no monthly cost that you will pay for the system itself. 

Generally, the electricity that you purchase through your PPA will be increased at a predetermined rate, usually 2-5% a year. This helps you to save on your electricity bill immediately, and the amount that you save will increase over time as the electricity rate increases.

Compared to a solar lease, a PPA will end up saving you about the same amount of money. The only differences that you might find are within the terms of the agreement. Both types of agreements might include a path to ownership, depending on the terms of the solar company.

Benefits of Solar PPAs

There are several benefits of solar PPAs, including:

• No upfront installation costs
• Predictable energy pricing
• No need to take out a loan
• No system performance or operating risks
• Potential reduction in carbon footprint
• Potential increase in property value
• Support for the local economy and job creation
• Energy independence

Possible Cons of PPAs

Though there are many benefits, there are also a few possible negatives to agreeing to a PPA:

• More complex negotiations
• Potentially higher transaction costs
• Potential increase in property taxes
• The administrative cost of paying two separate electricity bills if the system does not meet your home’s electricity load
• Not qualified for solar incentives
• Obligated into a long-term contract
• Cannot earn income or use net-metering

What is the Better Choice? A PPA or Solar Lease?

Whether you decide to buy your solar system outright, lease it, or agree to a PPA, the bottom line is that you will be saving money on electricity and lowering your carbon emissions.

As the weather changes and sun levels weaken, solar panels produce different amounts of energy depending on weather conditions, even in the Sunshine State! In Florida, solar PPA bills will likely be higher in the months of April-September when it is the hottest and UV rays are the strongest. Your PPA bill will be lower in the cooler months when sun rays are weaker, and your panels produce less electricity.

What option best fits your needs will ultimately depend on what you are comfortable with financially. Owning typically gives you the best financial incentives, such as the solar investment federal solar tax credit, or ITC. Solar leasing gives you peace of mind knowing how much your solar bill will cost each month. With a solar PPA, you may end up saving more money than with a solar lease.

Learn More About Solar PPAs

If you are interested in installing a solar system on your property or learning more about solar PPAs call our solar pros at Solar Bear Orlando for a consultation! We will help you decide which route is best for you!

Call us at (727) 471-7442 today!