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When it comes to solar energy, the debate between ground-mounted and rooftop solar systems is as enduring as the energy source itself. Homeowners and businesses looking to make the sustainable switch are often caught in this dilemma. The common question is: are ground-mounted solar systems cheaper than roof systems? It’s a classic case of “It depends.” Let’s check out the factors that swing the cost pendulum between these two solar choices.

Initial Installation Costs

First, let’s discuss the most immediate concern—the installation costs. Rooftop solar panels often seem the go-to for their perceived simplicity. They piggyback on existing structures, seemingly cutting down on costs. However, the reality is not always that simple. Factors like the condition of your roof, its orientation, and angle play significant roles. If your roof needs reinforcement or an overhaul, those costs quickly add up.

Ground-mounted systems, on the other hand, require land. If you’ve got the space, great! But there’s more to it. These systems need frameworks and mounts built from scratch. The upside? They can be oriented and angled precisely for maximum sun exposure, something that’s not always possible with the fixed structure of a roof.

Long-Term Energy Yield

Efficiency plays a critical role in the cost-effectiveness of solar systems. Ground-mounted panels have the edge here. Their adjustable angles allow them to capture more sunlight throughout the year compared to their roof-mounted counterparts, which are at the mercy of the roof’s orientation. This increased efficiency potentially translates to higher energy yields and, in the long run, could offset the initial higher setup costs of ground systems.

Maintenance and Durability

When pondering over costs, maintenance and durability are often overlooked. Rooftop panels, being high up and less accessible, can be more challenging and costly to clean and repair. Ground-mounted systems are easier to reach, making routine maintenance less of a hassle and potentially cheaper.

Aesthetics and Space

Aesthetics play a surprisingly significant role when people choose between rooftop and ground-mounted solar energy systems. Rooftop panels are less intrusive visually, and they also don’t take up the yard space that ground-mounted systems do. This choice can affect property value in ways that are not strictly monetary but are worth considering.

Ready to Make the Switch to Solar? Keep Your Costs Low With Solar Bear of Tampa

So, are ground-mounted solar systems cheaper than rooftop ones? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but Solar Bear of Tampa aims to keep your costs as low as possible. Ready to make the switch? Contact us today at (727) 471-7442 to get an estimate!

Have you ever wished you could enjoy your pool every day of the year, but the thought of chilling temperatures or skyrocketing energy bills made you shiver? Solar energy can make your dream come true! Let’s dive into how solar power can heat your pool, so you can enjoy it year-round.

Heating Your Pool With Solar Energy

The first and foremost benefit of using solar energy for your pool is the year-round warmth it provides. No matter if it’s a chilly December morning or a breezy March evening, your pool can maintain a cozy, inviting temperature.

Solar pool heaters use the abundant and free energy from the sun to heat your pool water. They circulate the water through solar collectors, where it’s heated and returned to the pool. Now, it’s easier than ever to keep your pool at a comfortable temperature without high energy costs.

Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Heating

When you choose solar energy for your pool, you’re not just making a decision that’s good for your wallet—you’re making one that’s great for the planet. Solar power is clean, renewable, and reduces your carbon footprint in a big way.

Unlike traditional pool heaters that rely on gas or electricity, solar heaters emit no greenhouse gases. Plus, after the initial setup cost, the energy you use is free! You’ll immediately notice significant savings on your energy bills.

Low Maintenance and Long Lasting Systems

Solar pool heaters are incredibly durable and have low maintenance requirements. They often last longer than gas or electric heaters, and they don’t require as much upkeep. You can spend more time enjoying your warm pool and less time worrying about equipment maintenance.

Perfect for Tampa’s Climate

Tampa’s sunny climate is perfect for solar pool heating. With an average of 246 sunny days per year, there’s plenty of solar energy to be harvested. Solar pool heating is not only feasible but highly effective in this unique region. Even during the cooler months, Tampa gets enough sunlight to keep your pool comfortably warm.

Enjoy Your Pool Year-Round With the Help of Solar Bear of Tampa

Enjoying your pool year-round in Tampa doesn’t have to break the bank! With the help of Solar Bear of Tampa, you can seamlessly shift to an affordable, eco-friendly solar pool heating system. Contact us today at (727)-335-4509 to get started on your journey to a year-round pool paradise!

If you’re interested in installing solar power or already have a solar system in your house, you are likely already aware that solar panels can save you money in numerous ways, such as reducing your utility bills and generating electricity. But what if we told you that while true, those aren’t the only ways that solar panels can help you save at home?

Intrigued? Join our team at Solar Bear Orlando as we explore reasons why your solar panels can keep your attic cool and how that can impact your energy consumption!

