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You don’t have to be an electrician—or a solar tech—to know when something’s off. Your solar energy system is supposed to quietly save you money. But sometimes, what should be a low-maintenance setup starts giving off warning signs, and that’s when it’s time to pick up the phone and call a pro.

At Solar Bear of Tampa, we’ve seen it all, from systems fried by summer storms to minor wiring issues that quietly drain performance, the red flags are usually there if you know what to look for. Let’s walk through those signs together.

1. You See the Problem

Cracks, discoloration, bent racking, or even just panels that look out of alignment—these aren’t simply cosmetic issues. In Florida’s extreme heat and storm-prone climate, visible damage can quickly escalate into power loss or system failure.

If your panels have taken a beating, don’t wait for your next power bill to find out. A trained tech can inspect the system, reseal or replace damaged panels, and ensure your setup is safe and optimized.

2. Your Power Bill Catches You Off Guard

When your solar array is working, your power bill should feel like a reward—not a question mark. If you’ve noticed your electric bill creeping up, but your usage hasn’t changed, something may be disrupting your energy output. It could be panel degradation, inverter glitches, or even hidden wiring issues. None of them are DIY fixes—but all are solvable with a skilled technician.

3. Your Inverter Starts Acting Moody

Your inverter is the “brain” of your solar setup. If it’s throwing error codes or making weird noises, it’s not just “having a bad day.”

A malfunctioning inverter means your system isn’t converting solar energy into usable power correctly, and every minute it’s down, you’re losing money. A quick diagnostic check from a professional can keep things humming.

4. There’s Moisture Where There Shouldn’t Be

Are your panels looking foggy? Notice condensation under the glass? No moisture should be near your solar system.

Moisture can destroy internal components and lead to corrosion that spreads invisibly over time. Catching it early with a professional inspection can prevent serious damage—and protect your long-term investment.

5. Your Lights Flicker or Things Just Feel Off

Even subtle signs, like flickering lights, momentary outages, or unexplained electrical weirdness—can point to solar system faults. These are often caused by loose connections, aging wiring, or improper grounding. Your solar energy system should feel invisible. If you’re noticing odd behavior from your home’s power, it’s time to let an expert take a look.

Don’t Ignore It, Don’t Stress About It—Just Call Us!

A healthy solar energy system should work quietly in the background. But when it starts asking for attention, listen. Solar Bear of Tampa offers expert diagnostics and maintenance to keep your system running at full strength—storm-tested and sun-ready. Whether it’s a minor adjustment or a more in-depth repair, we treat your solar investment like it’s our own. Call us now at (727) 353-3886 to schedule service and get your solar energy system back in business.

Living in Central Florida definitely has its perks: sunshine, great weather, and proximity to beaches and theme parks. The downside? Hurricane season. But don’t worry, just because we often have hurricanes to contend with doesn’t mean that your solar panels are obsolete.

We often get asked if solar panels still save money when storms roll through. The answer is yes—and in many cases, solar panels can actually make your home more resilient during hurricane season by keeping energy costs lower.

Follow our team as we share how solar panels perform during a storm and why they are still a smart investment for Florida homeowners.

Built for Tough Conditions

Modern solar panels are engineered to withstand high winds and severe weather. Most panels that we install in Florida are tested to resist winds of up to 140-160 mph, which meets or exceeds hurricane building codes.

Plus, solar panels are secured to roofs with reinforced racking systems to ensure they can handle the toughest storms.

Energy Savings Year-Round

Even during hurricane season, our area gets plenty of sunshine. When the skies are clear, your panels will generate power just as efficiently as they would any other time of year. And if it’s cloudy, they will still generate power, just not as much as they would on a full sun day.

These benefits are far-reaching and include:

• Lower monthly bills
• Net metering benefits, which let you earn credits for any excess electricity sent back to the grid.
• Protection from rising utility costs, which often climb with storm recovery costs.

What About Power Outages?

One of the biggest concerns during a hurricane is losing power. While standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut down when the grid powers down (for safety reasons), you can still use solar power by pairing your panels with a solar battery backup system.

A solar and battery storage setup lets you:

• Run essential appliances like lights, refrigerators, and medical equipment even if the grid is down.
• Avoid the noise, fuel costs, and maintenance headaches of a gas generator.

The sad truth is that power outages can last hours—or even days—after a major storm. So it’s best to be prepared with a solar array and battery backup system.

Insurance and Peace of Mind

Believe it or not, solar panels are covered under most standard homeowners’ insurance policies. This means that if your system is damaged during a hurricane, repairs or replacements are usually covered. That gives homeowners peace of mind, especially during our stormy season.

Why Solar Still Makes Sense in Orlando

Despite the risks that hurricane season brings, solar panels are one of the best investments that Florida homeowners can make. Our area enjoys over 230 sunny days a year, which gives plenty of opportunities to generate clean energy. And with federal and local incentives, the upfront costs of going solar are lower than ever before.

And if you go to sell your home, your property will have more value, making it more attractive to future buyers.

Stay Storm-Ready With Solar Bear

At Solar Bear Orlando, we know the challenges of living in Central Florida during hurricane season. That’s why we design and install solar systems with hurricane season in mind. From reinforced panel mounting to optional battery backups, we help you stay safe, save money, and keep the lights on when you need them most.

Call Solar Bear Orlando at (727) 353-3886 today to schedule your no-hassle solar consultation!

