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Can I Rollover Unused Solar Tax Credits Into the Next Year?

You’ve gone solar. You’re saving on energy bills, lowering your carbon footprint, and maybe even enjoying the smug satisfaction of watching your electric meter run backward. But when it comes to tax season, you might find yourself wondering: “What happens if I don’t use all my solar tax credits this year? Can I roll them over into the next year?”

Short answer: Yes, you can. But let’s be careful, because tax credits aren’t exactly known for their straightforward simplicity. Luckily, we’re here to help.

What Are Solar Tax Credits?

First, a quick refresher. Solar tax credits—officially called the Investment Tax Credit (ITC)—are your reward for taking the leap into renewable energy. The federal incentive lets you claim a percentage of your solar installation costs on your taxes. For systems installed in 2024, you can deduct 30% of the total cost from your federal taxes. That’s a huge deal.

But here’s the catch: tax credits only apply to what you owe Uncle Sam. If your federal tax bill is smaller than your total credit, you won’t get a check for the difference. Instead, you’re left with unused credits. Which brings us to the good news.

Rollover? Yes, Please.

The federal solar tax credit allows for rollovers into future tax years. So, if you install solar panels this year but your tax bill isn’t hefty enough to absorb the entire credit, you don’t lose out. You can carry those unused credits forward and apply them to next year’s taxes. It’s a pause on your savings, until you need them. So, for example:

• Your solar system costs $25,000.
• 30% of that cost equals a $7,500 tax credit.
• If you only owe $5,000 in federal taxes this year, you can use $5,000 of your credit now and roll over the remaining $2,500 to next year.

No stress. No loss. Just a little patience.

How Long Can I Keep Rolling Them Over?

Good question. The ITC doesn’t have an infinite shelf life, but it’s generous. You can roll over unused solar tax credits for up to five years. That’s five tax seasons to make the most of your investment. For most homeowners, that’s plenty of time to claim every penny of their credit.

Quick Tips to Make the Most of Your Solar Tax Credit

Rolling over unused credits gives Tampa homeowners the flexibility to maximize their benefits, even if their tax liability doesn’t line up perfectly in the first year. No pressure to “use it or lose it.” Just peace of mind as you soak up the savings. Make the most of them by:

1. Talk to a Tax Pro. Tax codes can get tricky. A professional can help you navigate your credit and ensure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to.
2. Keep Records. Save receipts, contracts, and proof of payment for your solar installation. You’ll need them when it’s time to file.
3. Plan Ahead. If you anticipate a low tax liability this year, remember that your credits will still be there waiting next year.

The Future Is Bright—Save With Solar

Unused solar tax credits don’t have to be a source of stress. They’re a tool—one that helps you get the full financial reward of going solar, whether it happens all at once or over several years. So, go ahead. Enjoy your lower energy bills and your reduced carbon footprint. Your solar savings aren’t going anywhere!

Ready to roll those credits into a brighter, sunnier future? We thought so. Solar Bear of Tampa can help you maximize your solar benefits, from making sure your installation qualifies for the ITC to helping you plan for tax season. Reach out today at (727) 471-7442—let’s turn your solar investment into long-term savings and peace of mind.

Do Solar Panels Increase Property Taxes in Florida?

If you’ve decided to install solar panels at your Orlando or Central Florida home, congratulations! You’ve just made a fantastic decision to take your electricity into your own hands, and we couldn’t be more excited. But you may still be wondering if your solar array will increase your property taxes, and that’s a great question!

Our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares what you should know about solar energy and property taxes in the state of Florida.

Do Home Improvements Impact Property Taxes?

First, let’s take a moment to discuss how Florida’s property taxes are calculated. Property taxes are determined by the county you live in and the value of your specific property. When you invest in home improvements, this can have a significant impact on the value of your home, which can sometimes cause your home to be assessed, and tax value reassigned depending on the improvements that you have made to your property.

Solar panels do add value to homes based on home appraisals, and depending on the size and location of the home, can increase the value of the property by 10-15 thousand dollars. While an increase like this may lead to slightly higher property taxes in many states, this is not the case in Florida. Any increase in property value due to the installation of a solar array is exempt.

Florida Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy

This exemption is due to the Florida Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy law which allows Florida homeowners to install solar panel systems at their homes without experiencing an increase in property taxes.

This abatement, which was introduced in 2013, is available through the end of 2037. It works like this:

Say your property taxes are $4,000 each year. If you install solar panels, which in this example we will say adds $30,000 to your home’s value, your tax rate will remain the same instead of increasing like it would in other states.

And the best part? This isn’t the only tax-related solar policy that benefits homeowners in the Sunshine State. Make sure you take advantage of the solar sales tax exemption for your solar equipment, which helps you save more money when you decide to go solar!

Read More > Can HOAs Legally Deny Solar Panels in Florida?

Choose Solar Bear Orlando

Installing a solar array in Central Florida is a smart decision for many reasons. First, you’ll gain energy independence, and second, it can be a smart financial decision with many perks that you can take advantage of. And now you know that you can increase your home’s value with solar without worrying about higher property taxes. We call that a major win!

If you’re ready to go solar, consider partnering with our pros at Solar Bear Orlando. We are considered one of the #1 solar companies in Florida for a reason, and our commitment to helping homeowners experience a sustainable future is what drives us forward every day.

Get started by contacting us for a no-hassle quote today at (727) 471-7442!

Hurricane Preparedness and Solar Panels: How To Prepare

Living in hurricane-prone areas can be a challenge, especially when it comes to protecting your home and your solar panels during this stressful season. The best way to prepare for a hurricane or stormy weather is to plan ahead to ensure your system remains intact, efficient, and operational.

