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Are Cheaper Inverters a Safe Choice?

When homeowners make the wise decision to switch to solar energy, they face a critical choice—whether to invest in higher-priced microinverters or cheaper string inverters. Are these cheaper inverters a safe choice? Read on to learn all you need to know, so you can choose the right solar setup for your needs.

What Is an Inverter?

Inverters do most of the heavy lifting in any photovoltaic (PV) solar energy system. Solar panels soak up sunlight throughout the day, producing energy in the form of direct current (DC) electricity. This energy must be converted into alternating current (AC) before it can be efficiently used in your home, and that’s where inverters come in. They convert the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into safe, efficient, and inexpensive AC electricity that’s easily applied to everyday appliances.

Microinverters Vs. String Inverters

When it comes to inverters for residential solar energy systems, you have two choices: a series of microinverters or a string inverter system. Microinverters are single units attached to each solar panel, so you’ll have the same number of inverters as panels in your system. Each microinverter converts DC to AC electricity, independent of the conversion performed by the other microinverters.

A string inverter system, on the other hand, is a single electrical box installed near the home’s main service panel. It functions as a series circuit for all the solar panels that are hooked up to it, converting electricity for all associated panels. This option is much more affordable than the microinverter route since a string inverter is only a single component. Not only is the string inverter itself cheaper than buying several microinverters, but fewer labor hours are required to install it, making it even more affordable. But is it safe?

Both microinverters and string inverters are very safe for residential solar systems when they’re installed correctly. While string inverters are a cheaper option, they’re often the safer choice. Since they have fewer electrical components, there are fewer connection hazards compared to systems that rely on microinverters.

Pros and Cons of Microinverters and String Inverters

It’s clear that string inverters are the cheaper and safer choice, but there are pros and cons to each inverter option. String inverters are also easier to troubleshoot and wire to solar panels, but they do have some drawbacks. They’re not as efficient as microinverters if solar panels are in partial shade at any time of the day. They’re also not as flexible as microinverters, since increasing the size of your solar system requires investing in a separate string inverter, making the system more costly and complex.

In terms of lifespan, microinverters have string inverters beat. Microinverters often come with a 25-year warranty, while string inverters carry warranties between 8 and 12 years.

Which Inverter Is Best for Your Home?

Not sure which inverter option is the best choice for your residential solar energy system? The solar experts at Solar Bear – Tampa are ready to answer all your questions. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to learn more and schedule your free consultation.

How Many Years Can I Claim a Solar Tax Credit?

When you install a solar panel system anywhere in the United States, you can take advantage of the Federal Investment Tax Credit, also called the Solar Tax credit which allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar installation from your federal taxes.

This credit offsets the cost of installing residential solar, but how many years can you claim this credit? Our team at Solar Bear Orlando outlines what you need to know!

How Does the Solar Tax Credit Work?

You can claim the federal solar tax credit for money that you paid toward your solar installation. It helps reduce the amount that you owe when you file your yearly federal tax return.

The Solar Investment Tax Credit can be filed once for the tax year in which you installed your system. The credit is calculated dollar-by-dollar as a reduction of your federal tax liability. So if you have 1,500 credits, you will owe $1,500 less in taxes and so on.

Take note: This solar tax credit is different from a tax refund. To claim the solar tax credit, you must owe taxes to the government. The tax credit essentially negates some or all of the amount you owe. If you have already had those taxes deducted from your paycheck to cover what you owe, you can get the money back in the form of a refund.

Solar Tax Credit Eligibility Requirements

The Solar Tax Credit is only available for property owners whose solar installations meet the specified requirements in the United States. Some of the mandatory conditions that your system needs to satisfy to be eligible include:

• The system should be brand new and should have been installed no earlier than January 1st, 2017, and no later than December 31st, 2034. The Solar Tax Credit will expire in 2035 unless Congress renews it again.
• The system must be owned by you and cannot be leased.
• The property must be in the United States
• For residential solar installations, the location of the system must be at your primary or secondary residence, but it can be a community solar project.

The Value of the Solar Tax Credit

As of 2023, the Solar Tax Credit is 30% for systems installed in 2022-2032.

In 2015, Congress voted to phase out the tax credit, and beginning in 2020, the tax credit was reduced from 30% to 26%. The rate was scheduled to drop from 26% to 22% in 2021. But thankfully, the tax credit was extended until 2034 by congress in 2022.

It will decrease to 26% for PV solar systems installed in 2033 and down to 22% for solar systems installed in 2034. The tax credit will expire in 2035 unless it is renewed by Congress again.

Can You Claim the Solar Tax Credit for Multiple Years?

You can only claim the Solar Tax Credit for your solar panel installation once. However, you can roll over any leftover tax credit balance from the tax credit to the following year or up to five years. But if you own more than one home, you may be able to claim separate tax credits in separate years for solar installations on those homes. 

We are happy to answer these questions, but we aren’t tax professionals, so we recommend speaking with a CPA or other tax professional about any specific solar tax credit questions, since every situation is unique.

