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Do I Need to Disconnect My Solar When on Vacation?

Headed out of town and wondering what to do with your solar panels while you’re gone? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we get from Tampa homeowners—especially those new to solar. You’ve made the investment. You’ve embraced the future. Now you’re wondering: “Do I need to my solar energy system down before going on vacation?” The short answer? No. Here’s why:

Your Solar System Is Smarter Than You Think

Modern solar systems—especially the ones we install here at Solar Bear of Tampa—are made to operate automatically. Once your system is up and running, it generates electricity, feeds your home, and routes excess power back to the grid (or to your battery, if you’ve got one). No babysitting required. It doesn’t care if you’re home or not. If the sun’s shining, your system is working.

What If My System Overproduces While I’m Away?

Good question. Let’s say you’re sipping something cold in the Keys while your panels are back home in Tampa soaking up rays with no one around to use the energy. What happens then?

If you’re grid-tied (which most Tampa area homeowners are), your system sends excess power back to the utility through net metering. You’re essentially banking credit for later. If you have a solar battery, that extra power gets stored and is ready to be used the moment you return. Either way, it’s a win.

Are There Any Exceptions?

There are a few minor considerations, but none of them require unplugging anything.

• Weather Worries:If a storm’s brewing and you’re leaving town for a while, it’s smart to double-check your homeowner’s insurance and make sure your solar system is covered. But you don’t need to shut your system down because of weather concerns.
• Older or DIY Systems:may have different needs. Some off-grid setups or legacy inverters might benefit from being powered down before long trips—but that’s rare and mostly applies to systems not installed by pros.
• Peace of Mind: Your comfort level is always a personal thing. If you just feel better flipping the switch off, many inverters have a simple shutdown option. Just make sure you know how to restart it correctly—or give us a call and we’ll walk you through it.

Make the Switch to Solar With Confidence—Call Us Today!

Leaving your solar system on while you’re gone is not just okay—it’s smart. You’re letting your system do what it was designed to do: harvest clean energy and lower your utility bills, even while you’re off the grid in more ways than one. And when you get back? You’ll be greeted by a home that’s been racking up savings in your absence.

Still Unsure? That’s what we’re here for. If you’re solar-curious but still have questions—about installation, net metering, or whether your panels will behave while you’re gone—reach out to Solar Bear of Tampa. Call us today at (727) 353-3886, and we’ll answer your questions honestly, clearly, and with zero pressure.

How Do I Know What Size Solar Inverter I Need For My House?

If you are thinking about installing a solar system at your Central Florida home, you may be wondering what size inverter you will need for your home. Great question! Our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to guide you through everything you need to know.

Let’s get to it!

Understanding Solar Inverters

First things first, let’s talk about what a solar inverter does. Essentially, it’s the device that will convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by your solar panel system into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what your home uses.

This is why it is so important to choose an inverter that will match your home’s size and maximize your system’s overall efficiency. 

Determine Your Electricity Needs

To ensure the inverter is the right size for your home, we will need to start by evaluating your household’s electricity consumption. This can typically be found on your utility bills and is shown as your energy usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Look for your average monthly usage, and if you notice any variations, like when it is hot here in Orlando, make a note of that too.

Consider Your Solar Panel System

Next, we will consider the size and output of the solar panel system that you have or want to install. We measure the power of solar panels in watts, and most residential panels range from 250 to 400 watts per panel.

So, once we know the size of your system, we can estimate the appropriate size of the inverter. Generally, we will divide the total wattage of your solar panels by 1000 to convert it to kilowatts (kW). For example, if you have an 8 kW solar system, you will need an inverter that can handle that output.

Inverter Sizing Guidelines

Solar inverters come in different sizes and generally range from 1 kW to 10 kW or more. We recommend choosing an inverter that can handle the maximum output of your solar panels without being oversized.

If the inverter is too large, it can be inefficient, while if it’s too slow, it might not adequately manage your power needs.

Redundancy and Future Expansion

Remember, it’s also important to keep your plans in mind when choosing an inverter. If you want to add more panels later, it might be a good idea to choose an inverter that can accommodate that additional capacity.

Consult a Professional

Of course, you don’t have to choose your solar inverter on your own! While these tips are a good starting point, we are here to help. Our team can help assess your home’s energy usage and the size of your system to help you find the perfect match.

Read More > What Are My Options for Residential Solar?

Central Florida Solar Installations

If you have any questions or want to get started with installing a solar system at your Orlando home or business, reach out to us at (727) 471-7442 today. We’re excited to help you make the switch to solar power!

Can You Replace Or Repair Your Roof After Having Solar Installed?

Homeowners in Florida are all potential targets for roof damage when storms and hurricanes hit. You need to have a plan in place for repairs, but having solar panels thrown into the mix might make things seem a bit more complicated. Find out what it’s like to have your roof repaired or replaced after having solar panels installed with this in-depth guide. For reliable solar panel services in your area, Solar Bear Orlando is ready and waiting for your call!