Keep reading for tips to prepare for a hurricane from our team at Solar Bear Orlando!

Tip #1. Assess Your Solar Panel System

Before a hurricane is approaching, evaluate your solar panel system. This means inspecting the panels, mounting system, and wiring for any signs of wear or damage. Then, the most important step is to ensure that everything is properly secured.

If you notice any issues, it’s important to call a professional from Solar Bear Orlando to address any issues to prevent damage or other complications during a storm.

Tip #2. Know Your Hurricane Building Code

If you didn’t know, different areas have varying building codes and regulations pertaining to solar panel installations, especially in hurricane-prone areas in Florida. It is important to familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure that your system meets or exceeds these standards, but if you aren’t sure, this is what our team of pros is here for! We will make sure your system is built to your area’s building standards.

Plus, should your system sustain damage during a hurricane, you’ll be in compliance if you need to file an insurance claim after a storm.

#3. Securing Your Solar Panels

As we all know, hurricane winds can often reach dangerous speeds, and if your solar panels are not adequately secured, they could be damaged or even become projectiles.

We recommend reinforcing your solar panel mounting system, and if your solar panels aren’t wind-rated, we can come out and advise you on ways to secure the panels more firmly to your roof. We can often install additional bracing or straps that can help your system withstand these excessive winds during hurricane season.

#4. Disconnecting Your Solar System

When a hurricane watch is issued for your area, we recommend disconnecting your solar system from the grid. This is for your safety as well as the linesmen who will be working to restore power after the storm. Doing so prevents back-feeding electricity into the grid and helps protect your inverter from damage as well.

If you aren’t sure how to disconnect your solar system, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

#5. Inspect Your Battery Backup System

If you have a battery backup system, make sure you keep it charged and ready during hurricane season. Test your batteries periodically to ensure that they are functioning properly because then the power goes out, having this backup power is a huge benefit, especially if utility power is out for more than a few hours or days.

#6. Complete a Post-Storm Inspection

Once the storm has passed, we recommend inspecting your solar panels for any damage. Look for debris, scratches, or changes in performance. If you think your system has been damaged in any way, contact our team at Solar Bear Orlando for a full system inspection. We can fix any issues that could cause inefficiencies later down the road.

Ready to Help You Weather the Storm

Hurricane season can be challenging, but securing your solar panel system does not need to be an extra stressor this season. With proper planning, you can reduce the risk of damage to your system, ensuring that you can reap the benefits of solar power, even after the storm has passed.

If you need help preparing your solar system for hurricane season, reach out to our team at Solar Bear Orlando at (727) 471-7442. We are more than happy to help!

Roof Repairs & Solar Panels: 5 Considerations

Planning to install solar at your Orlando home? That’s great! But before you get started, you must consider the age and condition of your home’s roof. It must be in good condition to support the weight of a solar system, so if you need repairs, now is the time to do them!

When repairing your roof for solar power installation, here are five tips from our team at Solar Bear Orlando that you should keep in mind.

#1. Get a Roof Inspection

Before any installation can occur, it is important to have a professional roof inspection completed to assess the current condition of your roof. In Florida, our roofs get a lot of wear and tear from storms, sunshine, and age, so the inspector will look for any existing damage, leaks, or structural issues that might make installing solar a no-go before repairs are completed.

This inspection will also estimate how much weight the roof in its current condition can hold, and outline any areas that need to be reinforced.

Remember, the condition of your roof can have a big impact on the efficiency, durability, and performance of your solar system, which underscores the importance of getting repairs done before the system’s installation.

#2. Reinforce Structural Integrity

Solar panels must be installed on a structurally sound roof as they are quite heavy. If your roof needs repairs, this is the perfect time to add reinforcements or modifications that can help the roof support the added weight of the panels without compromising the integrity of the roofing system.

#3. Consider Roofing Materials

Asphalt shingled and metal roofs are usually the most suitable for solar panel installation as they are designed to handle the extra weight of solar panels. Metal roofs can also last upwards of 40+ years.

Damaged or deteriorating roofing materials are not optimal for solar installation, so look out for missing shingles, water damage, and signs of excessive wear and tear, as these could prevent you from installing your solar system until they are resolved.

#4. Waterproof & Seal

Proper waterproofing and sealing of your roof are critical to protect both your solar system and your roof from leaks and other damage. When your roof is being repaired, your contractor should pay special attention to waterproofing and sealing the roof in the areas where the mounting brackets will be installed, so that any weaknesses are addressed to prevent leaks.

#5. Keep Up with Maintenance

Planning for future repair and maintenance once your solar panels are installed will be essential to keeping your solar panels well-maintained once they are installed. It is important to consider how the solar panels will affect access to the roof for maintenance as well.

Note: If you need to remove and reinstall the solar panels for any future roof repairs, this can be an expensive process, so repairs should be done beforehand to prevent this extra step.

Related Reading > Can HOAs Legally Deny Solar Panels in Florida?

Central Florida Solar Installations

As you can see, ensuring your roof is in tip-top shape before installing solar panels will not only have an impact on the efficiency of your system but also on your home’s structural integrity. By having a roofing inspection completed, reinforcing any weaknesses, selecting appropriate roofing materials, waterproofing, and planning for future maintenance, your solar installation should go off without a hitch!

Ready to get started on your solar journey? Use (727) 471-7442 to contact our solar professionals at Solar Bear Orlando for expert advice and a no-hassle quote today!