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Our Guide to Solar PPAs

Installing a solar system on your property is one of the best investments that you can make. A well-managed and properly installed system can qualify for numerous tax credits and can increase the value of your home.

If you are looking to invest in solar energy, understanding the different options for financing your installation is an essential first step. That’s where solar PPAs come in. 

What is a Solar PPA?

A power purchasing agreement (PPA) is like a solar lease. It is essentially a rental agreement with a solar company. With a PPA, the solar system will be installed and maintained by the solar company, but they will own your system and benefit from your tax incentives.

PPAs allow you to pass the heavy lifting to a solar developer while you enjoy less expensive electricity rates.

The solar partner that you hire will hand all the details including:

• Installation
• Permitting
• Design
• Filing documents for solar incentives

Also, in a PPA, you pay the solar company for the electricity that is produced by your system.

This electricity costs less than the electricity you would purchase from your utility company, saving you money over time. Unlike a lease, there is no monthly cost that you will pay for the system itself. 

Generally, the electricity that you purchase through your PPA will be increased at a predetermined rate, usually 2-5% a year. This helps you to save on your electricity bill immediately, and the amount that you save will increase over time as the electricity rate increases.

Compared to a solar lease, a PPA will end up saving you about the same amount of money. The only differences that you might find are within the terms of the agreement. Both types of agreements might include a path to ownership, depending on the terms of the solar company.

Benefits of Solar PPAs

There are several benefits of solar PPAs, including:

• No upfront installation costs
• Predictable energy pricing
• No need to take out a loan
• No system performance or operating risks
• Potential reduction in carbon footprint
• Potential increase in property value
• Support for the local economy and job creation
• Energy independence

Possible Cons of PPAs

Though there are many benefits, there are also a few possible negatives to agreeing to a PPA:

• More complex negotiations
• Potentially higher transaction costs
• Potential increase in property taxes
• The administrative cost of paying two separate electricity bills if the system does not meet your home’s electricity load
• Not qualified for solar incentives
• Obligated into a long-term contract
• Cannot earn income or use net-metering

What is the Better Choice? A PPA or Solar Lease?

Whether you decide to buy your solar system outright, lease it, or agree to a PPA, the bottom line is that you will be saving money on electricity and lowering your carbon emissions.

As the weather changes and sun levels weaken, solar panels produce different amounts of energy depending on weather conditions, even in the Sunshine State! In Florida, solar PPA bills will likely be higher in the months of April-September when it is the hottest and UV rays are the strongest. Your PPA bill will be lower in the cooler months when sun rays are weaker, and your panels produce less electricity.

What option best fits your needs will ultimately depend on what you are comfortable with financially. Owning typically gives you the best financial incentives, such as the solar investment federal solar tax credit, or ITC. Solar leasing gives you peace of mind knowing how much your solar bill will cost each month. With a solar PPA, you may end up saving more money than with a solar lease.

Learn More About Solar PPAs

If you are interested in installing a solar system on your property or learning more about solar PPAs call our solar pros at Solar Bear Orlando for a consultation! We will help you decide which route is best for you!

Call us at (727) 471-7442 today!

Here’s How Solar Panels Are Covered Under Home Insurance

It’s no secret that solar panels can yield plenty of benefits including the ability to save you money, but what about home insurance coverage? If you’re wondering whether solar panels are or aren’t included in your policy, the short answer is yes. However, it all depends on the situation. The experts at Solar Bear Houston will teach you how solar panels are covered under home insurance.

What Counts Under Home Insurance Coverage

Like with many legal documents and agreements, your home insurance policy may only include your solar panels under certain conditions. Thankfully, these conditions are not difficult to comprehend and follow. The important thing is that you reach out to your home insurance company as soon as you get your panels installed so you can start reaping the benefits. Other than that, it really just comes down to how you install them and the type of damage that may occur.

Proper Installation

Most solar panels are directly attached to the roof of your property, in which case you’ve already accomplished the first step in receiving coverage. If the panels aren’t attached to your roof, like if you were to opt-in for ground installation, then there’s a good chance your home insurance company will deny you coverage. Ground installation for solar panels isn’t highly recommended anyway since it’s more difficult for them to be in direct view of the sun which is essential for them to work effectively.

Types of Damages

Most home insurance companies will only take care of what they refer to as “covered perils” which include certain damages like that from fire and hail. Wear and tear usually isn’t covered since that’s a natural occurrence that happens over time. Some damages from more extreme weather conditions such as flooding and earthquakes may require the purchase of additional policies under your current insurance plan, but are still possible.

Possible damages covered under home insurance involve:

• Fire
• Hail
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Water
• Falling objects
• Lightning strikes
• Ice or snow

To be completely sure of what is covered by your insurance, it’s best to contact your insurance company and ask directly.

Why You Need a Licensed and Insured Contractor

During the installation process, it’s possible to experience roof damage especially if you hire unlicensed workers or attempt self-installation. If this happens, your insurance will likely not cover the damages. You can avoid these types of damages altogether by hiring licensed, certified, and insured professionals who are skilled and experienced in solar panel installation and are more likely to have the appropriate equipment to get the job done swiftly and accurately. Finding such a company with qualified contractors is as easy as looking up solar panel companies near you and scoping out their credentials. You can also give them a call to test their customer service before you commit.

The Best Solar Panel Company Near You

Looking for the best solar panel company for quality products and impeccable service? Solar Bear Houston is staffed by qualified contractors to ensure guaranteed satisfaction with every installation. Call Solar Bear Houston today for a free estimate!

