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Here’s Why You Should Install Double-Duty Solar for Your Business

If you purchased a toaster oven that can also be used as an air fryer, you already know how to maximize double-duty technology. So why not take advantage of the double duty that solar energy can offer? Solar Bear of Tampa shares why you should consider installing double-duty solar for your business and what it entails.

When most people imagine solar energy, they tend to think of the infamous rooftop panels. These are indeed the most popular type of solar installation. However, this method may not always be feasible for businesses due to their small footprint or because of strict lease agreements. Double-duty installations are rapidly growing because of their versatility and adaptability to tighter spaces.

After an initial energy evaluation to determine weak rooftop sun exposure levels and any obstructions, a solar company may recommend this installation method. These setups are structural ground mounting systems that offer a secondary function, such as a carport or pergola, that can provide shade or shelter from weather elements while producing solar energy.

You may decide to utilize a current structure and retrofit a solar installation on top for a more cost-effective solution. Clients may choose this type of installation for a more seamless architectural integration. However, for some clients, building a brand-new structure can accommodate the addition of solar panels more effectively. By customizing the design, you ensure that it is sized appropriately to fit the desired number of panels and that it is in an ideal location. Whichever option you choose, confirm with a solar installation company that the structure is stable and sturdy enough to withhold the system’s weight.

Florida currently offers several financial incentives that can significantly offset double-duty installation costs. Through exemptions like the Solar and CHP Sales Tax Exemption and net metering programs, business owners can optimize their investments.

Need more information on double-duty solar installations? Speak with our qualified and experienced team today at (727) 471-7442 or schedule your free estimate here.

Here’s How Solar Carports Work in Your Home

Think you are too fast, too furious for solar? You might think differently when it comes to solar carports. Solar Bear of Tampa explains more about this custom-built installation and how it can work in your home.

Also known as a solar canopy, the solar carport is unlike other solar entities. The structure not only provides shade for vehicles but will also generate electricity like traditional rooftop solar installations. However, solar panel carports are unique because they do not require a surface or a roof but rather resemble a ground-mounted solar installation. This installation style allows homeowners to structure their solar carport for optimum production. All solar carports are designed for the PV panels to be high enough off the ground to create enough clearance for parked vehicles. This design also allows for an in-built electric vehicle charging station so customers can top off batteries when cars are not in use. Most solar carports in residential areas are built for a single parking spot though in commercial areas, it’s common to see them strung together in a series to cover an entire parking lot.

With solar carports, the benefits are endless. This installation style allows customers to optimize their valuable real estate while transforming a seemingly unproductive parking spot into an energy-generating machine. Not only is it a more efficient use of space but it also protects Florida’s wide range of elements. Layer all of this onto the foundational premise of solar energy installations that allows for a smaller carbon footprint, energy independence, and financial savings and you have the best of both worlds.

If you want to learn more about the most efficient solar panel system for your needs, schedule a free estimate with Solar Bear of Tampa. With the help of our professional team, making these improvements could be easier than you think. Call us at (727) 741-7442 today!

Do Solar Panels Increase Home Insurance?

When installing solar panels, you should think about how they will affect your home insurance situation. Because solar energy has a great impact on home living, it only makes sense that home insurance companies will have certain policies regarding that type of home addition. But the question that most people ask is whether or not solar panels increase the cost of home insurance. Your friends at Solar Bear Dallas are here to answer that question!

How Solar Panels Qualify for Home Insurance

First off, you should find out whether your home insurance company has a policy on solar panels or not. Most of them do under certain conditions, one of the major factors being the method of installation. For your home insurance to cover your new solar panels, you may have to install them directly onto your home, most likely onto the roof, rather than on the ground. Because this ground installation of solar panels is less effective and does not directly affect the house itself, ground installation is typically not covered under home insurance. Since every company is different, the best thing you can do is call your insurance agency and ask. Once you find out whether or not your solar panels will qualify for home insurance, it’s all a matter of cost.

How Solar Panels Affect the Cost of Home Insurance

Solar panels add value to your home no matter what. Therefore, you should always notify your home insurance provider when you get them installed, especially if you want them covered in your policy. However, this may mean a slight increase in your rate. Depending on the company, you may have to change your current policy or include an add-on to your existing one. Either way, you will likely see a slight increase, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the extra couple hundred a year especially when you consider the amount of your energy savings.

Are Solar Panels Worth It?

Even though you’ll likely experience a small increase in your yearly home insurance costs, the large sums of cash you will save on energy bills easily counteract that. Many homeowners who have solar panels properly installed have seen savings of $1,500 a year on average, which is more than enough to make up for any updated charges to your home insurance. Aside from that, solar panels come with other added benefits, such as a well-insulated home and a greener environment. And if you go to the right place, you can find very affordable solar panels in the Texas area.

Get Affordable Solar Panel Installation at Solar Bear Dallas!

If you live in Texas, you can find affordable pricing for solar panels and solar panel installation at Solar Bear Dallas! We offer quality products with the most flexible financing options so we can supply a wider array of residents in the Dallas area. We want everyone to have access to solar energy, and we do this by personally evaluating your home to give you the most accurate estimate before laying out all the best financing options that fit your exact needs. Call (727) 471-7442 today to get started!

What Factors Matter Most for Making Sure Your Property Is Suitable for Solar?

Investing in solar panels is a great way to save money while helping our beloved ecosystem. But is your house built for it? Aside from the structure of your home’s exterior, there are many other factors that determine whether or not you’re able to utilize outdoor solar products to their fullest potential. The experts at Solar Bear Houston will teach you about what makes a home suitable for solar panels.

Exposure to the Sun and Heat

Solar panels absorb both sun and heat in order to gather and store energy for later use. With that in mind, the environment surrounding your home’s location makes a big difference. A house that’s exposed to longer and hotter seasons will get better use out of solar panels than a house that is located in a town more used to snow and cloudy seasons. Thankfully, is an ideal state for solar panels due to the extremely hot and bright summer months. As long as there are no large trees blocking the way and your roof is angled right, your solar panels shouldn’t have any issues making frequent and prolonged direct contact with UV rays.

Your Roof’s Composition

Once you’ve determined that you live in an ideal environment for solar panels, the next step is making sure your roof can handle the changes. The good news is that most roofing materials are able to handle the bit of construction that’s needed in order to secure solar panels. Composite roofs are especially able to hold solar panels as well as asphalt or clay shingles, concrete tiles, and slates. The only roofing material that may cause problems is wood, which could pose a fire hazard. If you have a green insulated roof, you can double up on energy efficiency with the addition of solar panels.

The Longevity of Your Roof

Solar panels can last up to 40 years and so they pair well with roofs that have a similar or longer lifespan. If it’s already almost time to renovate your roof, you can save yourself some hassle and money by replacing your roof before looking into solar panels. Otherwise, you’ll have to get your panels uninstalled just to reinstall them after your renovations are complete. Solar panels don’t take long to install, but we don’t recommend doing it yourself—especially not when your roof is not currently sound enough for solar panel installation.

Ask the Experts at Solar Bear Houston!

If you’re still not sure whether or not your home can utilize solar panels, you can always ask the experts at Solar Bear Houston. Our professional contractors can take a good look at your home and plan out where your solar panels can get the most amount of sunlight for the best energy-saving experience. We only offer the best quality solar panels in the area, with professional installation for guaranteed satisfaction. We’ve outfitted hundreds of homes in the area with top-notch service, just ask anyone! Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to get started on a free estimate.

Houston, Florida, or Houston, Texas? Fact-checking