The Importance of Your Attic

Most of the heat that makes its way into your home during Florida’s hot summer months is you guessed it—through the attic. As the sun’s rays shine on your roof, hot shingles or other roofing material send the heat directly down into your attic, raising the heat—sometimes significantly—inside the attic and thus your home.

Remember science class in middle school where you learned the laws of thermodynamics? You likely learned that heat will always travel downward to where it is cooler. This movement of heat will make our home hot and uncomfortable, all the while causing your HVAC system to work harder and harder to keep your home cool.

Now, let’s insert solar panels into this equation. Installing solar panels can reduce solar heat gain and will lead to an overall comfortable and energy-efficient space.

How Solar Panels Keep Your Attic Cool

Solar panels that are installed on your home’s roof can help keep your attic cooler in a few different ways:

• They create a cover that shades your roof, reducing its overall surface temperature.

• Because they are mounted on a racking system that holds them a few inches from your roof, there is an air barrier or gap between the panels and your roof where air can circulate. This helps carry heat away from your attic space. A study done by the University of California San Diego found that highly efficient solar panels can reduce the heat on a roof’s surface by up to 38%!

• Solar panels have a reflective surface, effectively bouncing some of the heat that they absorb away from your home. On average, it has been found that houses with rooftop solar installations enjoy a 5-degree temperature drop in the attic and living areas.

Now, for the best part. Not only do solar panels help keep your roof and attic space cooler, but they also convert the sun’s energy into electricity, so it can be used to power your home and appliances.

Choose Solar Bear Orlando

Ready to install solar panels at your Central Florida home? We’re glad that you’re here! In addition to keeping your attic space cooler and thus keeping your home more comfortable in the hot summer months, solar panels also reduce your carbon footprint, and help you save money! What’s better than that?!

Ready to get started? Contact our friendly team at Solar Bear Orlando today for a quote at (727) 471-7442!

Imagine waking up to a day full of sunshine, a perfect scenario for your home’s solar panels to work their magic. You step outside, coffee in hand, and gaze up at your rooftop investment. But then, you notice a layer of dust and leaves diminishing their luster and efficiency. This moment underscores a crucial aspect of solar energy reliance: the importance of regular solar panel cleaning and maintenance. But it’s not just about keeping them clean—it’s about doing it correctly. Here’s a guide to proper solar panel maintenance, so you know what you should and shouldn’t do to make the most of your investment in clean energy.

Dos of Solar Panel Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintaining your solar panels isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s about ensuring their efficiency and longevity. Here are four essential ‘dos’ to keep your solar panels in top shape:

• Do Regular Inspections: Regular inspections are crucial. Check for dust, debris, and any objects that might obstruct sunlight. This includes checking for bird droppings, fallen leaves, or accumulated dust. A visual inspection every few months will help you gauge when a cleaning is necessary.
• Do Use the Right Cleaning Materials: Use a soft brush or a squeegee with a plastic blade and a long extension to reach the panels. Soft brushes will prevent scratches on the panels. It’s also advisable to use mild soap and water. Harsh chemicals can damage the solar panel’s surface.
• Do Clean During the Cooler Part of the Day: Cleaning your panels during the morning or late afternoon is ideal. During these times, the panels are not as hot, reducing the risk of you getting burnt and preventing rapid evaporation which can leave residue on the panels.
• Do Hire Professionals for Deep Cleaning: For a thorough cleaning or if your panels are too high or difficult to reach safely, hiring professionals is a wise choice. Professional solar panel cleaners have the necessary equipment and expertise to clean panels efficiently and safely.

Don’ts of Solar Panel Cleaning and Maintenance

While maintaining your solar panels, there are certain practices you should avoid. Here are four ‘don’ts’ to ensure you don’t inadvertently damage your solar panels:

• Don’t Use Harsh Abrasive Products: Avoid using abrasive sponges or soaps. These can scratch the surface of the panels, leading to reduced efficiency and potential long-term damage.
• Don’t Use High-Pressure Water: High-pressure water jets can damage the solar panels. Instead, use a regular garden hose with a nozzle that can gently spray water onto the panels.
• Don’t Ignore Safety: Always prioritize your safety. If your panels are installed in high or hard-to-reach places, don’t attempt to clean them yourself. Risking a fall is not worth it.
• Don’t Forget to Shut Down the System: Before any cleaning or maintenance, ensure that your solar panel system is shut down. This is a safety measure to prevent any electrical accidents.

Make the Most of Your Investment in Solar Energy!

Proper maintenance and cleaning of your solar panels are not just about aesthetics; they are about efficiency and longevity. By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure that your solar panels will continue to provide optimum performance for years to come. Remember, if you have any questions or need professional assistance, Solar Bear of Tampa is just a call away. We’re here to help you make the most of your investment in clean, solar energy. Contact us today at (727) 471-7442. Let’s harness the power of the sun together!