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Installing a solar panel system is one of the best ways to reduce energy costs here in Central Florida. But what you might not know is that the performance of your system ultimately depends on the panel’s placement. Two of the most important factors to consider are direction (the way your panels face) and angle (the tilt of the panels).

If you’re considering going solar or want to optimize your solar production in Central Florida, follow these tips from our team at Solar Bear Orlando.

#1. Facing Panels the Wrong Way

One of the most common mistakes that we run into is panels that aren’t facing the optimal direction for sunlight exposure. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is recommended to install panels facing true south. This maximizes sunlight exposure throughout the day, especially during peak hours in the Sunshine State.

Some homeowners mistakenly orient their panels toward the east or west, thinking that it will capture more morning or afternoon sun, but this isn’t always the case.

How to Avoid It: Work with a professional installer from Solar Bear Orlando. We use solar mapping tools to determine the most effective direction for your roof and location.

#2. Ignoring Your Local Climate & Sun Path

Even though south-facing panels are what we recommend, your local conditions also matter. In Orlando, the sun’s high position and year-round sunshine mean that your panels should be adjusted for optimal summer and winter production. If you don’t pay attention to seasonal sun angles, this can lead to less energy production, especially in the winter months when the sun sits lower in the sky.

How to Avoid It: Make sure to account for Orlando’s latitude and seasonal sun patterns to find the ideal year-round compromise. That’s where we come in!

#3. Using the Wrong Tilt Angle

Tilt angle refers to how steeply your panels are positioned. If they’re too flat, they won’t capture enough sunlight during the winter months. If they’re too steep, they may miss optimal summer sun.

In Florida, the ideal fixed tilt angle is often close to your latitude (about 28° for Orlando). That said, it’s important to note that some roofs have fixed slopes that make achieving this angle tricky, leading to lower efficiency.

How to Avoid It: If your roof’s pitch isn’t ideal, specialized mounting systems can adjust the tilt for better performance without major structural changes.

#4. Overlooking Shade Impact

Even if you have your panels pointed in the right direction and at the correct angle, shading from nearby trees or other buildings can reduce output. Many homeowners install panels in the sunniest spot in summer, not realizing that winter’s lower sun angle may cast longer shadows.

How to Avoid It: Ask our team to perform a shade analysis to ensure your panels receive consistent sunlight year-round.

#5. Failing to Plan for Roof Shape & Orientation

Sometimes homeowners want panels installed in the most visible or symmetrical layout for aesthetics—but this can compromise performance. A visually pleasing design that ignores sun direction and tilt can cost you thousands in lost energy over the system’s lifetime.

How to Avoid It: Prioritize performance over aesthetics, and don’t worry! We use design software to balance both.

#6. Skipping Professional Advice

DIYing your solar installation might seem like it will save you money, but it often leads to costly mistakes. Believe it or not, even a 10° misalignment can reduce the system’s efficiency noticeably, and calling in the pros to fix it later can be costly.

How to Avoid It: Partner with a certified solar installation company like Solar Bear Orlando that understands Orlando’s unique sun patterns, weather, and building codes.

Read More > Can Skipping Maintenance Appointments Really Affect My Solar System?

Get the Most from Your Solar System

The right direction and tilt can make a big difference in how much energy your solar panels produce, as well as how quickly you might see a return on your investment. Make sure to avoid the above mistakes, and you’ll be able to maximize your savings and produce reliable, clean energy for years to come!

At Solar Bear Orlando, we are ready to design a system perfectly matched to your home and Florida’s sunshine. Contact us today at (727) 353-3886 for a free solar evaluation!

Did you know that you don’t need a traditional roof to go solar? Really, you don’t! We get this question all the time from Tampa homeowners: “Can I install solar panels facing different directions?” The short answer is yes, and it actually might even work better than you think.

Roof Isn’t Perfect? Not a Problem!

In a perfect world, every solar panel would face due south at the perfect tilt, soaking up sun all day long. But in real life, roofs have hips and dormers. There’s also all that shade from that beautiful old oak tree you just can’t cut down (we get it). So, your system needs smart directional design.

Modern solar tech, and especially the systems we install here in Tampa, can handle complexity. East-west rooflines are no problem for us. We can even work with split arrays across different pitches.

Why Mixed Directions Might Help

You might assume a south-facing setup is always best. But spreading your panels out—east, west, and south—can actually balance production throughout the day.

• East-facing panels capture morning sun when your AC isn’t working too hard yet.
• South-facing panels hit their peak midday.
• West-facing panels soak up the late-day sun, when you’re back home and energy use spikes.

The result is a longer production curve and more even output. You’ll enjoy less reliance on the grid during peak hours. In other words: better energy flow for real life, not just lab conditions.

Microinverters: Your Silent Helper

Here’s where it gets even cooler. Systems with microinverters or power optimizers let each panel operate independently. So, your west-facing panels won’t drag down the performance of your east-facing ones. Every component of modern systems works together, all doing their part when the sun’s on their side of the sky.

We inspect that kind of smart tech on every install. Because in Florida, performance matters. And in Tampa, we’ve got sunlight coming at all angles!

Let’s Make the Sun Work All Day for You—Call Us Today

If you’re in the Tampa Bay area and wondering if your roof layout can support solar, give Solar Bear of Tampa a call at (727) 353-3886. We’ll take a look, run the numbers, and show you what’s possible. We can make solar fit your home perfectly!

