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Can I Install Solar Panels on My Pergola?

If you are short on space on your roof, placing solar panels on top of your pergola can be a great use of extra space, whether you want to support your household energy needs or simply power your outdoor living space.

Installing solar on a pergola is an efficient way to collect solar power—and the best part? It won’t impact your home’s aesthetics. Yes!

Read our guide to learn more about installing solar panels on your pergola!

What are Solar Pergolas?

A pergola is an outdoor living space that consists of a roof on top of four or more pillars. A wooden pergola is usually tall and narrow and made up of slats of wood laid horizontally. They are a beautiful way to shade your outdoor living space.

Solar pergolas incorporate solar panels on a pergola for the bonus of energy production.

Benefits of Solar Panel Pergolas

Here are some of the advantages of installing solar panels on pergolas:

• They increase solar power even if you have minimal space.
• Pergolas are beautiful and can enhance the look of your home.
• Solar pergolas offer dual benefits as both power generators and shade.

Can a Pergola Carry the Weight of Solar Panels?

A solar pergola consists of two parts:

• The pergola structures
• Solar panel system

You will need to decide if you want a freestanding pergola or one that is attached to your home.

Pergolas can carry the weight of solar panels, with a caveat. Since the weight of solar panels varies, you must consider both the size of your pergola and the weight of the panels before installation.

A 300W solar panel weighs about 40 pounds, which may be too much weight for a small pergola. Even if it can support the weight, it might not be very durable as a wind gust or storm could send the panel flying off.

It is important to remember that solar panels should only be installed on large pergolas that offer robust support.

Installing Bifacial Solar Panels on a Pergola

Bifacial solar panels are double-sided panels that can generate power on both sides. If the surrounding area around your pergola is composed of light colors, they can reflect light onto the backside of your bifacial panels and generate electricity.

Another added benefit is that bifacial solar panels are more attractive than traditional solar panels as they allow sunlight to pass through.

What Can a Solar Pergola Power?

The power generated by a solar pergola can power anything that uses electricity, including:

• Lighting
• Televisions
• Appliances
• Air conditioners
• Heaters
• Pool pumps
• EVs
• And more!

But remember, it all depends on the size of the solar system that you choose to install. A small system with around 200W can power a few lights and charge a phone, but a larger system with 8kW can power an entire home.

Additional Solar Pergola Tips

It is important to consider both the function and aesthetics of installing a solar pergola, so make sure that the design supports not just the solar panels, but also your home’s design.

If you want to get the most out of your solar panel pergola, it should face south, and the panels should be inclined at an angle of between 30 and 45 degrees.

Finally, when designing a solar panel pergola, all safety recommendations as well as construction requirements in your region should be followed.

Florida Solar Pergolas

If you want to install solar panels on your pergola to take advantage of the sun’s output, it’s time to call Solar Bear Orlando! We can help you decide what size system you need so you can enjoy the benefits of going solar!

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

What Are Organic Solar Cells and How Do They Work?

You most likely know what solar panels are, but did you know that they come in different materials? Most solar panels are commonly made of silicone, but scientists have been perfecting organic solar cells as an improved alternative. If you’d like to learn more, Solar Bear Dallas put together this basic guide to help you understand the concept of organic solar cells and how they work.

The Composition of Organic Solar Cells

Typically, you wouldn’t think to include organic compounds in a device made for electrical usage. In a way, organic solar cells defy logic by utilizing natural components for a more effective product. To be more specific, organic solar cells are made up of carbon-based materials and organic electronics in order to absorb photons of a higher energy level thus leading to increased voltages. The absorption process is done through dyes that are incorporated within the cells which activate when exposed to light. The electrons that are released are then converted into the energy that we use to power our devices.

Organic Solar Cells vs Traditional Solar Panels

To put it simply, traditional solar panels are made of silicon while organic solar cells are a mix of organic and inorganic materials. But what does that mean in terms of generating energy? Silicone-based solar panels are already great at doing their job, but organic solar cells are lighter and more flexible which allows them to be considered for more practical use such as portable devices as well as permanent installations. Not only that but organic solar cells have also been proven to be much more cost-efficient due to their thin design which doesn’t require nearly as much to produce.

What Are Organic Solar Cells Used For?

If you consider the fact that organic solar cells are thin, flexible, lightweight, and can be made to be transparent or in any color, you can imagine their usefulness in countless aspects. Many companies have already been incorporating these cells into their products such as in electric vehicles or buildings that are frequently exposed to the sun. These cells are also extremely useful in portable devices that are commonly used in places that are void of an available power source such as out in the wilderness where campers may find a place to spend the night. With boundless possibilities, the limit to organic solar cells is entirely up to the creative minds of the future. But we can all agree that they have incredible potential, and we are already off to a great start.

Ask Solar Bear Dallas About Organic Solar Cells!

Would you like to know more about organic solar cells and how you can use them for your everyday routine? The Solar Bear Dallas team would love to fill you in on why we love this intuitive method for gathering solar energy and suggest ways for you to reap the benefits that it has to offer. Give us a call anytime at (727) 471-7442 to ask for more details and hear about our solar options!

