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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.

Investing in solar energy is a power move. It’s also a long-term strategy for saving money and reducing your carbon footprint. But before you start picturing those sleek panels on your roof, there’s one big question to answer: How do you pay for solar? Luckily, it doesn’t have to mean draining your savings account. With a range of payment options available, there’s a solution to fit almost any budget.

Paying Outright

Ready to own your system outright from day one? Paying upfront is the simplest path to solar. It might feel like a big bite at first, but here’s the payoff: No monthly payments. No interest rates. Just you and your panels, working hard to lower your energy bill.

Plus, owning your system outright means you qualify for federal tax credits—currently up to 30% of the system cost. It’s like Uncle Sam saying, “Great move.” This option is best for those who have the cash on hand or want to make the most of their savings. No financing hoops. No waiting. Just pure solar power.

Financing

Not ready to drop a chunk of change all at once? Financing lets you spread the cost over time. Think of it like buying a car: You pay monthly, often at a fixed rate, until the system is yours.

Many lenders offer solar-specific loans with competitive rates, making it easier than ever to bring solar into your life without breaking the bank. Bonus? You still get to claim those juicy tax credits, just like if you paid upfront.

Some financing plans even offer $0 down options, meaning you could start saving on your energy bill before your first payment is due. Talk about instant gratification.

Leasing or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

Leasing is the no-strings-attached approach to solar. Instead of owning the system, you essentially “rent” it. The solar company installs the panels, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use the energy they produce.

With a PPA, it’s similar—but instead of a flat rate, you pay for the energy you use at a discounted price compared to your utility rates. While you won’t get the tax credits or long-term savings of ownership, leasing and PPAs make solar accessible for those who want the benefits without the upfront costs or long-term responsibility. It’s solar, on your terms.

Don’t Forget! There’s Also Incentives

No matter how you pay for solar, don’t overlook the perks. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is the big one, letting you deduct 30% of the system’s cost from your federal taxes.

In Florida, you can also enjoy property tax exemptions on your solar installation, meaning your home’s increased value won’t increase your tax bill. And let’s not forget the potential savings from net metering, where you can earn credits for sending excess energy back to the grid.

What’s the Right Option for You?

That depends. Are you a long-term thinker ready to own your energy future? Or are you looking for a lower upfront cost with manageable monthly payments? Whatever your style, the good news is that solar is more accessible than ever. And the even better news? Solar Bear of Tampa helps you understand the options and finds the perfect fit for your home and budget.

It’s time to start saving while making the world a little greener! Call us today at (727) 471-7442 and let’s talk about making the switch to solar.

In Florida, where sunny days are the norm, solar power is a great renewable resource for homeowners across the state to take advantage of to offset their energy needs. But how much power does the average Central Florida home use?

Understanding a little about how many kilowatt hours (kWh) are consumed daily in the Sunshine State can help Floridians make decisions about what size solar array would work for their homes. Follow along as our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares the average kWh consumption patterns in Florida and how they compare to national averages.

Kilowatt-Hours 101

Before we talk about Florida’s kilowatt-hour averages, let’s first cover what exactly one is. A kWh is equal to 1,000 watts used in one hour. So, if you use something that is 1,000 watts, it will use one kilowatt per hour of usage. We use this measurement to help us evaluate the energy consumption in homes and businesses before we install solar power.

It is estimated by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) that Florida homes consume about 1,200 kWh each month, or 40 kWh each day. The national average is around 30 kWh a day.

So, why is the state of Florida’s kWh consumption slightly higher than the national average? Well, there are a few reasons:

• Climate: We all know that Florida is hot and humid, which contributes to a lot of energy usage for air conditioning for almost the entire year, translating to higher electricity usage.
• Home Sizes: Florida’s homes tend to be larger than other homes across the United States, which of course, leads to higher energy usage.
• Population: As more and more people move to Florida, the energy demands across the state will also continue to rise.

While all of these factors are true, it is important to note that energy consumption in Florida is not the same throughout the entire year. During the hottest summer months such as the period from June to September, the daily kWh usage spikes due to heavy HVAC usage. Households across the state can often consume around 50 to 70 kWh each day.

In the cooler winter months, energy consumption can drop to around 25-35 kWh each day as cooling demands are offset by the slightly cooler temperature. 