Read More > Florida Solar Tax Credit FAQs

Solar Bear Orlando

If you are ready to take advantage of the Solar Tax Credit in 2023, call our team at Solar Bear Orlando for expert solar installations throughout Central Florida and the Greater Orlando area. We’ll help you take advantage of all the savings that our ample sunshine can offer! 

Get started today! Call Solar Bear for an PV solar installation quote in Central Florida; (727) 471-7442!

Our Guide to Solar Incentives in 2023

Making the switch to solar may come with some upfront costs, but the long-term benefits more than outweigh them. Going solar leads to much lower utility bills, reduced dependence on the energy grid, and a smaller carbon footprint. Aside from the financial benefits, you’re also being a better steward of the planet.

If you’re a Florida resident considering making the switch to solar, there are some generous Florida solar incentives you should be aware of. The government wants to make solar more affordable for the average homeowner, and you should take full advantage of any assistance provided. Here’s a guide to understanding how these tax credits and incentives work, so you can save money and enjoy all the benefits of going solar.

Federal Solar Tax Credit

This tax credit applies to all residents of the U.S., and it’s earned as a percentage of the total cost of installing a solar photovoltaic system. You can use this tax credit to reduce your federal income taxes, and the savings can be significant.

If you install a solar photovoltaic system by the end of 2023, you’ll receive a 22% tax credit for doing so. Homeowners must act fast since the tax credit expires in 2024 unless Congress extends it.

There’s no limit to how much of a credit you can earn, but you must meet the following requirements:

• Install a solar PV system at your U.S. residence.
• The PV system must be installed and producing electricity before December 31, 2023.
• You must own the system by purchasing it outright or financing with a loan.
• The system must be an original installation, new or used for the first time at your residence.

To receive the federal solar tax credit if you’re eligible, complete IRS Form 5695 and attach it to your Form 1040NR when filing your annual tax return.

Solar Property Tax Exemption

While Florida doesn’t offer a state tax credit for solar, there is a property tax exemption to consider. Under Florida law, renewable energy system installations that enhance a home’s property value—including a solar PV system and batteries—are excluded from the property’s overall taxable value.

Home Solar System Sales Tax Exemption

In Florida, all solar energy systems and components are exempt from sales tax. In short, you save 6% of what you’d otherwise pay.

Net Metering

Aside from tax credits and exemptions, Florida allows for net metering by various utility companies. This means that homeowners with solar energy systems may sell power to the electric grid at a retail rate. Your credits are reflected in your energy bill and deducted from your consumption.

Save More and Switch to Solar

Want to learn more about all the benefits and incentives you’ll enjoy when you switch to solar? Reach out to the solar experts at Solar Bear Tampa. We’ll help you take advantage of all programs and savings available to you, so you can start saving money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint right away. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to learn more!

6 Tips to Diagnose a Broken Solar Panel

Is your solar system not working as well as it should? If you’ve noticed an increase in your utility bills, there are some common reasons why a solar system isn’t working its best. Here are six tips to help you diagnose and treat a broken solar panel. 

1. Check the Breaker Switches

Every solar panel system has breaker switches—the tiny fuse boxes that manage the flow of electricity from your panels to your home. A glitch, overload, or surge can trip these switches and keep solar electricity from being sent to your appliances or the grid. If the breaker switches are off, switching them back to the proper state often fixes the issue.

2. Look for Obstructions

Solar panels rely on direct sunlight to produce energy, so they need to stay free from any obstructions like:

• Trees with full foliage that may be blocking out light
• Accumulated debris, dust, or pollen that builds up over time

It’s wise to check for obstructions below the panels, too. It’s not uncommon to find nesting birds, mice, or other vermin that can damage essential system components, causing low energy production. Check for debris and droppings regularly and consider installing a pest guard to keep critters away from your energy source.

3. Check the Inverter

Almost every PV installation includes an inverter—the component that converts the direct current from the solar panels to the alternating current your appliances use for energy. Check your inverter, and if the light is green, it should be working properly. If the light is yellow or red, there could be a problem with the inverter, and you should call your solar provider directly for more information.

4. Check the Solar Meter

Every solar system includes a solar meter that monitors the system’s energy production in real-time, comparing it to historic production data to spot potential problems. Although some homeowners may not realize it, a solar meter prevents lost energy savings. If your solar meter stops collecting data, it could cause problems with your system, and you should reach out to your solar provider right away.

5. Check the Glass

Solar panels are made of tempered glass—a specially engineered product that’s four times stronger than regular glass. While the tempered glass in solar panels is very resilient, it’s not completely damage-proof. Falling tree branches, golf balls, lightning, vandalism, and other impacts can damage the glass. Reach out to your solar provider for a replacement panel—they’re often covered by insurance.

6. Consider Solar Cell Damage

Your solar panels might be producing less energy even if they aren’t visibly damaged. In this case, the problem likely lies in the solar cells themselves. Your solar provider can individually repair solar cells, extending the life of your panels.

Enjoy Reliable, Renewable Energy With the Help of Solar Bear Tampa

Ready to make the switch to clean energy? Solar Bear of Tampa is standing by to help! We offer high-quality solar system components and installation, helping you make the most of your investment. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to get started!