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Tips for Saving Money to Invest in Going Solar

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, half a million residential solar panel systems were installed on roofs nationwide last year. This growing popularity of solar has generated new and creative ways to use renewable energy while giving homeowners significant savings. But the growth in the solar industry has also led to a rise in materials and installation costs. At Solar Bear of Tampa, we’ll show you how to estimate the cost of going solar on your home and a few money-saving tips to get you there faster.

Residential solar system installation amounts vary significantly due to variables like local costs, size and scope of the home, and any local incentives that may offset the cost. However, you can expect the average price of a typical installation to be about $20,000. After calculating your system costs, you will be able to discern how long it will take to reach your payback period or the amount of time it takes to earn back an initial investment. During a free estimate with the Solar Bear of Tampa team, we review your anticipated upfront costs along with any financing options and available financial incentives.

If you’re not ready to start today, there are small changes you can make that will not only reduce the amount of energy used but also save for a solar system installation. Did you know that many electric companies offer a free audit? Consisting of a room-by-room survey and electricity bill examination to expose any wasted energy opportunities, this audit offers energy efficiency recommendations you can make immediately. Another quick way to save money is by adjusting your home’s thermostat. According to the Department of Energy, as much as 10% can be saved on your heating and cooling costs by adjusting your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Another simple fix is to turn down your water heater’s temperature. Lowering the temperature can save hundreds of dollars annually.

Whether it’s now or in the future, Solar Bear of Tampa wants to make going solar an easy and seamless experience for you. Get started with your free estimate or call us at (727) 471-7442 today!

Tips For Setting Home Energy Goals

With kids home from school and more people working from home, homeowners have noticed a substantial increase in home energy usage. Keeping cool during the summer and staying constantly connected can come at a cost. Adding these home energy-saving tips to your home can help you lessen energy usage while also lowering your costs. Check out Solar Bear of Tampa’s tips for setting home energy goals.

There are indeed plenty of ways to conserve energy in your home. Perhaps the best place to start is with an energy audit. This thorough inspection can help pinpoint areas in your home that might be causing energy leaks. During the Solar Bear of Tampa’s examination, our team of energy experts analyzes ducts, insulation, appliances, and more before offering energy-saving recommendations. Most homeowners choose to use these suggestions as an energy goal-setting guide.

Generally, homes of all sizes and ages can benefit from energy-efficient changes. In fact, many of these upgrades can retain and increase the resale value of your home. Some foundational recommendations include tightening ductwork, improving insulation, and operating your thermostat efficiently. By making these changes, less energy is used to maintain a constant temperature in your home. There are additional quick fixes that can help you attain your home energy goals. Swapping incandescent bulbs for LEDs, adding blinds or drapes to mitigate sunlight, and replacing HVAC filters regularly can make a big difference.

If you are ready to lessen your home’s energy usage, start by implementing these energy-saving tips above or 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.

What Is a Solar Energy Audit and Do I Need One?

Do the blazing rays of summer have you considering installing a solar system? Solar Bear of Tampa can help with that, but a critical first step before installation is performing a solar energy audit. Our team of energy experts explains why this audit is an integral part of any solar system purchase.

A solar energy audit is essential for anyone interested in purchasing a solar system. This comprehensive inspection is a great way to understand your current energy consumption and identify any energy leaks your home may have. After investigating your home for any potential causes of energy leaks, the Solar Bear of Tampa team creates a report that shows what energy-saving recommendations are right for your home. For example, the audit may reveal that adding spray foam insulation to your home or switching out appliances could reduce energy consumption before your solar system is even installed. By making those energy-saving choices now, you can start saving even before a solar system is added to your home.

This is also a great time to determine your home’s average rate of monthly energy consumption. Auditors will review between 6 and 12 months’ worth of energy consumption to show where energy is primarily used in the home and how appropriate adjustments can be made.

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, is safety. During a solar energy audit, a combustion safety testing is conducted. This test examines home heating equipment to determine exhaust leakage, carbon monoxide levels, gas leakage, and cracked pipes that may allow leakage. After review, our team will recommend how to remedy any current leakages and prevent future occurrences.

By performing a solar energy audit, your solar panel installation company demonstrates its due diligence to your home’s energy needs. To schedule your free Solar Bear of Tampa estimate, call us at (727) 741-7442 today!

Top Tips for Introducing Solar Energy into Your Home

Using solar energy to power homes has become popular across the globe. Solar energy offers a lot of perks including having a more stable form of energy to rely on, and the fact that it can help lower your carbon footprint certainly helps!

Introducing solar energy into your home can be daunting at first, but our team here at Solar Bear Orlando can make the process hassle and stress-free.

Keep reading to learn our top tips to introduce solar energy into your home!

What is Solar Energy

Solar energy is emitted by the sun and can be converted into energy to power your home. The best part? There is an unlimited supply of sun, especially here in the Sunshine State! Plus, it doesn’t lead to pollution, and it is renewable.

Benefits of Solar Energy

There are many benefits to going solar including:

• Lower energy bills
• Enhanced home value
• Decreases your carbon footprint
• Let’s you control your energy expenses
• Can help you earn money or credit from your utility with net metering

Tips to Get Started with Solar Energy

Now, let’s discuss some tips to get started with solar energy!

Seek Assistance from an Expert

Solar panels are an investment, so make sure to get the help of an expert who is familiar with residential solar before putting any money down. Skilled solar professionals like our team at Solar Bear Orlando can help you avoid costly mistakes when choosing or installing your solar system.

Estimate Your Electricity Usage & Needs

Before choosing the number of panels that you need, you must first calculate the average of the kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity that you commonly use. This ensures that your system will be able to generate enough power to support your needs even during the hot summer when the HVAC is full blast. 

Consider How Much Space You Have

Before taking the leap into solar, make sure there is enough room on your property or roof to do so. Your past power usage will dictate the number of panels that you will need to power your home, but you must figure out where to install the panels too. Will they be installed on the roof, placed on the ground, or perhaps a solar carport? Maybe you’ll choose all three!

While we are on the topic, it is also critical to observe the sun’s movements and find out if your desired positioning for your solar panels will receive adequate sunlight on a daily basis. Don’t place your solar array in an area where trees or other buildings cast shadows.

Further, if you want to install solar panels on your roof, make sure that your roof is strong enough and in good condition to withstand the weight of the system.

Research Financing Options & Rebates

Though solar panels are an investment, there are many financing options that can save you money in the long run. From the Federal solar tax credits to state rebates, there are several ways that you can save when installing solar panels.

Keep Reading> How Long Until Solar Panels Pay for Themselves?

Do Your Research Before Installing Solar

Before signing any solar contract, make sure you know these things about your installation company first:

• Do they have the proper insurance and licensure?
• How long have they been in business?
• Do they do the work themselves or use subcontractors?
• How do their warranties work and what will yours include?
• Do they offer solar panel maintenance services?

Learn More> Lowering Your Utility Bills By Switching to Solar

Go Solar Today

Take advantage of the ample sun here in Florida and install a solar panel system today! Our pros at Solar Bear Orlando will help you determine your energy needs and what size system is right for you, and we will install your solar panels ourselves, no subcontractors here!

Go solar in Orlando! Call Solar Bear for a solar quote today; (727) 471-7442!