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How Is Net Metering Calculated In Orlando?

If you’re planning on installing solar in Orlando, you might be wondering if net metering is an option for you. The answer is yes! Today, we will explain what net metering is, how it works, and why it can be a great way to save money.

Our team at Solar Bear Orlando breaks it down!

What is Net Metering?

Sometimes on sunny days, your solar panels will generate more energy than your home needs to power everything you need to be comfortable. Net metering allows you to receive credit for this excess energy by feeding it back into the grid.

For Central Florida residents, that means that on the days when your system produces more energy than your home consumes, you can reduce your utility costs significantly, which is a major win!

Learn More > What is the Difference Between Net Metering and Net Billing?

Benefits of Net Metering

Here are some of the great benefits of net metering:

#1. Money Savings

Since you are “selling” excess energy back to the grid, net metering can significantly reduce your overall energy costs.

#2. Environmental Impact

Using renewable energy and taking part in net metering reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, which can be quite impactful on the environment.

#3. Energy Independence

With net metering, homeowners can have more control over their energy usage and production, which reduces their overall dependence on the utility grid.

#4. Investment

Net metering allows homeowners to recoup their investment in their solar panels faster than other methods.

#5. Grid Reliability

By producing solar energy and sending it back to the grid, net metering helps stabilize the electrical network and reduce the strain on the utilities during peak demand times.

#6. Economic Growth

Overall, the solar industry and subsequent net metering help support the growth of the renewable energy industry in the Sunshine State, creating jobs and stimulating our local economy.

By supporting the expansion of the renewable energy sector, net metering boosts local economies and creates jobs. It’s a win-win!

How Is Net Metering Calculated?

Calculating how many credits you may get from your utility provider varies, but typically, your total energy consumption is compared to how much energy you’ve sent to the grid at the end of each billing cycle. If you have generated more than you have used, you will receive credits that will roll over into the next month, which can help offset future bills.

In Orlando, many homes are powered by Duke Energy. Their net metering program provides credits for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of excess energy that is supplied to the grid. When homeowners take part in this program, Duke Energy will install a special bi-directional meter that tracks both energy sent and received from the grid.

Customers will receive a 1:1 credit for the energy they send to the grid, which means that they will get credit at full retail value. Any unused credits are usually paid out in March of each year.

Solar Bear Orlando note: Customers without solar panels can still take advantage of solar energy through Duke Energy’s Clean Energy Connection program.

Take Advantage of Net Metering in Central Florida

If you’re ready to take part in net metering, we’re here to help! We are excited to help you as you begin your solar journey. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to get a solar installation quote from our friendly team at Solar Bear Orlando.

What to Ask Your Realtor When Selling a Home With Solar Panels

Selling a house with solar panels? First of all—nice move. You’ve already invested in smarter energy, lower utility bills, and a cleaner future. Now it’s time to make sure your investment pays off when you sell. But not all realtors know solar—some simply nod and smile. What’s your job? Ask the right questions. Their job is to know the answers. Here’s what to ask your realtor when selling a solar-powered home in Tampa—and why each one matters.

1. Do you know how to market a solar home?

This is the most important question to ask. Selling a solar home isn’t like selling any other home. It’s not just a roof with panels—it’s a financial and lifestyle upgrade. A great agent knows the advantages of a home with solar already installed. They should be ready to highlight:

• Your lower utility bills
• The system’s warranty and longevity
• Net metering benefits
• Any transferable tax credits or remaining incentives

Not every buyer will understand solar. Your agent has to be ready to teach and sell.

2. Will you list the solar panel system details in the MLS?

If your agent skips this, it’s like forgetting to mention a newly remodeled kitchen. The solar system should have its own spotlight in your listing:

• Year installed
• Size (kilowatts)
• Ownership status (more on that next)
• Type of inverter
• Energy production stats

Bonus: ask your agent to include your most recent electric bill—or better yet, a year’s worth. It’s one of the fastest ways to turn a maybe into a yes.

3. Do I own the panels or are they leased? And how do we explain that to buyers?

You might already know the answer. But your realtor better understand how to present it.

• Owned panels? Big win. The value goes straight to the buyer. That’s a major selling point.
• Leased panels or a power purchase agreement (PPA)? Still valuable, but the buyer will likely need to assume the contract. That means extra paperwork—and extra explanation.

A strong realtor will handle that process confidently. The right one won’t make solar feel like a complication—they’ll make it feel like an opportunity.

4. Can you work solar into the appraiser’s conversation?

This one’s tricky—but critical. Home appraisals often don’t fully reflect solar’s value unless someone speaks up. You want an agent who advocates—not one who just hopes for the best. Your realtor should know how to:

• Provide system specs
• Show utility savings
• Pull comps with other solar homes in Tampa

5. Have you sold solar homes before?

The answer to this simple question will be very telling. If they have? Great, now ask how they positioned the panels to get top dollar. If they haven’t? That’s okay too—but they need to be willing to learn, and fast. Solar is a growing market in Florida. This might be your realtor’s chance to become the go-to solar-savvy agent in the Tampa area. Just make sure they’re up for it.

Shine Brighter at Closing and Beyond—We Can Help!

Selling a home with solar panels doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be smart. Ask the right questions. Hire the right realtor. And if you need system info, performance reports, or a quick cleanup before that open house? Solar Bear of Tampa has your back. Call us today at (727) 353-3886. Plus, when it’s time to move, we’ll be there to set up your new home with a brand-new system—customized for your next chapter. Same sun, new savings!

Can Dirty Panels Produce Less Solar?