Make the Most of Your Airbnb Property with Solar Panels

Owning an Airbnb comes with a great deal of utility and maintenance costs in order to keep your business running. Because of this, many business owners found the answer to their financial woes in solar panels. Solar Bear Houston would like to inform you of the many ways that the simple act of installing solar panels can improve your Airbnb property.

Maximize Profits by Cutting Down Energy Costs

After installing quality solar panels, you’ll see a noticeable difference in your monthly electric bill. As long as you go with a good brand and have them installed appropriately, your new solar panel setup could save you up to 50% on energy charges. Running an Airbnb comes with a lot of expenses, so the savings you accumulate from lower energy usage can end up paying for your amenities, repairs, listing fees, and so on. The sooner you get solar panels installed, the sooner you can start racking in the savings!

Attract Guests by Accommodating Electric Vehicles

All-electric vehicles are rapidly becoming the norm as time flies, but those who own these types of vehicles tend to worry about their battery levels when it comes to traveling great distances. Since charge stations are a priority for such individuals, any Airbnb that doesn’t offer them is immediately crossed off their list. Keep your business an available option for everyone by installing solar panels and hooking them up to an electric vehicle charge station setup.

Build a Positive Reputation for Your Airbnb

Did you know that installing solar panels can influence your customer base? Some guests exclusively look for Airbnbs that have made an effort to go green because they value the earth’s health to a high degree. People tend to hype up businesses that go green so reviews for your business are more likely to be very positive ones. For some online platforms, you may even receive a special badge on your listing for being more environmentally friendly which tends to catch the eyes of those looking for the best Airbnb choices to stay at.

Combat Excessive Thermostat Usage

When staying at a place that isn’t their own, some guests tend to make themselves feel more at home than if they were actually in their own homes. One of the most common occurrences involves leaving the air conditioner on at all times, even while they’re out exploring the town. This can be troublesome for most Airbnb owners since AC usage is one of the biggest culprits in high energy output. A proper solar panel setup can negate instances of poor AC practices on behalf of your guests.

Upgrade Your Airbnb with Solar Bear Houston!

If your Airbnb is located in Houston or anywhere in the surrounding area, Solar Bear Houston will gladly come down to your business and hook you up with the best solar panel setup for your property. We’ll send a contractor out to inspect the building and offer you a personalized solution to maximize your energy savings. Give us a call at (727) 471-7442 to get started on a free estimate!

7 Tips for Deciding on a Solar Contractor You Can Trust

Deciding to install a solar system on your property is a big investment and one that should not be taken lightly. So how do you get started?

Well, to begin with, you should never settle for anything less than a trustworthy solar installer with a proven track record of customer service.

Sound too easy? Follow these tips when evaluating a solar company so you can be confident that your solar installation is done by a contractor you can trust like Solar Bear Orlando.

#1. Choose an Installer that Works with High-Quality Equipment

Not all solar panel systems are created equally. As with many things in life, you get what you pay for. Higher quality equipment might cost more upfront, but the difference will be in better energy production which equals longer-lasting savings.

Look for a company that works with tier-q equipment. Your system will last longer and experience less degradation over time, meaning fewer costs and headaches for you.

#2. Look for a Strong Warranty

A strong warranty is a great sign that a company is selling quality products. Pay attention to your warranty and look for these three components:

• The panels
• The inverter or microinverters
• Labor and workmanship

At Solar Bear Orlando, we offer a 25-year workmanship warranty, plus one free solar panel cleaning per year for the first five years after the job is complete.

#3. Look for a Company with In-House Solar Contractors

When going solar, look for a company with the in-house expertise to manage your solar installation and not one that relies on outside subcontractors.

A team that works together can better manage quality control, and scheduling, and react more efficiently if problems arise.

#4. Evaluate the Company

Before making any decisions ask these questions:

How long has the company been around?

What is its BBB rating?

How many employees do they have?

Do they honor their warranties?

Are there any local incentives for installing solar?

Do they have good reviews or testimonials?

Knowing the answer to these questions can help you decide if a solar installation company is right for you.

#5. Do They Address Roof Conditions

When you hire a solar installer, one of the first things that they should do is assess the roof’s condition. Ask your installer if they recommend any roof repairs before installation. Also, it is important to be clear on who is responsible for any roof damage during installation.

#6. Talk to Friends and Neighbors

When in doubt about whom to trust in a crowded marketplace, reach out to the people you know who have gone solar and find out what their experience was. You may find that you have more confidence in your chosen installation company if you get direct feedback from a neighbor or friend rather than just scrolling through online reviews.

#7. Choose Locally Owned and Operated

When choosing a local company, you have the benefit of knowing that the company is there if you ever need them. A local solar company has different values than a larger national installer. Local companies like Solar Bear Orlando are inspired to better the community, more so than focusing on the bottom line.

Local companies are also experts in local building and electrical codes and will work with you to customize a solar system based on your energy needs, the type and layout of your roof, and your investment goals.

Learn More > Top Cities for Solar Energy in Florida

Go Solar with a Trusted Solar Contractor

If you are ready to go solar in Orlando or the surrounding Central Florida region, call on Solar Bear Orlando! We are locally owned and operated and will ensure that the process of installing your solar panels is seamless and stress-free.

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