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Did you know that solar power installations in Central Florida have grown by over 40% in the past year? We love to see it! Now that we are halfway through 2025, we’d like to take a look at what’s going on in the solar world, because the more you know about solar, the better prepared you will be when you begin the process of installing it. Let’s discuss!

What’s New?

A lot is going on in the solar industry, so let’s break it down into sections:

Market Trends

• Overall, solar continues to expand and become a major player in the renewable energy industry.
• New large-scale solar plant projects are expected to continue.
• Solar batteries are becoming more efficient and even more popular.
• Due to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), domestic manufacturing is on the rise.
• Equipment costs are falling in some sectors, but residential solar is experiencing an increase in costs due to tariffs
• Installation delays and scheduling backlogs are a problem, and utility interconnection is taking longer than normal. Remember to allow 2-3 months for permitting and installation.
• Utility prices are rising, which makes solar installations more popular than ever.

Read More > Are Solar Batteries Worth the Cost in Florida?

Legal & Government

• There are potential changes to the Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC). Recently, a House bill proposed that it should end after December 31st, 2025, which could impact residents wishing to go solar. This tax credit was supposed to last decades, so if this bill is passed, it could put a damper on solar installations. The situation is ongoing, though, so there is hope.
• Tariffs on goods from China and Southeast Asia continue to be a concern
• Some states (not Florida currently) are implementing new policies that affect net metering programs. This could impact how some homeowners are compensated for the excess energy that they send back to the grid.

Read more > What Solar Incentives Are Offered to Orlando Residents?

Solar Innovations

• Solar roof tiles, bifacial panels, and perovskite solar cells are new and exciting technologies that we can’t wait to explore more.
• Solid-state and flow battery technologies are offering longer lifespans and safer operation.
• AI integrations are being used for solar system performance optimization, including maintenance and energy storage management.

Solar is Always On Trend

Looking back at the first half of 2025, we are excited to see how solar is reshaping renewable energy production across Florida. Though there are some challenges due to tariffs and possible disruptions to tax credits, there is still a lot to be optimistic about!

If you are considering installing a solar system at your Central Florida home, now is a great time to act! Waiting to go solar could cause you to miss out on substantial savings, face higher tariffs, or experience even more delays with installation.

Get started today by calling Solar Bear Orlando for a quote at (727) 353-3886!

If you’ve made the smart move to go solar in Tampa, odds are you’re already thinking a step ahead—like how to store that free, sun-powered energy. A solar battery can keep your lights on during an outage, slash your energy bill, and help you ride out peak-rate pricing. But can you combine any battery with your solar panels? We don’t recommend it.

Here’s how to make sure your solar storage setup actually works with your panels—and not against them:

1. Know How Much Energy You Actually Use

Start here—not with a specific product in mind. You need to really evaluate your lifestyle and daily habits.

• How much electricity do you use on an average day? We recommend checking a few months’ worth of electric bills and looking at your kilowatt-hour totals.
• Do you want full-home backup or just the essentials—fridge, lights, internet?
• Do you already have an inverter? If so, its output and compatibility matter.

This info gives you a baseline for what your battery needs to store—and how often it’ll be called into action.

2. Pick a Battery That Makes Sense (Not Just Noise)

There are several solar batteries on the market, and they each function quite differently.. Here’s the short list of what’s worth knowing:

• Lithium-Ion (Like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase): A sleek, efficient, long-lasting option. It’s great for homeowners who want low maintenance and high energy density.
• Lead-Acid (Like AGM or Flooded): They’re cheaper up front, but bulkier, heavier, and less efficient over time. Still fine for basic backup use.
• Other Types: Niche options, like nickel-cadmium and flow batteries, are usually reserved for industrial setups. Most Tampa homeowners won’t need these options.

The bottom line is that Most Floridians pair their panels with lithium-ion—and for good reason. The tech’s matured, and the investment’s worth the longer lifespan.

3. Match Panel Output to Battery Capacity

Here’s where the math comes in, but we’ll keep it simple. Let’s say you have a 100Ah lithium-ion battery. You’ll want a solar array that produces 150 to 200 watts per hour of sun to keep it charging efficiently. (That’s about 1.5 to 2 times the battery capacity.)

In Tampa, where sunshine is basically a utility, this combo works beautifully. But oversizing or under-sizing is how you end up wasting money—or power.

4. Look at the Battery’s Fine Print

A battery’s specs matter—a lot. Look out for:

• Capacity (kWh):This is the total energy the battery can hold.
• Power Output (kW):This represents how much power the battery can deliver at once.
• Depth of Discharge (DoD):Measures how much of the battery you can use safely without damaging it.
• Round-Trip Efficiency:Refers to the percentage of stored energy you’ll actually get back when using it.
• Cycle Life:The number of times it can charge/discharge before performance starts to dip.

All these numbers help paint a picture of how well the battery will work long term. Don’t overlook them.