If you’ve already invested in solar panels or are considering making the switch to clean energy, adding spray foam insulation is the perfect next step to maximize your savings and efficiency. While solar panels generate your electricity, spray foam insulation ensures that energy isn’t wasted by sealing air leaks and improving your home’s temperature control.

Without proper insulation, much of the energy your solar system produces can go toward heating or cooling a home that constantly leaks air. By combining solar with spray foam, you’ll reduce energy waste, increase comfort year-round, and see a faster return on your investment. It’s a smart, cost-effective upgrade that takes your solar setup to the next level.

Here in Tampa, where brutal heat and unpredictable storms are just part of life, the last thing you need is a cut-rate spray foam job that flakes, cracks, or fails when it matters most. Choosing the right spray foam contractor in Tampa is an investment in your home and comfort for the long haul. So, how do you find someone who gets it right the first time? Here’s what to look for:

1. Check Credentials

Plenty of contractors toss around the words licensed and insured. That’s the bare minimum. What you really want is someone whose team holds manufacturer-specific certifications and isn’t afraid to show them. Reputable crews take the time to train. They know how to use the equipment correctly, insulating properly for Gulf Coast conditions—not just whatever passes inspection. Look for a spray foam specialist who:

• Works exclusively with spray foam (not just as an “add-on” service).
• Knows the difference between open- and closed-cell foam—and when each is appropriate.
• Can explain whythey recommend a certain product for your attic, walls, or crawlspace.

2. Ask Questions

A proper insulation job performs well for decades. That takes an understanding of how a building breathes, traps heat, and handles moisture. So, a great contractor won’t just show up and start spraying. They’ll ask smart questions and maybe even run a blower door test or do a quick thermal scan. They’ll talk to you about air leakage, humidity levels, ventilation, and vapor barriers, without making your eyes glaze over. If a potential spray foam contractor is not talking about how their work fits into the whole system of your home, keep looking.

3. Check Reviews

In a city like Tampa, word gets around. Check reviews and ask for references. Really get to know a potential partner, and how long they’ve actually been in business.

• Do customers say they were treated with respect?
• Was the team on time, neat, and communicative?
• Did the foam hold up through a full summer season—and beyond?

And remember, the best contractors don’t hide behind jargon or unclear pricing. They give you a clear, written breakdown of what they’re installing, why, and how long it’ll take.

You Should Feel Confident—Not Pressured: We’re the Preferred Spray Foam Partner in Tampa

A trustworthy spray foam insulation contractor won’t pressure you into a same-day decision. They’ll give you room to ask questions and compare options, so you can make a call that feels right. And they’ll still be there to support you after the work is done.

At Solar Bear of Tampa, spray foam is something we’ve mastered. Want to talk to a team that does it right? Contact us today at (727) 353-3886! We’re proud to serve Tampa homeowners who expect more—and we’re ready to show you what that looks like.

Due to changes in regulations, 2025 looks to be an important year for homeowners who are considering going solar in Central Florida. If you didn’t know, the 30% Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit is ending on December 31st, 2025.

This means that the decision to go solar has never mattered more. Our team at Solar Bear Orlando explains why.

The Tax Credit: What’s Changing

The tax credit was originally extended under the Inflation Reduction Act and was supposed to follow a gradual phase-out, dropping from 30% in the early 2030s to zero by 2035. But the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4th, 2025, ended the gradual phase-out. Instead, it now expires at the end of 2025.

What does this mean for you? It means that if you want to claim the full 30% credit, you must have your system fully installed by December 31st, 2025. Which means time is ticking!

Why Act Now?

So you’ve been on the fence for a while, because solar is a big investment. We get it. But think about it this way. Say the average cost of your solar system is $23,840, with the 30% credit, that amount will decrease by $7,152. So your out-of-pocket costs would be around $16,688, a substantial savings!

So, is going solar still worth it after 2025? The answer depends:

• YES, if you arrange to have your system installed by December 31st, 2025y, you’re eligible for major savings and stronger financial returns.
• NO, if you continue to wait after 2025, you’ll lose the federal tax incentive entirely.

Read More > Do Tax Credits Apply to Solar Carports?

What About Delays?

Of course, now that the end of the credit is looming, homeowners and installers are racing to get systems installed. A surge in installations has been reported nationwide.

Also, new Treasury rules state that it is required that the construction of the system must have begun; just ordering the equipment and waiting to install will not qualify. This means that time is of the essence. Planning, permitting, and purchasing the solar array must happen NOW if it’s be be completed by year’s end.

The Next Phase: After 2025

Once the upcoming 2025 deadline passes, the only solar tax relief left for homeowners will be through third-party leases/PPAs, which are valid until the end of 2027.

State or local incentives, net metering programs, and long-term utility savings still make going solar a good investment—though it does sting a bit to be losing out on the 30% tax relief credit.

Is It Still Worth It?

Yes, of course! The solar tax credit can help make installing solar less expensive for many Central Florida homeowners, until the deadline, of course.

Now is the time to:

• Reach out to reputable installers like Solar Bear Orlando
• Secure quotes and begin permitting
• Schedule installations now to meet the December deadline
• Explore financing options and consult a tax professional about credit rollover provisions

The last few months of the 2025 window are your best shot at optimizing savings and making solar a smart, sustainable choice.

Call Solar Bear Orlando Today

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to go solar, this is it. Don’t risk missing out on thousands in savings when the tax credit disappears at the end of 2025. Call Solar Bear Orlando at (727) 353-3886 today to schedule your free consultation.

Don’t wait, the clock is ticking!