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Can I Make Money Selling Electricity Back to The Grid in Florida?

The popularity of renewable energy continues to rise. With that, comes more efficiency. So, what happens when your solar system is more efficient than expected? Any of that excess energy produced can actually be used by most of Florida’s utility companies. Solar Bear of Tampa looks at the different ways utility customers can add more profit to their solar-generated power.

Currently, Florida has no standardized solar pricing rules and regulations, which makes it more difficult to discern what a fair payment is for a homeowner that produces excess solar energy. However, net metering is perhaps the most popular solar incentive program operating in Florida. All of Florida’s investor-owned utilities, Florida Power & Light (FPL), Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric Company (TECO), and the Florida Public Utilities Corporation, offer this program to their customers. Once the utility company approves, solar owners can earn credits for excess energy that they send to the grid to offset their grid usage when panels are not generating power. Each program comes with critical nuances for customers to understand before signing up for this service. For instance, FPL offers a full retail net metering program where every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar energy produced is worth the same amount that a utility company charges for electricity. They also enforce a $25 minimum bill requirement that cannot be offset, no matter how much energy is produced.

However, there is an option to sell electricity back to companies that don’t rely on net metering, it just may take longer. The first step is to discuss options with your utility company. They will be able to convey the process and any qualifying credits. Several of Florida’s large utility companies also offer programs that deliver savings over time. Duke Energy Florida’s “Shared Solar” and “Clean Energy Connection” along with TECO’s “Sun Select” program provide customers with solar energy offsets that can lock in fuel charges at current rates.

So, it is possible to make money by selling excess electricity back to the grid. In most cases, it comes in the form of utility credits. If you’re interested in learning more about the power of solar energy and its financial incentives, speak with our team of experts at Solar Bear of Tampa. Call us at (727) 741-7442 or schedule your free estimate online today!

Solar Panels vs Generators for Backup Power

Living in Texas means having to deal with many electrical disturbances due to intense weather conditions. Since this is a common issue considering the location, it pays to look into alternative power sources like solar or generator power so you can still live your life even during a blackout. But which option is more reliable and conventional? The experts at Solar Bear Dallas put together this helpful comparison between solar panels and generators with regard to backup power sources.

When Disaster Strikes

A few of the main causes of power outages in Texas involve heat, rain, thunder, and high winds. Deep water can overwhelm electrical facilities, and lightning strikes on top of that are just a recipe for disaster. Strong winds can also cause power lines to waver and topple over. During intense heat waves, electrical components can shut down or short-circuit. When any of the above happens, you could be without power for as long as a week or more unless you have a reliable backup source of electricity to get you through these difficult times.

Solar Panels as a Backup Power Source

One of the major selling points of solar panels, and the main reason why most people buy them in the first place, has to do with saving money on your energy bill. Many solar panel owners view them as a way to manage electricity usage and save money, but they can also be used as an effective source of emergency power for when things go dark. Solar panels are self-sufficient and require little to no maintenance. They are also extremely reliable, since they absorb energy from the sun, which never runs low and is always free. And because you don’t have to worry about paying for regular maintenance or an extra fuel source, the return on investment is incredibly high. Plus, solar panels are useful during any typical day and not just in emergency situations.

The Truth About Backup Generators

Even though backup generators are specifically designed to combat power outages, it doesn’t always mean they’re the best choice. These generators are dependent on fossil fuels that come in a limited supply, which can run out during an outage when you need power most. Plus, the emissions are terrible for the environment. And since you can only use a generator when the power goes out, it just takes up a great deal of space in your yard the rest of the time when you’re not using it. The return on investment isn’t impressive either, when you factor in the cost of frequent inspections and fuel top-ups. Backup generators are also incredibly noisy, which can prove frustrating during prolonged outages.

The Best Solar Panel Contractors in Texas

If you live in the Dallas area, you have a trustworthy solar panel contractor right next door! Solar Bear Dallas has skilled and qualified experts who will equip your home with reliable solar panels that will prove useful to you during surprise emergencies. Call us anytime at (727) 471-7442 for more information and to receive a free estimate!

Are Solar Trackers Worth the Investment?

There’s much more to solar setups than just laying out the panel and calling it done. Depending on the location and orientation of the installation, there are many ways you can go about it. For instance, there are additional gadgets that can bring in a noticeably larger percentage of power than if you were to install your solar power system without them. Today, the experts at Solar Bear Houston will tell you about all the wonderful advantages of solar trackers.

What Is a Solar Tracker?

A solar tracker acts as a base for your solar panel to sit on which has the ability to direct and position the panel to be always facing the sun. With the sun rising and setting in completely opposite directions, you can see why solar trackers are a very nifty tool. You’ll also be surprised to find out that solar trackers come in a great range of styles and varieties to help you reach full efficiency for your solar needs.