Factors That Play Into kWh Usage

While it is important to consider the average kWh usage in Florida, some factors play into your specific home’s energy use:

• Home Size & Insulation: It’s simple. Big homes require more energy to heat and cool. However proper insulation can help reduce energy consumption.
• Appliance Efficiency: Using Energy Star-rated appliances can lead to higher savings and less energy consumption.
• Lifestyle: Consider how many people live in your home, what their daily routine is, and the use of appliances and electronics on a daily basis.

The best way to determine your energy consumption is to inspect your energy bill, which often shows your total kWh usage. By dividing this amount by the number of days in the billing cycle you can calculate your daily average.

You can also estimate energy use by appliances, to see where to most consumption is coming from.

Lowering Your Energy Usage

If you feel that your kWh hour usage exceeds Florida’s average, there are several things you can do to save on your energy costs.

• Upgrade to Energy-Star Appliances: These energy-efficient models consume less power overall.
• Use Smart Thermostats: Smart thermostats help homeowners optimize their HVAC usage by allowing them to control energy use even if they aren’t at home.
• Ensure Your Home has Proper Insulation: To prevent energy loss from air leaks, make sure that your windows and doors are properly sealed.
• Install a Solar System: Installing a solar array can have a big impact on your home’s energy usage, especially when you take advantage of banking power in solar batteries and enrolling in net metering. The best part? We can design a solar system that will perfectly fit your family’s unique needs and lower your overall energy usage.

Read More > Do Solar Panels Increase Florida Property Taxes?

Choose Solar Bear Orlando for Central Florida Solar

Ready to save big on your monthly energy bills? Don’t wait! Our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to help design a perfectly sized solar panel system that can significantly impact your energy usage at your Orlando home or business.

Get started by getting a free estimate or by calling us at (727) 471-7442 today!

Did you know that one of the best ways to prepare for your solar installation in a newly built home is to have the electrical pre-wired for solar applications? It may seem like a no-brainer, but many homeowners fail to consider this when designing and building new homes.

Follow our team at Solar Bear Orlando as we share some insight into why pre-wiring can be a game-changer when installing a solar array!

First, What Exactly is Pre-Wiring?

Pre-wiring for solar involves carefully planning for solar hookups before solar installation has begun. This ensures that when it comes time to install solar, your home will have all the required connections, making installation a little less challenging.

Plus, you’ll already have gone through electrical permitting so that is one step that you can check off your list. Nice!

Things to Consider When Pre-Wiring Your Home

Now, let’s discuss a few things to consider when pre-wiring your home for solar.

#1. The Benefits

There are several benefits to pre-wiring your home for solar, and one of the biggest benefits is cost efficiency. As you can imagine, pre-wiring simplifies the solar installation process, so the labor costs are lower.

Next, because the pre-wired system will be up to current industry standards, you can avoid complications that might arise from installing a solar array in an older home that would need to have an electrical overhaul before installation.

Another great benefit is the increase in home value. Overall, homes that are ready for solar, or already have solar installed, attract more buyers in the Sunshine State, and can often get a higher resale value.

#2. Pre-Wiring Solar: What to Consider

When considering if you want to pre-wire your new build for solar, there are a few things that you must include:

• Main Electrical Panel: You may need to upgrade your home’s electrical panel so that it can accommodate the added workload of the solar array. Doing so during construction makes it so much easier in the future if you decide to install solar panels later.

• Inverter Wiring: Solar panel systems use inverters that convert solar energy into usable power. When you ensure that inverter wiring is in place, you make it easier to connect these important components.

• Sunlight: As you may already know, solar panels do best when installed in full sunlight without obstructions. The better the location, the better the output will be. So make sure to consider this when having electrical installed for your system.

Also, you may want to consider wiring for solar carports, solar pools, or other solar applications if you want to expand your solar capabilities in the future.

Expert Central Florida Solar Installations

As you can see, pre-wiring your home for a solar array can impact the timeline of your solar installation, and ultimately save you time and money in the long run. As you plan your new home build, take a moment to consider the value of being solar-ready. It could increase your home’s worth tremendously!

For expert guidance on installing solar, or if you’re ready to get started, reach out to our friendly team at Solar Bear Orlando today at (727) 471-7442!