It’s Possible, It Just Takes a Lot of Work

Replacing or repairing a roof with solar panels isn’t impossible. There are just some added steps you need to consider before you pick up the phone to call a repair company.

If you’re fortunate enough, your roof damage might be located far enough away from your solar panels so you won’t need to be jumping through hoops. But if your roof damage happens to be near your panels, you’ll probably need to remove them just long enough for repairs. If you’re dealing with the latter, where do you even begin?

Maneuvering roof repairs around solar panels in Orlando just requires two phone calls on your part: A call to your local roofing company for repairs, and a call to your local solar company for a temporary solar panel removal. Schedule your days right and let your neighborhood professionals handle the rest!

Is It Really Necessary to Remove My Solar Panels? Whether or not you have to remove your solar panels for a roof repair in Orlando depends on the scope and location of the damage. Some minor fixes can be done around your panels without temporary uninstallation. The best way to find out is by getting a roof inspection!

What You Should Know Before You Start

Before calling around, there are a couple of things you should know first. For one, be prepared to receive a large invoice for your roof repair. The materials and labor involved aren’t cheap so don’t be too surprised when you get the bill. Secondly, you’ll want to double-check your solar panel warranties in Orlando. You could be voiding the terms by accident if you attempt to remove them without the right means. Typically, manufacturers want you to hire certified suppliers to handle your solar panels for you.

Read more > Roof Repairs and Solar Panels: 5 Considerations

Who Should You Call First?

The first thing you want to find out is if your solar panels need to be removed for your roof repairs. A solar panel company in Orlando will be able to help you with that, and if it seems like removal is necessary, they can start the process right away. Then, when you call your roof company for repairs, your house will already be prepped and ready to go!

Solar Bear Orlando Delivers Top-Notch Solar Panel Maintenance Near You!

A major perk to supporting your local business is that you can get all sorts of solar panel services in your area, including temporary removals. If you need your solar panels taken down momentarily for roof repairs, Solar Bear Orlando is the one to call! Reach out to our team today at (727) 471-7442 to get started with a free quote.

Can You Put Solar Panels on a Townhouse in Florida?

Thinking about adding solar panels to your Florida townhouse? Good news—you can. But there’s a catch. While Florida law protects your right to install solar at your Tampa townhouse, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) still have a say in how it happens. So, you’ll likely need to jump through a few hoops before getting the green light. Here’s what you need to know:

Florida Law Is on Your Side

Florida isn’t just the Sunshine State in name—it’s one of the best places in the country for solar energy. And thanks to the Florida Solar Rights Act (FSRA), your HOA cannot outright ban you from installing solar panels.

But here’s where it gets tricky. HOAs can enforce reasonable restrictions on placement and appearance. That means your HOA may try to dictate where your panels go, how they look, and whether they’re visible from the street.

HOA Rules: What They Can (And Can’t) Do

Wondering what your HOA can and can’t do regarding your decision to switch to solar? Your HOA can:

• Require that your panels be installed in a way that blends with the roof’s aesthetics.
• Suggest placement locations—as long as they don’t make your system inefficient.
• Have an approval process for solar installations.

Your HOA cannot:

• Ban solar panels outright.
• Force you to put them in a location that reduces their effectiveness.
• Demand that you conceal them in a way that adds cost or lowers performance.

Florida law ensures that solar panels must be allowed within 45 degrees east or west of due south, meaning you can maximize energy production no matter what your HOA says.

Townhouse vs. Condo: Know the Difference

Not all attached housing is the same when it comes to solar rights. You need to know whether you’re truly in a townhouse or a condo.

• If you live in a townhouse, you own the roof, meaning solar is an option (as long as you follow HOA guidelines).
• If you live in a condo, the roof is considered shared property, and installing solar panels may require full HOA board approval or a legal agreement with other owners.

Townhouse owners have more freedom when it comes to solar—but you still need HOA approval before starting the installation process.

Steps for Getting HOA Approval for Solar Panels

Wondering how you can get the approval for solar panels from your HOA? Here’s our guide on getting the process started:

1. Read Your HOA’s Covenants & Guidelines: Check your community’s rules to see if they outline specific solar policies.
2. Work With a Solar Provider Who Knows HOA Rules: Solar Bear of Tampa has experience handling HOA approvals, making the process much smoother.
3. Submit Your Application: Most HOAs require a formal request with design plans, which your solar provider can help prepare.
4. Push Back (If Needed): If your HOA denies your request in a way that violates Florida law, you can challenge it. In some cases, legal assistance may be necessary.

Yes, You Can Go Solar in a Townhouse—Call Us to Get Started

Florida law is on your side. Your Tampa HOA may have some say in how your system looks, but they can’t stop you from installing panels that actually work. So, want to cut your electric bill and power your home with the Florida sun? Solar Bear of Tampa can help you tackle the HOA approval process and install a system that works for you. Get started today by calling us at (727) 471-7442—your townhouse is ready for solar!