Category: Uncategorized

Can HOAs Ban Solar Installation In Texas?

Looking into the benefits of solar panels may not seem like a possibility if your home is under the Homeowner’s Association (or HOA). However, it would be a shame to miss out on natural energy and money savings just because a group of people doesn’t want you to.

If you live in Texas, we have some great news! Solar Bear Dallas is happy to let you know that HOAs can’t ban solar installation, and there’s a good reason why.

What Is the Texas Solar Rights Law?

HOA leaders may have a say on certain aspects of your home, but they can’t do anything about what higher government officials want for you and your property. That’s why certain state laws come to fruition, to dictate what the HOA is able to control about your property. In terms of the solar rights law, it is illegal for the HOA to ban you from installing a solar panel system without good reason. So, if you want to install solar panels on your house and the HOA tries to stop you, you can act with confidence knowing what the real laws are in your state.

What Does the HOA Have Against Solar Panels?

The Homeowner’s Association can be very picky about the appearance of your house to the point where they’ll try to regulate the practicality of your daily living. Many HOA officials see solar panels as a blight on the neighborhood’s aesthetic, and plenty would argue that’s not a good enough reason to dismiss technology that does nothing but improve your quality of life and lower emissions for a cleaner environment. The HOAs concern is especially not an issue nowadays when newer, more modern solar panel systems can be made to look sleeker and more attractive when installed by qualified professionals.

Why the Texas Government Encourages Solar Energy

Solar energy is one of the things that the state government actively supports because solar panels are especially beneficial in Texas where energy usage is at an all-time high compared to the rest of the country. Because of the need for air conditioning in a state that primarily sees direct sunlight as well as being a major state for industrial sites, Texas is one of the top states with the highest energy output. State officials and residents alike are doing their part in improving the situation by normalizing solar panels.

One way the normalization of solar panels is being encouraged in Texas is the acceptance of the federal solar incentive. This allows for reimbursement of a percentage of the cost of your solar installation. This way, more homeowners can afford the cost of their solar panels.

Call Solar Bear Dallas For All Your Solar Needs!

You can get quality solar panel installation in Texas, whether you are under the eyes of the HOA or not, from the experts at Solar Bear Dallas. Our licensed contractors will be able to carefully evaluate your home and suggest the best setup for the most optimal system for collecting solar energy. Call (727) 471-7442 today to get started on a free quote!

10 Ways To Increase Solar Panel Efficiency In 2023

If you’ve decided to install solar on your Central Florida property, you will want to get the most that you can out of your solar energy system. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to increase the efficiency of your panels.

Learn more from our solar energy pros at Solar Bear Orlando!

#1. Install a Solar System with Grade “A” Monocrystalline Cells

In the world of solar energy, the quality of your photovoltaic cells has the largest impact on solar panel efficiency. Monocrystalline solar panels have the highest efficiency rating, so don’t forgo quality if efficiency is important to you.

• Panels with lower-grade cells might cost less, but they are less efficient and produce less energy. This means that they’ll cost you more to operate in the long run. Choose high quality!

#2. Invest In Anti-Reflective Coatings

Anti-reflective coatings allow solar cells to absorb more rays from the sun. Without anti-reflection coatings, more than 30% of the light that reaches your solar panels won’t be absorbed and converted into energy.

The photovoltaic cells in high-quality solar panels have anti-reflection coatings that prevent the loss of light from reflection.

• Solar cells with textured surfaces also have anti-reflective properties. When shopping for solar panels, ask your installer what steps have been taken to control reflection.

#3. Hire a Certified Installer

A professional installation company like Solar Bear Orlando will ensure that your solar system works at peak efficiency. In the United States, look for installers that are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Beyond certification, make sure that any installer you hire has the insurance and licenses that are required by the area where you live.

• Check into a solar provider’s background to ensure that they have the experience and a positive reputation in the solar community.

#4. Orient Solar Panels for Maximum Exposure

Since we live in Florida, you should orient your panels to face geographic north, while in the northern hemisphere, you should orient them to face geographic south.

