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Can I Add Solar Panels To My Pergola In Tampa?

You can’t get through one drive around Tampa without seeing a pergola. But where one person sees beautiful landscaping, another sees incredible opportunity. Find out how you can set up your pergola to be stunning and functional with professional solar panel installation! Contact your expert solar installers at Solar Bear Tampa for safe and reliable pergola solar panel installation near you.

Why Floridians Are Decking Out Their Pergolas

Pergolas are just about as common as palm trees here in Florida. What do these outdoor structures and the Sunshine State have in common? Together, they create the perfect foundation for harnessing energy-efficient solar power. The stage is set! You just need a good production team.

Just by calling over a solar professional to your property, you can reap the benefits of solar with a simple setup on your pergola that’s out of sight, out of mind. Pergolas are much easier to access, so keeping up with maintenance isn’t so tedious. They also give you additional space to add more panels to your property if your rooftop has already been taken up.

Achieve maximum solar output in Tampa by leaving your solar panels on with your pergola setup as you would your roof setup.

Here’s What You Should Know Beforehand:

Just like how not all Tampa homes are the same, neither are pergolas. Every pergola comes in a distinct shape and size, both of which regulate your solar panel capabilities. Here are some things to think about before you get started:

• Structural capacity
• Surface area
• Sun exposure
• Local laws and regulations
• Available tax incentives
• Quality of installation

Installing Solar Panels On Your Pergola: A Step-By-Step

We will never suggest DIY solar panel installation, even on pergolas that are perceived to be much safer than rooftop installation. But we know how important it is for you to understand what’s going on with your property which is why we’ll go over the process step by step.

Here’s what you can expect when you hire local solar professionals for pergola solar panel installation:

1. Inspection and Preparation

Before lifting a single tool, solar installers will take a close look at your property and plan out the best approach. This step is essential even for less intensive pergola solar panel installation.

2. Preparing For the Perfect Angle

Depending on where and when the sun hits your pergola, your solar panels need to be installed at just the right angle to be able to absorb the most sunlight. In Tampa, panels would typically be facing south at an angle between 30-45 degrees.

3. Mounting the Solar Panels

Once all of the proper planning is in order, your solar installers can get to work on setting up the foundation for your pergola’s solar panels. The mounting system goes up first, followed by the panels themselves.

4. Connecting the Solar Panels

After your new solar panels are secured to your pergola, your solar experts will also handle all of the wiring to make sure your solar panel system works at peak efficiency!

Solar Bear Tampa Does Pergola Solar Panel Installation Near You!

Hiring a solar expert for your pergola solar panel installation will get you the best results. Our team follows all safety protocols so you can enjoy solar without any worries! Call Solar Bear Tampa today at (727) 353-3886 to learn more about our solar panel products and to get a free quote.

Our Guide to Solar Panel Affordability in 2025

Let’s be honest—“affordable” isn’t always the word people associate with solar. But in 2025, that perception is shifting fast. Solar panel systems are more accessible, more efficient, and yes, more affordable than ever—especially here in Florida. If you’ve been holding off, thinking it’s out of reach, it might be time to take another look. Why? Because going solar in 2025 is less about sticker shock and more about smart strategy.

Government Incentives Are Doing Some Heavy Lifting

Let’s start with the big one: federal tax credits. Right now, the 30% federal solar tax credit can slice thousands off your total system cost. That’s a serious chunk of change. Combine that with local utility rebates—like Tampa Electric’s solar incentives—and you’re stacking savings before your panels even hit the roof.

These programs weren’t always this generous. But in 2025, they are. And the sooner you act, the better. These incentives won’t last forever.

Don’t Just Get a Quote—Get Multiple

Solar isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Every roof, every home, and every energy bill is different. So why would you settle for just one quote?

Smart homeowners compare. They look at pricing, warranties, system design, and company reputation. You might be surprised how much the price (and quality) varies between installers. Pro tip: ask for quotes from local solar pros who know Tampa’s permitting and grid requirements inside and out.

The Right Size = The Right Price

More panels aren’t always better. Oversizing your system can lead to unnecessary costs that take years to recoup. On the flip side, an undersized system can leave you with disappointing savings.

In 2025, smart system design means tailoring your panel count to your lifestyle, your energy usage, and your roof’s layout. Plus, with modern monitoring tech, you can actually track usage trends and adjust over time.

Net Metering Is Still a Game-Changer

When your panels produce more electricity than you use (and in sunny Tampa, they often do), net metering lets you send that extra energy back to the grid. And the grid pays you—literally. In Florida, net metering is one of the most powerful tools for offsetting the cost of your solar investment. The more you send back, the more you save—or earn.