Solar panels are a great investment for Central Florida homeowners who want to save on energy costs and reduce their overall carbon footprint. But, believe it or not, there is one major issue that can affect the efficiency of solar panels—birds.

Yes, you read that right! Birds nesting or perching on your solar panels can lead to damage and reduced energy production. So how do you combat these issues? Our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares how to bird-proof your solar system so it will remain clean, safe, and functional.

Why Bird Proofing is Essential

Birds love to perch on solar panels because, for one, they are warm, and two, they provide a shelter that’s high above the ground. Unfortunately, their droppings and debris from their nests can obstruct the sunlight from reaching your system’s solar cells, which over time can significantly diminish performance.

Don’t worry, there’s good news! With some preventative maintenance, you can keep your solar system in tip-top condition.

Here’s how:

Bird Mesh and Netting

One of the most common and effective methods for bird proofing your solar panels is to install bird mesh or netting. These barriers prevent birds from accessing the panels while still allowing the sun to reach the solar cells.

Bird Spikes

Another popular option is to use bird spikes, which can be installed on the edges of the panels to deter birds from landing. They are easy to install and won’t damage your panels. Plus, since they have blunt tips, they are considered a humane way to deter birds, big and small.

Solar Panel Clips

This can be another effective method. Solar panel clips are designed to secure wiring and other components, which makes it harder for birds to find a place to nest.

Cleaning and Maintenance Are Key

Once your solar panels are adequately bird-proofed, keeping them clean is important, because let’s face it, your panels are still going to get some bird droppings and debris on them no matter what you do.

We recommend scheduling regular cleanings at least every six months to a year to ensure that your panels are clean and performing their best. In the meantime, you can clean the panels yourself with a mild detergent mixed with water and a soft scrub brush.

Just make sure to do so in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is not at its peak.

Read More > Do I Need to Get My Solar Cleaned If It Rains Often?

Monitoring Bird Activity

Even if you bird-proof and have a maintenance schedule, you should still keep an eye out for bird activity around your solar panels. If you notice any birds attempting to build a nest, make sure to remove any debris quickly or contact a professional to ensure that you are in compliance with local wildlife regulations.

Let’s Keep Your Panels Performing Efficiently

Birds are pretty to look at, but they can cause trouble for your solar system if they are allowed to nest or roost on your panels. By using humane barriers such as mesh, spikes, and solar panel clips, you can maximize your system’s efficiency and longevity. Plus, don’t forget to schedule periodic cleanings!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly solar pros at Solar Bear Orlando at (727) 353-3886. We’re here to ensure that you can not only harness the power of the sun here in the Sunshine State, but that you can do it efficiently!

Feel like your electric bill just isn’t making sense? You’re not crazy—a radically higher bill could be due to your utility company’s “Time of Use” (TOU) rates. Instead of charging one flat price per kilowatt-hour, TOU rates change depending on when you use electricity. Power up at 2 p.m.? It costs less. Flip on the dryer at 6 p.m.? You might pay double! Can solar really help you avoid these higher TOU rates?

Utility companies implement TOU because demand spikes at certain times, and they want to encourage people to shift usage away from those “peak” hours. Here’s the thing—if you’ve got solar, you can play their game and win.

When your panels produce during the day, you’re pulling less (or no) energy from the grid during expensive hours. But what really matters is how you use that free power.

Time-of-Use Rates in Tampa

Tampa Electric offers TOU rates through its Energy Planner program, where the cost of electricity depends on demand. The concept is simple: use more power during low-demand hours, and you’ll pay less. Use it when everyone else is cranking their AC, and you’ll pay more. Here’s how all this breaks down:

• Low Rate:The cheapest electricity rate, available for a small slice of the day—usually late-night and early morning hours.
• Medium Rate:A midday price that’s still lower than the standard rate.
• High Rate:The most expensive power, charged during peak demand hours.

You also need to be familiar with the area’s Peak & Off-Peak Windows:

• Summer (April–October):Peak hours run from 12 PM to 9 PM.
• Winter (November–March):Peak hours are from 6 AM–10 AM and 6 PM–10 PM.
• Weekends & Holidays:Count as off-peak, which means lower costs.

Tips to Make the Most of Solar with TOU Rates

We said the concept was simple—but turning it into real savings takes strategy. Here’s how to optimize your solar to take advantage:

• Know Your Local Peak Hours: Check your utility’s TOU schedule. Peak windows are often late afternoon to early evening—right when the sun starts dipping.
• Run Big Appliances Earlier: We recommend using larger appliances, like laundry, dishwashers, and ovens, during daylight hours when your panels are cranking out energy.
• Charge Devices and EVs Wisely: Plug in during off-peak or midday solar hours so you’re not pulling pricey evening power.
• Use Timers: Set your pool pump or heater; water heater; and other heavy hitters to run during solar production hours.
• Consider Battery Storage: A solar battery lets you “bank” daytime energy and use it during expensive evening peaks.
• Track and Adjust as Needed: Monitor your usage and solar output monthly. Tiny adjustments, like bumping dinner prep earlier, really do add up over time.

Turn TOU into Your Advantage—Call Us Now

Time of Use rates aren’t something to fear—they’re a puzzle you can solve. Want to see how your Tampa home could beat TOU rates year-round? Solar Bear of Tampa is ready to help you create a customized plan that works for your schedule, your lifestyle, and your budget. Call us today at (727) 353-3886 to get started!