• The orientation of the panels also depends on how you are using your solar energy. If you are powering your home with solar, you will get more value from the energy that is collected later in the day.
• If you can’t have your solar panels facing north, face them west, since that is the direction that the sun sets. If those aren’t an option, orient them east if that’s your only option.

#5. Calculate the Best Angle for Your Latitude

The closer your panels are to the equator, the steeper their angle should be. Your geographical latitude will determine the angle at which your panels will be most efficient and receive the most direct sunlight over the course of a year.

• If you are installing your solar panels on a sloped roof, you should include that angle as well. If your roof has a 20-degree slope, and your panels need to be at a 40-degree angle, you should have them installed at a 20-degree angle on the roof.

#6. Set Up Your Panels to Track the Sun

Tracking the sun allows your solar panels to absorb maximum energy from the sun. If you have a ground-mounted solar array, trackers allow your panels to follow the sun so they can absorb the most rays.

These systems are most common in commercial solar farms, but there are smaller trackers that allow your panels to arc from east to west, following the sun from the moment it rises to when it sets.

#7. Trim Trees that Shade Your Panels

Solar panels are most efficient if they get direct sunlight. Observe your panels throughout the day and notice if there are any nearby trees that shade them. When shaded, solar cells can’t absorb any light.

#8. Reduce the Number of Devices Using Solar Power

Using less solar power puts less of a drain on your batteries. Generally, if you aren’t running at full power, you can use your stored energy for longer. It is also more cost-effective to use less power for several hours, as opposed to using maximum power for a shorter period.

• Don’t run the dishwasher at the same time as the washing machine. You might also want to turn off lights in rooms that you aren’t using or unplug electronics when not in use.

#9. Install Backup Solar Batteries

Put your panels and storage batteries near each other to reduce costs. Any energy that you aren’t able to store will be lost, which will be detrimental to your panels’ efficiency. Lithium-ion battery storage systems can store the energy absorbed by your panels so you can use it even when the sun isn’t shining.

#10. Clean Your Solar Panels Once or Twice a Year

Wash your panels with water and a non-abrasive sponge at least a couple of times a year. This will clear off the bulk of the dust and debris that are blocking your solar panels so they can perform their best.

Avoid pressure washers which can damage the surface of the cells.

• Cleaning your roof-installed solar panels can be dangerous. If you are uncomfortable, ask your installer to recommend a cleaning company.

Central Florida Solar Installations

Ready to join the solar revolution? You’ve found the right team! With several years of experience in the solar industry, our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to help you harness the energy from Florida’s sunshine!

Ready to get started? Call Solar Bear Orlando for an installation quote today at (727) 471-7442!

Most Common Solar Hesitations & Why They’re Invalid

If your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it too? Probably not. But if your friends got solar energy, would you? If you still have hesitations about going solar, we can help! Learning about solar energy and its numerous nuances can be daunting so before you make the solar leap, let’s make sure you know all the facts. Solar Bear of Tampa shares the four most common misconceptions when it comes to solar.

1) It is too expensive

On average, residential solar systems can range from $15,000 to $35,000. Though, most don’t realize that you are not required to pay in entirety upon installation. Solar Bear of Tampa offers several financing options that pair nicely with local, state, and federal tax incentives and rebates that offset initial costs. Don’t forget about the ever-popular net metering program! If your solar panels produce more electricity than necessary, any excess can be sent back to the utility grid to earn credit on a future utility bill. Currently, Tampa Electric Company (TECO), Duke Energy, and Florida Power & Light (FPL) offer utility net metering programs in Florida.

2) I don’t own a house

If you rent a home or live in an apartment building, you may still have solar energy options. Community solar programs allow multiple people to benefit from a shared solar array. Any purchasing and installation costs are divided amongst participants. Space constraints may be an additional obstacle but Solar Bear of Tampa offers several system options that are customizable to your needs. We can provide information on the best scope and size of the system, and any additional maintenance plans during our free estimate.

3) It’s not sunny enough

Florida is the Sunshine State but also the Lightning Capital of the World. How can solar work when the sun isn’t shining? Solar panels can actually still produce energy in most kinds of cloudy weather conditions, withstand winds over 100mph and perform well in cold climates. They are an all-weather kind of system. Adding a solar battery to the system allows homeowners to store excess energy for nighttime…and those rainy days.