Small-Scale Solar Still Makes a Big Difference

Not every home needs a full-blown solar setup. Maybe you live in a smaller house, or your budget’s tighter this year. That’s okay.

Smaller systems—even partial setups—can still slash your energy bills significantly. Think solar water heaters, mini solar systems for detached garages, or standalone battery backups. They’re lower-cost entry points that give you a taste of energy freedom without going all-in on day one.

Solar’s Never Been More Affordable—Don’t Wait

Solar Bear of Tampa can help you unlock every savings opportunity available in 2025. From personalized system sizing to leveraging incentives and financing options, we make going solar not just doable—but deeply rewarding.

Sunshine is free. Let’s make your energy bill feel the same! Reach out today at (727) 353-3886, and we’ll show you just how affordable your solar future can be.

Is There Such A Thing As Free Solar Panels? Myths, Debunked

Have you heard people talking about free solar panels in your neighborhood in Orlando? Yeah, we’ve heard about them too. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it does, because it is! Here at Solar Bear Orlando, we hear these myths all the time, and it’s time that we debunk them and put them to rest.

So, is there such a thing as free solar panels? Let’s find out.

Myth #1: Free Solar Panels Exist

While anything free is a win in our book, the reality of free solar panels is a little more complicated. While many companies offer “free” solar panel installation as part of their financing packages, there is usually a catch.

You may end up signing a long-term contract or agreeing to pay a higher rate for the electricity that your solar panels generate. Essentially, you may not be paying for the solar installation up front, but you’ll be paying in other ways.

Myth #2: No Payments Ever

Another common misconception is that you can install solar panels with no payment at all. Even if a company offers a zero-down financing option, payments will still be made in some way, whether that’s in electricity bills, lease payments, or maintenance costs.

Myth #3: Solar Energy is Always Cheaper

We love solar energy, and it can indeed save you a lot of money in the long run, but it might not always be less expensive at the start. The initial installation costs can be high, and your overall savings depend on your energy usage, location, and utility rates.

This is why we always recommend calculating your ROI and potential savings before signing on the dotted line or making a decision to install solar.

Myth #4: You’ll Get All the Benefits from Installation

When many companies advertise “free solar panels,” they are really referring to solar leases. This means that they will put a solar system on your home at no up-front cost to you. Of course, this sounds great…at first. You get to power your home with energy from the sun, and save on energy costs, right? Well, technically.

The reality is that even though these panels are installed on your roof, you don’t own the system. Under solar lease agreements, the solar company is the owner, and you are essentially paying them for the electricity that the system produces. That, unfortunately, makes them more like the utility company that you were trying to escape.

The lesson here is that while this can save you a little money each month on energy costs, it’s less than if you own your system. If you aren’t careful, you may even wind up paying more for electricity than you did before installing a solar system. Yikes.

Myth #5. You Can Get Free Panels from the Government

Sorry, as much as we’d like it to be true, you can’t get free solar panels from the government. That said, the government does offer many incentives that can make them much more affordable.

The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows homeowners to claim 30% of the equipment and installation costs as a credit on their yearly federal tax bill. This tax credit will apply to any systems installed and in operation before December 31st, 2032.

The catch? To be eligible for the ITC, you have to own the solar system, and in the scenarios we outlined above, the installation company owns the system, not you.

Read More > What Federal and Local Incentives are Offered to Orlando Residents?

Reliable Solar Installations

While free solar panels sound great, they technically don’t exist in the way you are being marketed to, so be careful. Always do your research, understand your options, and consult with trustworthy solar professionals like our team at Solar Bear Orlando before signing any contract.

If you have any questions or want to get a quote on what it would cost to install solar power at your Central Florida home, we’re here to help! Call us at (727) 353-3886 today!

Do I Need To Upgrade My Electric Panel Before Installing Solar?

You wouldn’t buy a video game before getting the right console for it, first. Then, why would you go through the whole process of having solar panels installed if your home can’t handle the influx of solar power? This guide will help you figure out if your home is ready for solar or if you need to upgrade your electric panel for the best outcome. When you call Solar Bear Orlando for professional solar panel installation in your area, you can count on us to help you through every step of the process.

Your Main Breaker Needs at Least 200 Amps

An easy way to tell if your Orlando home is ready for solar is by checking your breaker for its amp rating. Many homes throughout Florida, especially older ones, are only built to handle around 100 amps. For seamless solar power integration and electrical safety, your electric panel needs to be able to transmit at least 200 amps of power. If your new solar panel installation involves larger panels (or a lot of panels), you may need even more than that.

