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What Are the Different Payment Options for Solar?

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.

Florida’s Average KWH Per Day – How Your Home Compares

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!

Pre-Wiring Your New Home for Solar Electric – 2 Considerations

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!

Risk Mitigation Tips for Solar Panels & Water

Florida is paradise. Endless sunshine, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and yes—plenty of rain. Lots and lots of rain. And if you’ve invested in solar panels for your home or business, that water might have you asking questions like:

• Can heavy rains damage my panels?
• What about those infamous Florida storms?
• How do I make sure my solar system stays efficient and safe year-round?

Solar panels and water aren’t enemies, but managing the relationship is very important. Here are our top 5 risk mitigation tips for solar panels and water.

1. Rain Isn’t the Enemy—But It’s Not Always Your Friend

Good news: solar panels are built tough. Designed to handle rain, humidity, and even hurricanes, they’re made for places like Florida. The tempered glass surface of modern panels resists water intrusion, and the framing is sealed to keep moisture out. Still, rain brings challenges. From debris build-up to water pooling, rain can potentially compromise your solar energy system. And, if you live near the coast, salty air can even corrode connections.

2. Preventative Maintenance Is Everything

Want your solar panels to work like new for years to come? Stay ahead of potential water-related issues with regular upkeep:

• Inspect Seals and Edges:Look for any signs of cracking or wear that could let water in.
• Check the Mounting System:Loose or misaligned panels can create gaps for water to seep through.
• Clean Regularly:A quick rinse removes dirt and debris. Just make sure you use soft, non-abrasive tools.

3. Florida Storms Demand Extra Attention

We’re no strangers to wild weather here. Thunderstorms? A summer staple. Hurricanes? They’ll test the limits of any home system. But don’t worry—solar panels are engineered for resilience. Here’s how to keep yours safe:

• Pre-Storm Inspection:Secure any loose panels and verify the mounting system is tight.
• Trim Nearby Trees:Falling branches during high winds can wreak havoc.
• Monitor Wind Ratings:Florida panels must meet high wind resistance standards, but it doesn’t hurt to double-check.

4. Don’t Forget About Groundwater Risks

Water isn’t always falling from the sky. In Florida, it’s also rising from the ground—or pooling around your home. Your inverter and electrical connections need special care to avoid problems from groundwater or flooding. Some simple steps to mitigate risk include:

• Elevate electrical equipment off the ground.
• Ensure the wiring is well-sealed and weatherproof.
• Work with a professional installer who understands local water concerns.

5. Trust the Right Installer (Hint: It’s Solar Bear)

Surprisingly, solar panel installations are more varied than you might think. And poorly installed system is far more vulnerable to water damage.

That’s why you need a team that gets Florida. Someone who knows how to account for the sun, the rain—everything in between. At Solar Bear, we take every precaution, using optimal angles for water runoff and corrosion-resistant frames and UV-stable seals. Whether you’re powering a coastal home or an inland property, we’ve got you covered.

Solar & Water: The Florida Dream Team

So, when installed and maintained correctly, solar panels thrive in Florida’s climate. Rain can actually help clean your panels, and sunny skies keep them running at peak efficiency.

So go ahead—enjoy the Florida sun. And when the rain comes? Know your solar panels are ready for it. Reach out to Solar Bear of Tampa today at (727) 471-7442 to learn more about how we can keep your solar system safe and sound.