4) They are not efficient

When new customers hear that a high-efficiency rate for solar panels hovers around 23%, they may be confused. But, the efficiency of a solar panel system is determined by the amount of light absorbed off the panels’ surface. Sometimes, this sunlight may be reflected off the panel, turned into heat, or simply cannot be absorbed if it is infrared light. This remaining light is converted into AC or DC energy for home appliances and more. Only until recently was the average efficiency around 15% but thanks to advancements in technology, has risen to 22%. High-efficiency solar panels can reach 23% and above. Because of the intensity from the sun’s rays, this amount is more than enough to power your home.

If you want to learn more about the most efficient solar panel system for your needs, schedule a free estimate with Solar Bear of Tampa. Call us at (727) 741-7442 today!

How Many Hours Can a Solar Battery Last?

When you install a home solar battery, what you are doing is providing your home (and yourself with peace of mind) with a backup energy reserve in case of a power outage.

That’s the beauty of pairing a solar battery with solar panels; you’ll always have power when you need it, even if your neighbors are out of power right next to you.

Learn more about solar batteries from our team at Solar Bear Orlando!

What is a Solar Battery

Solar batteries are devices that you can add to your solar power system to store the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels.

You can then use that stored energy to power your home at times when your solar panels don’t generate enough electricity for your home’s needs, including cloudy days, at night, or during a power outage.

How Long Can a Solar Battery Power a House?

Without running an air conditioner or heater, a 10-kWh solar battery can power the basic operations of your house for a least 24 hours, but even longer with careful electricity budgeting.

When paired with solar panels, a solar battery can provide more electricity because the solar panels will generate power once the sun is out and shining. 

Ultimately, how long you can power your home with solar battery storage will vary depending on your home and these three things:

• #1. Your battery storage capacity
• #2. The output of your solar system
• Your electricity needs

Home Battery Capacity

Capacity is the amount of energy that a solar battery can store. It is one of the main factors that influence how long a battery can power your home during an outage.

Solar battery storage capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and can vary from just 1-kWh or over 10-kWh. Multiple batteries can be combined to enhance capacity, but a 10-kWh battery is typical for most homes.

Solar System Output

The beauty of a solar battery and solar panels is that you essentially have your own miniature utility to power your home if there is bad weather or an outage.

Solar panel systems are measured in kilowatts (kW) which represent the amount of energy that the system can produce during an hour of peak sunlight. A 5-kW solar system can produce 5 kWh of electricity each hour in ideal conditions.

The average number of peak sunlight hours per day in the United States varies from 3.5 to 5.5. Multiply the system capacity by sunlight hours and then by 0.75 (the performance ratio) to find your system’s daily output.

For example: If your 5-kW system gets 5 peak hours of sunlight, the equation would be as follows:

5 kW solar system x 5 sunlight hours x 0.75 performance rating = 18.75 kWh per day

In many cases that is more than enough to power essential home electrical systems. But electrical needs vary from home to home, so the exact amount may differ from the above equation.

Electrical Needs

It’s simple. How long your solar battery can run your home depends on how much electricity you use. And how much electricity you use will depend on what appliances and electrical systems you are running.

During an outage, it is recommended to budget electricity to include the most necessary things first, then plan for the remaining capacity.

Your list of priorities may include:

• Refrigerator
• Cooking
• Water heating
• Lighting
• TV and device charging
• Climate control

Climate control is last on the list because using an air conditioner or heater draws a lot of power and if you can live without it for a few hours, it is wise to conserve your solar battery energy.

Are Solar Batteries Worth It?

Weather-related power outages have been on the rise in recent years, so it is best to prepare. If the idea of clean, quiet, and hands-free backup energy that can power your home during an outage sounds like a great idea, then solar and solar batteries are worth it!

Central Florida Solar Energy

Don’t get stuck without power in Central Florida ever again! From brownouts to power outages due to hurricanes, you can keep your home and appliances powered with a solar system installed by our team at Solar Bear Orlando.

Ready to get started? Call us for a solar energy quote today at (727) 471-7442!