Single-Axis vs Dual-Axis

When it comes to the orientation in which the panel swivels, there are two different kinds of solar trackers that offer this function. The simpler option is the single-axis tracker, which points back and forth from one line of reference. It is typically placed so that it can face the east and west in order to catch UV rays during both sunrise and sunset. Dual-axis trackers, on the other hand, have two opposing swivel points so that they can face any direction. That way, the solar panel can directly face the sun, no matter its location in the sky.

Active, Passive, and Manual Setups for Solar Trackers

As far as how the tracker moves, there are three separate ways

to orient the solar panel. Each has its pros and cons, so it’s entirely up to you on which kind you would rather use.

The three types of solar trackers include:

• Active trackers, which are hooked up to a power source in order to precisely and automatically point in the direction of the sun. This is the most commonly-used style.
• Passive trackers, which are designed to follow the heat from the sun without the need for an additional power source. While this may seem ideal, passive trackers can take a long time to respond, which causes inaccuracies.
• Manual trackers, which require you to position the panel yourself at varying times of the day. Since many people aren’t always home at every hour of the day, this style can seem impractical.

Are Solar Trackers Worth It?

Without a tracker, your solar panel is only getting half of the UV rays that it could be getting because it’s only capturing the sun for half of the day. Solar panels with trackers see an increase of 25%-40% more generated power each day, which can add up to quite a lot! Needless to say, that solar trackers definitely give you your money’s worth.

Contact Solar Bear Houston Today!

Not sure which kind of solar tracker to get for your solar panels? Reach out to the friendly Solar Bear Houston team and we’ll evaluate your situation to give you a personalized recommendation. Call (727) 471-7442 today!

Solar Trend – Heat Your Pool This Fall with Solar Energy

Now that fall is here, you might be wondering how to heat your pool so you can use it, even on the chilliest of Central Florida nights. Have you thought about a solar pool heater?

By installing a solar pool heater, you can greatly reduce your swimming pool heating costs. Solar pool heaters are cost-competitive with gas and heat pump pool heaters, and they offer exceptionally low operating costs.

Intrigued? Our team at Solar Bear Orlando discusses why solar pool heating is one of the best ways to take advantage of solar energy this fall!

How Solar Pool Heaters Work

Most solar pool heating systems will include the following components:

• Solar collector: The device through which pool water is circulated to be heated by solar rays.
• Filter: This device removes debris before water is pumped through the solar collector.
• Pump: This circulates water through the filter and collector then back to the pool.
• Flow control valve: This is a device that diverts pool water through the solar collector.

In a solar water heater, pool water is pumped through the filter and then through the solar collector, where it is heated before being returned to the pool. In hot climates like Florida, the collector can also be used to cool the pool during peak summer months by circulating water through the collectors at night.

The type of solar heater that you will need depends on the climate and how you intend to use the collector. Since Florida rarely freezes, you will likely need an unglazed collector system. These collectors don’t include a glass covering, also called glazing. These kinds of collectors are usually made from heavy-duty rubber or plastic that has been treated with an ultraviolet light inhibitor to extend the life of the solar panels.

The best part of installing a solar pool heater is that you can set the temperature of your pool on your automatic controller, and the sun will do the rest. The auto control senses when there is enough solar energy to heat the pool. The sun’s rays will heat the water as it flows through each panel. The heated water will flow back into your pool, and the cycle will continue until your desired temperature is reached. Nice!

How to Choose a Solar Pool Heater & Sizing

A solar pool heating system can cost between $2,500 and $4,000 to install. The payback period is between 1 and 7 years, depending on local fuel costs and available solar resources.

Before you install a solar pool heating system at your home, you should:

• Evaluate your area’s solar resources
• Determine the correct system size
• Determine the correct orientation and tilt of the solar collector
• Determine the efficiency of the system
• Compare system costs
• Investigate local codes and regulations

Sizing a solar pool heating system involves many factors, including:

• Pool size
• Length of the swimming season
• Average regional temperature
• Desired water temperature
• Use of a pool cover
• And more

Generally, the surface area of your solar collector should be equal to 50-100% of the surface area of your pool. For example, a Florida pool that is 15-by-30-foot will require a collector that is equal to 100% of the pool’s square footage to accommodate year-round usage. This equals 450 sq-ft of solar collectors. You will also want to get a pool pump that is properly sized for your solar-powered system. It will need to have enough power to move the pool’s water effectively through the collectors and back into the pool once it has been heated.

Related Reading > 7 Common Solar Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Enjoy Your Pool Year-Round

Though the temperature is quite mild here in Central Florida during the fall months, if you want to take a dip in the pool, you might find that the water is too chilly! But with a solar pool heater, you can enjoy your pool year-round, even during those chilly Florida nights.

Ready to install a solar heater for your pool? Call Solar Bear Orlando to get started today; (727) 471-7442!