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What 2025 Programs Does TECO Offer for Solar Users?

Solar’s never been hotter in Tampa—and TECO knows it. So, in 2025, they’ve got not one but two programs to help solar users save money: Sun Select and Net Metering. One of them is perfect if you already have panels. One of them is perfect if you already have panels. The other lets you support solar energy—even if you rent, have a shaded roof, or simply aren’t ready to install panels yourself. Curious? Let’s break them down.

Sun Select: TECO’s “Subscription-Style” Solar Plan

Don’t have the right rooftop for solar? No problem! Sun Select is TECO’s answer for customers who want to support clean energy without installing a system themselves. Think of it as a subscription to solar, powered by TECO’s own utility-scale solar farms like the Lake Hancock Solar Project in West Central Florida. Here’s how it works:

• You replace the fuel chargeon your bill with a solar charge—currently 6.3¢ per kWh.
• You choose how much of your energy usage you want to offset—25%, 50%, or 100%.
• That solar charge stays fixedover time, even if traditional fuel costs rise.

So, what’s the catch? Well, it might never actually save you money. Fuel charges haven’t skyrocketed in recent years, and new TECO rate increases are bundled into other charges—ones Sun Select doesn’t cover. Still, for renters, apartment dwellers, or anyone with a shady roof, it’s a solid option for supporting Florida’s solar future.

Net Metering: For Homeowners Who Want Real Returns

Now we’re talking savings! Net metering is the go-to option for TECO customers who own or lease their solar panels. This billing setup with TECO lets you earn credits for any extra energy your solar system produces. Use less than you generate? Your meter spins backward—on paper, at least.

And those credits roll forward month to month, slashing your future TECO bills. It’s one of the best ways to maximize the return on your solar investment—especially here in the Sunshine State, where rooftop panels soak up energy almost year-round. To get the most out of net metering:

• Shop around. Installation costs vary a lot in Florida.
• Aim for a payback window of 10–12 years.
• Or choose financing that beats your current electric bill.

Bonus: Your system may boost your home’s value and qualifies for property and sales tax exemptions in Florida.

TECO Solar Incentives in 2025

TECO doesn’t currently offer cash rebates or panel discounts, but don’t worry—you’re not out of luck. All Florida homeowners can still claim the 30% federal solar tax credit—as long as they install and activate their systems before December 31, 2025. This is a huge savings opportunity that won’t last forever.

Make 2025 the Year You Go Solar—On Your Terms

Whether you’re curious about net metering or weighing the pros and cons of Sun Select, this is the moment to act, and Solar Bear of Tampa is standing by to help! With the 30% federal tax credit still in play (but not for long), the smartest move is getting informed—and getting started.

We’re here with honest answers, high-quality installs, and local guidance every step of the way. Give us a call at (727) 353-3886 or request your free quote today and take control of your energy future!

How Can I Combat Rising Energy Costs In Orlando?

With energy costs steadily on the rise, you may be wondering how you can save money on your utility costs in Orlando. With solar panels, of course! By generating electricity from the power of the sun, you can gain greater independence from skyrocketing energy bills.

Ready to learn more? Our team at Solar Bear Orlando is excited to share how solar can make a difference, plus we share a few tips to enhance your home’s energy efficiency.

Reasons to Go Solar

The main reason that many Orlando homeowners decide to install a solar system is so they can reduce or eliminate their electricity bills. Because solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, you can greatly reduce the amount of energy you are using from the grid here in Central Florida. This can lead to a good amount of savings on monthly electricity bills, especially in the hot summer months when we are all using our air conditioners nonstop.

Plus, Orlando residents have the opportunity to take advantage of net metering, which allows them to sell excess electricity their panels generate back to the power grid. In return, they get credits which can be used to offset energy costs even more.

Read More > Mid-Year Check-In: What’s Going on with Solar in 2025?

More Ways to Reduce Energy Costs

To make the most of your solar system’s energy savings, here are a few more things that we would recommend:

• Adjust Your Thermostat: Set the temperature to 78 degrees or the highest temperature you can comfortably live with, and around 82 degrees when you are away.
• Use Ceiling Fans: Fans cool you, not the room, by creating what’s called a “wind chill” effect. Turn the fans off when you leave the room, and make sure that the blades are rotating counter-clockwise during the summer months.
• Maintain Your AC: Make sure you are changing your air filters at least every 2-3 months.
• Improve Insulation: Add or upgrade insulation in your attic, walls, and floors to prevent heat buildup and reduce energy costs.
• Switch to LED Bulbs: LEDs are the most energy-efficient option on the market today.
• Use Smart Appliances: Energy Star-rated appliances are designed to be more energy efficient, so we recommend considering replacing older appliances.
• Limit Pool Pump Use: Unless you are utilizing a solar pool pump, we recommend reducing pump usage, especially during the summer.

Bottom Line: NOW is the Time to Go Solar

It’s clear, if you want to combat rising energy costs here in Central Florida, it’s time to harness the power of the sun! The best part? Advancements in solar technology have made systems more efficient and affordable than ever before.

Plus, you can take advantage of government incentives and rebates to make it even more affordable. We call that a win-win!

Call Solar Bear Orlando Today

Ready to make the switch to solar? With lower utility bills, an increase in home value, and a reduced carbon footprint, there are so many benefits! And our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to help you every step of the way from consultation to permitting, installation, and beyond.