Did You Know? Failing to check your electric panel capacity before installing solar panels can cause an overload. An overload can spark fires or cause electrical hazards in the home.

Older Electric Panels May Be Too Outdated

Regardless of how many amps your electric panel can accommodate, it might not matter if it’s severely outdated. Electric panels in Orlando that are over 20 years old may not be compatible with modern solar panels. Outfitting an older electric panel that was originally installed a couple of decades ago with a fresh solar panel today could cause your home’s system to shut down, or worse. Unstable electrical components can be incredibly dangerous, putting everyone in the household at risk of sudden fires or other electrical hazards.

You Need to Consider Solar Inverters, Too

Solar panels need a solar inverter to distribute solar power throughout the home. So not only does your electric panel need to be able to handle solar panels, but it should be compatible with your new solar inverter, too. Different inverter types have varying energy outputs, so upgrading your electric panel in Orlando may take precise planning.

An Electric Panel Upgrade Can Prepare You For the Future

Making sure your electric panel is compatible with your solar panels and solar inverter is essential, but it can help to plan for the future, too. The more energy independent you become, the more options become available to you that you may want to invest in for energy savings that reflect on your wallet.

Popular energy appliances that can use solar include:

• EV charging stations
• Pool heaters
• Hot tubs
• Battery storage
• And more!

Electric Panel Upgrades Can Count Towards Tax Credits As long as your new electric panel coincides with solar panel installation, you can count it towards your tax credits for additional savings! Ask your local solar power expert for more information on how this works.

Solar Bear Orlando Helps You Prepare Your Home For Solar!

Your trusted solar panel installers at Solar Bear Orlando can take a look at your home’s electric panel and determine if you need an upgrade before going solar. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to get started on a consultation appointment! We know everything there is to know about energy savings for your Orlando home.

You wouldn’t buy a video game before getting the right console for it, first. Then, why would you go through the whole process of having solar panels installed if your home can’t handle the influx of solar power? This guide will help you figure out if your home is ready for solar or if you need to upgrade your electric panel for the best outcome. When you call Solar Bear Orlando for professional solar panel installation in your area, you can count on us to help you through every step of the process.

Your Main Breaker Needs at Least 200 Amps

An easy way to tell if your Orlando home is ready for solar is by checking your breaker for its amp rating. Many homes throughout Florida, especially older ones, are only built to handle around 100 amps. For seamless solar power integration and electrical safety, your electric panel needs to be able to transmit at least 200 amps of power. If your new solar panel installation involves larger panels (or a lot of panels), you may need even more than that.

Did You Know? Failing to check your electric panel capacity before installing solar panels can cause an overload. An overload can spark fires or cause electrical hazards in the home.

Older Electric Panels May Be Too Outdated

Regardless of how many amps your electric panel can accommodate, it might not matter if it’s severely outdated. Electric panels in Orlando that are over 20 years old may not be compatible with modern solar panels. Outfitting an older electric panel that was originally installed a couple of decades ago with a fresh solar panel today could cause your home’s system to shut down, or worse. Unstable electrical components can be incredibly dangerous, putting everyone in the household at risk of sudden fires or other electrical hazards.

You Need to Consider Solar Inverters, Too

Solar panels need a solar inverter to distribute solar power throughout the home. So not only does your electric panel need to be able to handle solar panels, but it should be compatible with your new solar inverter, too. Different inverter types have varying energy outputs, so upgrading your electric panel in Orlando may take precise planning.

An Electric Panel Upgrade Can Prepare You For the Future

Making sure your electric panel is compatible with your solar panels and solar inverter is essential, but it can help to plan for the future, too. The more energy independent you become, the more options become available to you that you may want to invest in for energy savings that reflect on your wallet.

Popular energy appliances that can use solar include:

• EV charging stations
• Pool heaters
• Hot tubs
• Battery storage
• And more!

Electric Panel Upgrades Can Count Towards Tax Credits As long as your new electric panel coincides with solar panel installation, you can count it towards your tax credits for additional savings! Ask your local solar power expert for more information on how this works.

Solar Bear Orlando Helps You Prepare Your Home For Solar!

Your trusted solar panel installers at Solar Bear Orlando can take a look at your home’s electric panel and determine if you need an upgrade before going solar. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to get started on a consultation appointment! We know everything there is to know about energy savings for your Orlando home.