5. One Last Thing: Ask for Help

If you’ve got questions about solar, you deserve answers—not from the internet, but from real people who know Tampa’s grid, weather, and rebate incentives. Turn to Solar Bear of Tampa.

When it comes to solar, the right setup is the one that fits your life—not just your electrical panel. Our local pros can look at your roof, panels, usage, and budget—and help you pick a battery that won’t just work but work smart.

Ready to lock in your solar ROI? Let’s find the perfect battery that works in sync with your system—and your lifestyle. Call Solar Bear of Tampa today at (727) 353-3886!

Did you know that you could potentially save thousands on energy bills in Central Florida by switching to solar power? As the sunniest state in America, Florida is the prime location for installing solar energy. But what equipment will help you make the most of your home solar system?

In this guide, our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares what equipment we recommend (besides solar panels themselves, of course) so you can get the most out of your investment.

Solar Inverters

A key component to any solar system is the solar inverter, which converts the direct current or DC power generated by your solar panels into alternating current (AC) for use in all your home’s appliances.

Not only does an inverter make sure that your home runs seamlessly with solar power, but some advanced models even come with real-time monitoring capabilities that allow you to track your energy consumption and production throughout the day.

There are three different kinds of inverters that we install:

• String inverters: These connect your solar system directly to your home’s electrical panel.
• Microinverters: These are connected to each solar panel, which can enhance overall production.
• Power optimizers: These systems are a hybrid combination of string inverters and microinverters. These are also installed at each solar panel.

Battery Storage

Another very important piece of equipment is a battery storage system. Naturally, sunlight fluctuates throughout the day, and a solar battery is designed to store excess energy that is generated when the sun is shining most brightly for use at night or on cloudy days.

This means that you can rely less on the grid and enjoy greater energy independence. This is one of the best perks of installing solar, especially in a region like Central Florida, where summer storms can disrupt your power supply.

Performance Monitoring System

These neat pieces of equipment report the hourly electricity production of your solar system, which is fun to see, but also allows you to recognize any performance or output issues that your system may have before it becomes a problem.

Generally, there are two types of solar monitoring systems, onsite and remote. On-site monitors are installed with your solar panels, while remote monitors track energy production through cloud-based solutions and can be monitored online.

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

Take Advantage of Florida’s Sunshine

As you can see, selecting the right solar equipment is key to maximizing the efficiency and benefits of your home’s solar array. Whether you are considering installing a new solar panel system or battery storage and monitoring systems for a system you already have, our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to help.

Contact us today at (727) 353-3886! We can’t wait to help you harness the power of the sun.

The sun’s out, your solar panels are soaking up all that free energy, and you’re staring at your car thinking—can I charge my car battery with my solar energy system? The short answer: sort of. The better answer is that you shouldn’t—at least not directly. Here’s exactly what you need to know.

Solar Panels Are Powerful—Sometimes Too Powerful

Solar panels generate clean, silent, and endlessly satisfying electricity. But they don’t think for themselves. What exactly does that mean? Put simply, they don’t self-regulate, and when you connect one directly to a car battery without a safety buffer? Things can go sideways fast.

So, overcharging is a real concern. Solar panels can fluctuate in voltage and current based on sun intensity. Without regulation, that energy can overcook your battery—damaging it, warping it, even risking a dangerous situation. That’s not exactly the kind of energy independence you were hoping for!

Take Your Energy Independence Even Further With a Charge Controller

This little device is the MVP of any solar-to-battery setup. It acts like a smart gatekeeper—monitoring the energy flow from your panels and feeding your battery only what it needs, no more and no less. A charge controller keeps things smooth, efficient, and safe. And if you want to charge your car battery the right way? This is non-negotiable.

How to Do It Right—Solar Charging, the Safe Way

There’s a right way to charge your car battery from your home’s solar energy system. Here’s our insider checklist:

1. Use a Charge Controller. Seriously—we can’t stress this enough. Whether you’re using a small trickle panel or a full solar array, a charge controller protects both the battery and the panel.
2. Go for a Solar Panel With a Built-In Controller. Some solar kits are made for this exact purpose—often used for RVs or boats. They’re plug-and-play, compact, and great for car battery maintenance.
3. Match Your Panel Size to Your Charging Goals. Charging a full dead battery with a tiny 5W panel? You’ll be waiting all week. But pair the right wattage to your battery size, and it becomes a practical backup plan—or a reliable top-off solution.
4. Consider a Boost Converter (If Needed). Some systems might need a little voltage bump to match the battery’s needs. A boost converter helps in those situations and ensures your solar input is actually useful.

There’s a Right Way to Charge Your Car Battery With Solar—Let Us Help

With a charge controller and a properly sized panel, solar charging becomes safe and simple. Solar Bear of Tampa knows how to help you power your home and your car with solar! Call us today at (727) 353-3886 to get started. The sun’s already working, so let’s put it to work for you!