Reach out to Solar Bear Orlando at (727) 353-3886 to get a quote today!

Is 2025 the Final Year to Claim the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit?

There’s urgency in the air—and not just from the summer heat. If you’ve been thinking about going solar, 2025 might be your last chance to make it count in a big way. Thanks to recent legislation, the clock is ticking on the 30% federal residential solar tax credit. After December 31, 2025, that generous credit disappears for good. Yes—gone. Here’s what you need to know:

What’s Changing With Solar—And Why It Matters

For years, the 30% federal solar tax credit (a.k.a. Section 25D) has been one of the strongest motivators for homeowners to make the switch to solar. It allowed you to claim nearly a third of your total system cost back on your federal taxes. That’s thousands of dollars you could put toward savings, home improvements, or that vacation you’ve been putting off.

Originally, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 extended this credit through 2032. But recent legislation just changed all that. Under the new law, the residential solar tax credit ends December 31, 2025. After that? No federal incentive for homeowners purchasing solar outright. So, there’s no rollover to 2026. No, “I’ll just wait another year and see.” This is a real deadline with real financial consequences if missed.

The Difference Is Big

Let’s say your solar installation in Tampa runs around $24,000. With the 30% federal tax credit still in place, you’d be eligible to claim $7,200 on your taxes. Without it, you pay full price.

That’s a major missed opportunity, especially for Floridians, who already enjoy one of the sunniest climates in the country—and don’t pay state income tax. Solar in Tampa is financially optimized, but timing is everything.

What Counts as “Installed and Placed in Service”?

This detail matters—and it’s one too many homeowners misunderstand. To qualify for the 30% credit, your system doesn’t just need to be purchased in 2025. It must be installed and fully operational by December 31, 2025. Not in progress. Not “almost done.” Fully placed in service.

That means permitting, inspection, and utility approval all wrapped up. And here’s the catch: the closer we get to the end of the year, the more packed installers’ schedules become. If you wait until fall, you’re not just rolling the dice—you’re likely out of luck.

Why Go Solar Now, Not Later?

Besides the looming deadline? You can:

• Lock in long-term energy savings now while incentives are high.
• Increase your home value with a system buyers actually want.
• Beat rising electricity rates and gain energy independence.
• Support local clean energy jobs right here in Florida.
• And maybe most importantly—you’ll finally stop thinking about it and start benefiting from it.

It’s easy to put things off. But if you’ve ever kicked yourself for missing a good deal, you already know how this story ends.

You’ve Got Sun, You’ve Got Time (For Now)—Call Us

Here in Tampa, sunshine is a guarantee. But incentives like this are not. The 30% federal solar tax credit has powered hundreds of thousands of installations across the country—and it’s been a key reason why. Don’t let 2025 slip by without locking in your piece of it.

Solar Bear of Tampa is here to make the process easy, quick, and totally hassle-free. Our team handles everything—from permits to installation to making sure you hit that all-important “placed in service” milestone. The sun is still shining and the savings are still on the table, but the deadline is real. Let’s make this the year you finally go solar. Call us at (727) 353-3887 to schedule your free consultation today!

Do Solar Pool Heaters Utilize A Lot Of Electricity?

Have you ever wondered how much electricity your pool heater consumes? When pool use is at its peak, likely a lot. But not with a solar pool heater! Here at Solar Bear Orlando, we believe that enjoying a warm pool shouldn’t cost a fortune, especially in sunny Central Florida, where the sun shines almost every day!

Ready to learn more about solar pool heaters? Follow along as our team discusses the efficiency of solar pool heaters and shares tips to help you conserve energy while enjoying your pool.

How Do Solar Pool Heaters Work?

It’s simple. A solar pool heater uses the sun’s energy to warm your pool. They work by using a solar collector that is installed on a roof or another sunny area. These collectors absorb energy from the sun and transfer that energy with a pump to heat the water.

This cycle of warming pool water by circulating it through the solar collectors continues as long as the sun is shining, making it quite efficient.

So, if you think about it, solar pool heaters don’t use much electricity at all; the only electricity that they use comes from the small pump that circulates the water through the solar collectors.

Maximizing Efficiency

To get the most out of your solar pool heater, consider these tips:

• Place the solar collector toward the south. For maximum sun exposure, it is important to consider the angle of the solar collectors as well.
• Avoid shading. Try to avoid any trees or structures that can cast shadows on the collectors, especially during peak sunlight hours.
• Choose the right size. The solar collector should be sized to be 50-100% of the pool’s surface area.
• Keep your pool covered when not in use. This helps retain the heat and will reduce the
• time your solar heater will need to work.
• Maintain proper water balance. Preventing corrosion and scale buildup is important to ensuring that your system runs efficiently.
• Adjust the water temperature. Lower the temperature of your swimming pool when on standby or not in use. This can help you save on energy costs.

Read More > Do I Really Need to Get My Solar Panels Cleaned if It Rains Often?

Choose Solar to Heat Your Pool

As you can see, using solar pool heaters to heat your pool won’t increase your electricity bill, especially if you take the steps to ensure their efficiency. Just remember, it’s important to maintain your pool and your solar heater to help retain heat!

Ready to make the switch to a solar pool heater or have more questions? Our team at Solar Bear Orlando is happy to help! Call us at (727) 353-3886 for a quote or more information today.