Why Invest in A Solar Battery If It Doesn’t Get You Off-Grid?

Many people think that once you install a solar panel system and a solar battery, they will be completely independent of the grid. This isn’t necessarily true! Having a battery and solar panels connected to the grid is the most beneficial option for homeowners that are switching to solar, though being independent of the grid can be great for those that live outside of a utility’s service area.

Our team at Solar Bear Orlando explains why it is beneficial to invest in a solar battery even if you aren’t completely off the grid!

What is the Difference Between Off-Grid and Grid-Tied Solar Systems?

Off-grid solar panel systems allow you to be completely self-reliant in terms of power generation and you will be wholly responsible for your energy needs and won’t rely on your local utility company for any power.

You can combine your off-grid solar panels with a battery or generator to store energy on rainy days or at night. But if there are multiple days of bad weather, your panels won’t be producing energy to power your home. As a result, you likely won’t have stored backup power to lean on either. 

You can also use backup power solutions like a battery with a grid-tied solar panel system, but if you are dealing with bad weather, grid-tied panels allow you to source energy from the grid if you need to.

Remember, in the city of Orlando, your solar panels must be connected to the grid, and you may be eligible to take advantage of net metering.

A backup battery is still beneficial for those connected to the grid. Keep reading to learn why!

Why are Batteries Beneficial?

Solar batteries are designed to capture excess electricity so if there is a cloudy day where your panels aren’t producing enough energy to power your home, you’ll still have power.

Not all batteries are created equal. Ideally, you want to choose a battery that can sufficiently store enough energy to meet your energy demands, as well as stay reliable if your local grid goes down from a power outage.

Lithium-ion batteries are typically what we recommend because they have a long lifespan, maximize your power usage, and help offset total energy costs.

Though they may have a higher initial cost than say, a generator, they rarely need maintenance or repair work.

Top Benefits of Batteries for Grid-Tied Solar Systems

Here are some of our favorite reasons to have a battery connected to a grid-tied solar panel system:

Time of Use

Grid-tied solar systems allow you to choose whether you want to source power from your panels, the backup battery, or the grid. Consider your time of use to maximize your system’s financial benefits.

For example, we recommend sourcing power from your panels during the day when the sun is shining at its brightest. But when the sun is down, you can source your energy from the battery or the grid to power your home at night. 

Or, if energy rates are quite high, you can source energy from your backup battery instead of the grid. Having the option to source energy from your battery rather than the grid gives you greater solar freedom and financial benefits.

Net Metering

Net metering is only available to those who have a grid-tied solar system. Why? Well, since off-grid solar panels are independent of the grid, it is impossible to earn energy credits through a local net metering program.

If you live in a sunny region like Central Florida, your panels will likely produce more energy than your home requires. You can still store some of the excess energy in your solar battery but sending that remaining excess energy to the grid allows you to earn credits.

This is important because if days or weeks pass where your panels aren’t producing enough and you don’t want to use all your stored power, you can source energy from the grid at a discounted rate since you are part of a net metering program.

Offset Power Costs

Some of the most innovative grid-tied solar panel systems offer the option of connecting your panels to the grid when energy rates are low. You can even program the system to do so automatically when energy rates hit a certain point. You can also do it yourself when you want to take advantage of lower costs.

By routinely connecting to the grid, you can help offset your overall energy costs. Ultimately, having a grid-tied solar system gives you more energy independence!

Choose Solar Bear Orlando

If you are ready to make the switch to solar power and take advantage of net metering and all the great benefits of solar power, call our team at Solar Bear Orlando! We can help you determine your energy needs and what size system you will need to gain greater energy independence by powering your home with the sun!

Call us for a quote today; (727) 471-7442!

Solar Panels and Birds – FAQ

Adding solar panels to your home is an excellent way to gain energy independence while reducing your carbon footprint. But what happens when birds and other critters move in unexpectedly? We know that these critters enjoy nesting in places safe from the elements but how will that affect your solar panels? Solar Bear of Tampa swoops in with some frequently asked questions when it comes to the birds and the p’s (panels, that is).

Do solar panels attract birds?

Yes, for several reasons. Birds tend to nest under panels because they provide warmth and shelter for their young. Additionally, the surface of a solar panel can often attract birds because of its reflective quality, similar to that of a window.

Will birds damage solar panels?

Most solar panel systems have a space between the panels and rooftop to allow for ventilation and wiring. This space also serves as a shelter for birds and other small creatures against the elements. As birds build nests in this space, they may leave droppings, broken eggs, and nest materials underneath. When these accumulate, they block the airflow needed to prevent solar panels from overheating. Add to this an unpleasant smell from those raw materials and you’ve got quite a mess. Bird droppings aren’t just found under solar panels; they may collect on top of them too. It’s important to clean this off immediately as it could hinder the panel’s efficiency.

How can I protect my solar panels from birds?

There are several options for protecting panels from birds and other critters. Materials like wire mesh, roof spikes, plastic predators, and regular solar panel maintenance can dissuade animals from landing near or nesting under panels.

Do solar panels benefit birds?

Believe it or not, they just may. Over two-thirds of the United States’ electricity comes from nonrenewable resources like coal, natural gas, and oil. These materials combust to release pollution that eventually traps a blanket of heat in the atmosphere. This leads to climate change, which has forced many species of birds to find new places to live and feed. Using solar energy reduces carbon emissions that affect birds and other animals.

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. Nope, it’s just a great solar panel system. Contact Solar Bear of Tampa to request a free estimate for your home today.