If your solar panels could talk, they’d say one thing loud and clear: “Wash me.” And they’re not just being vain. When it comes to capturing rays and turning them into real, usable energy, cleanliness isn’t optional—it’s an absolute must. So, yes: dirty solar panels can absolutely produce less power. Keep reading to find out how, why, and what to do about it.

Your Panels Work Best When They’re Clean

Solar panels don’t need to sparkle like a showroom car, but they do need to be clear enough for sunlight to get through. Dust, pollen, bird droppings, leaves—anything that lands on the glass creates a filter between the sun and the technology underneath. Less sunlight means less electricity. It’s that simple.

In sunny spots like Tampa, even a light film of grime can cut into your system’s performance. Multiply that over a period of weeks or months without rain or a rinse? You could be looking at a 5–30% drop in energy output—just from dirt.

What Happens When Solar Panels Dirty?

When solar panels are dirty, you lose efficiency—and you don’t always notice right away. Most homeowners don’t stare at their kilowatt-hour reports over morning coffee. But over time, dirty panels can mean:

• Higher electric bills
• Longer return-on-investment periods
• More reliance on the grid (especially in summer)

One MIT study even explored electrostatic panel-cleaning solutions—because the loss from grime is that big of a deal. You don’t need high-tech science to keep yours efficient, though. You just need to stay proactive.

Clean Panels = More Energy + More Savings

Keeping your panels clean doesn’t require elbow grease every weekend. In Florida’s humid, subtropical climate, regular rain helps—but it’s not enough. Just like your windshield still needs a wash after a storm, your panels do too. Here’s what we recommend:

• Professional panel cleanings twice a year
• Visual checkups every few months (especially after storms or pollen season)
• Keeping surrounding trees trimmed to minimize debris

And if you’re ever unsure what’s normal? That’s what Solar Bear of Tampa is here for.

What If I Forget (or Avoid) Cleaning?

Well, it’s not the end of the world. If you don’t clean your solar panels, your system will still work—just not as well. But the good news? This is an easy win.

One simple cleaning can bring your system back to full power. That means you get more solar energy, along with more independence and more money saved. Not to mention the peace of mind that your setup is performing exactly the way it was designed to!

Call Solar Bear of Tampa—We’ll Help You Keep Things Bright

If you’ve invested in solar, keeping your system clean is part of the plan. And if it’s been a while since your last checkup or rinse, don’t sweat it. Solar Bear of Tampa knows exactly how to keep your panels shining—and your savings climbing. Call now to schedule your cleaning or ask us anything: (727) 353-3886. We want to keep your solar system—and your energy bills—clear and clean!

How Can You Prevent Inverter Failure In Solar Systems?

Inverter failures are one of the worst things that can go wrong with a solar panel system. Thankfully, it’s also easily preventable! You just need the right equipment in the hands of trained professionals. When you want to make sure your solar panel system runs smoothly, leave it to the experts at Solar Bear Tampa! Reach out today for a free quote.

Why Solar Inverters Can Fail In Tampa

Other states have it easy when it comes to solar panel maintenance. Homeowners in Tampa have a little more to worry about given the local climate. Unfortunately, that’s part of the reason why solar inverters sometimes fail for property owners in Florida.

What does a solar inverter do?

Solar inverters are responsible for converting direct current from the solar panels into alternating currents used for home appliances. Any disruptions to this flow can be dangerous and result in costly damages.

When a solar inverter fails, it can be due to:

• Electrical surges
• Overheating
• Degrading parts
• Poor installation
• Environmental factors

Want to know more about your Tampa solar panel system? Read our FAQ page on solar panels to learn more about how they work!

The Key to Preventing Solar Inverter Failures

As you can see, there are a multitude of causes that can end in your solar inverter completely failing and becoming a liability in Tampa. To prevent this from happening, we must understand the main goal of implementing preventive measures. In this case, the goal lies in preemptive measures going all the way back to the installation process.

Effective Methods For Preventing Solar Inverter Failures

Here are some of the best preventive measures you can take to ensure that your solar panel system and solar inverter are working properly:

1. Expert Solar Panel Installation

There are many homeowners in Tampa who will be tempted to install solar panels themselves to save on the cost of labor. Not only is this dangerous during installation, but it is also unsafe for extended use. Only solar power professionals in the area know all of the methods and techniques to use to prevent solar inverter failure such as installing the right size inverter and more.

2. Applying Surge Protection

Just like you would use a power brick to safely manage electrical devices in the home, adding surge protection to your solar panel system can help prevent overheating and blowouts that would cause an inverter to completely fail. Lightning arrestees are a popular choice in Tampa for protecting against surges caused by lightning.

3. Regular Solar Panel Inspections

The best form of prevention is by close monitoring. That goes for almost everything. Gum disease, car breakdowns, and solar inverter failure. Solar panel experts have an eye for impending disaster and can let you know if your solar panel system needs maintenance or repairs.

My Solar Inverter Failed Despite My Efforts. What Do I Do?

If your solar inverter fails on the spot, here is what you can do in response:

1. Swap over to grid power to keep electricity flowing to your home.
2. Use backup power generators if necessary to keep the house powered.
3. Call a professional immediately for prompt repairs.

Having Solar Problems? Leave It to Solar Bear Tampa!

Solar Bear Tampa does everything from safe solar panel installation to regular solar panel maintenance and more. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to book an appointment for comprehensive solar power services you can count on! We’ll use our expertise to ensure that your solar inverter doesn’t fail so you can rest easy in your new solar-powered ecosystem.