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Mitigate Cost of Living Expenses with Solar Power

If you could harness the power of the sun and run your home on power produced from this energy would you do it? We hope you are saying a resounding YES! Solar power is just not great for the environment, but it can have a BIG impact on the costs of your living expenses.

Intrigued? We knew you would be! Here are the top ways that a solar power system can help mitigate the costs of your living expenses here in Orlando, Florida!

Lowering Your Electric Bills

Using solar to power homes and lower utility bills is one of the biggest perks of going solar. And it’s becoming more popular too!

Let’s face it, our appliances aren’t going away. We all want to reach for a cool beverage on a hot summer’s day or turn on the AC, so our homes are cool and comfortable, so saving on your utility bills by using clean energy from the sun makes perfect sense.

With net metering through Duke Energy, you can offset your energy costs when you have a solar system. As of January 1st, 2022, there is a minimum monthly bill of $30 for those who use solar power. This bill pays for the cost of your interconnection with the grid, and the sort of maintenance to the power grid.

Yes, even if you have a solar system in Orlando’s city limits, you must be connected to the grid. This ensures that you can draw electricity when needed like when it’s raining or at night, but still sell excess power back to the grid. So not only can you save on hefty energy bills, but you could get credits for the power that your system produces. It’s a win-win!

Heating and Cooling with Solar Power

If you have an electric heater and air conditioner, they will play a major role in the amount of solar energy that you will need. Make sure to discuss your energy needs with your solar advisor at Solar Bear, to ensure you have the right amount of power to run your heater and AC.

Don’t forget that while solar power will help you save on energy costs, it is important to weatherize your home to reduce the amount of power that you need to pull from your solar system or the utility grid. Any weatherizing efforts that you undertake plus switching to renewable energy will provide additional savings. 

Lowering Utility Costs with Solar Battery Storage

Getting the most out of your solar system includes the size of the solar array, where you live, the angle of your roof, how much sun you get, and the energy needs of your family. But if you add a battery to store power, you could save even more.

A solar system coupled with a solar battery allows you to store excess energy produced by your system during the day to use at night when the sun isn’t shining or when the utility rates are at their highest. And when the sun comes out again in the morning? Your battery will be recharged to use again. Nice!

TOU Rates

TOU stands for “time of use,” and TOU rates are used by your utility company to encourage you to reduce your energy consumption during peak hours when it costs the most. Because when everyone is pulling from the grid, energy costs more.

Remember, the time that you run your washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher matters. It is cheaper in the morning to run appliances and gets more expensive between the hours of noon and 8 pm.

Not all of us are at home when energy costs are lowest, but if you have a solar battery it won’t matter because you will have the energy to use no matter what kind of day!

Solar Tax Credits

Don’t forget that the current federal tax credit of 26% off the price of installation is available. This credit will lower over the next couple of years, then be phased out altogether so make sure to take advantage of these savings if you are planning to install a solar system at your home.

Choose Solar with Solar Bear

Just think of how much you will save on living expenses once you choose to go solar! The solar movement is strong and thriving, and is here to stay, just like our sun. If you are ready to install a solar system or need help with solar battery storage, you are in the right place!

Give Solar Bear Orlando a call at (727) 471-7442 to discuss your energy needs or to get a free no-hassle solar estimate today!

Governor DeSantis Vetoed HB 741, Here’s Why That Matters

The recent talk about nixing net metering caused a lot of static between solar power users and Big Electric. Luckily for solar devotees, Governor DeSantis vetoed a recent piece of legislation, HB 741, that would have otherwise disrupted the growth of Florida’s solar industry. Solar Bear Tampa takes a look below at why that matters.

Currently, net metering programs allow Floridian solar power users to lower or eliminate their utility bills. If your rooftop solar panels produce more electricity than needed, any excess would be sent through the meter and into the utility electrical grid. As it flows into the meter, you earn credit for each kilowatt (kW) of energy produced on a future utility bill. Presently, Tampa Electric Company (TECO), Duke Energy, and Florida Power & Light (FPL) offer utility net metering programs in Florida. As one of Florida’s main solar financial incentives, this program was hanging in the balance under the recent introduction of HB 741 legislation.

Citing “the worst inflation in 40 years” and “steep increases in the price of gas and groceries,” Governor DeSantis vetoed the bill so as not to “contribute to the financial crunch that our citizens are experiencing.” However, if HB 741 or a similar bill was passed, it would have made a huge impact on the solar industry’s growth. As it was written, the bill was scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2022, with all current solar businesses and residences grandfathered in for twenty years. Those that were interested in installing solar would have to do so by 2024 before utility companies replaced credits with fixed-rate charges. Overall, this would have slashed payment rates to solar customers by 50% in just four years.

Although HB 741 is no longer a concern to Floridians, the federal tax credit or Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for new solar installations is scheduled to drop from 26% to 22% on January 1, 2023. If you are interested in adding a new solar system to your home or business, speak with our team of experts at Solar Bear Tampa. Call us at (727) 741-7442 or schedule your free estimate online today!

Lower Your Utility Bills by Switching to Solar

If you have ever considered installing solar panels on your roof, you might be wary of doing so because of the upfront costs involved with the installation of a solar panel system. Don’t worry! The upfront costs will soon be covered because of the money that you will save on your utility bills by switching to solar.

How? Our Solar Bear Orlando team explains four reasons why switching to solar can help lower your utility bills in Orlando.

Lowering Your Electric Bill with Solar

Using solar power in our homes allows us to reduce our carbon footprint while also lowering our electric bills.

Using solar panels instead of relying on the grid or your utility company for electricity can help you cut your electric bill by up to 50% a month.

Using power from the sun is free, but it is important to note that at night or during inclement weather when the sun isn’t out, you will have to rely on the electricity that is provided through your local utility company.

Electric Rates Are on the Rise

Not only are electric rates high right now, but they continue to increase each year. Increases in eclectic rates outpace inflation and wage growth, meaning that everyday Americans are spending an increasing amount of their income on their utility bills.

Since the United States was one of the first countries to build an electric grid, it also means that it needs a lot of upgrading as the years go by. Utility companies spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year to upgrade their towers, lines, substations, and transformers. 

These costs continue to drive up the cost of electricity, making solar power more enticing than ever. With a solar power system, you can lower your electric bills, plus, solar produces power right where it’s needed, in your home, which can help you avoid costly transmission infrastructure. As grid maintenance costs continue to rise, solar power will provide increasingly attractive returns.

Electric Bills Are Unpredictable

One of the biggest frustrations of being a homeowner in Orlando is the unpredictability of electric bills. Often, increased electricity usage throughout the month goes unnoticed until the bill arrives in the mail, forcing homeowners to make tough budgeting decisions to pay their bills.

With solar power, energy costs are extremely predictable. Many homeowners cover 100% of their energy needs with a solar system, and they will only have to pay a $10-20 service fee for grid maintenance, net metering, and other associated utility costs.

A Smart Way to Cut Costs

Installing smart home systems can also help cut your electric bill by helping you to manage your electricity usage, which is beneficial when you are using solar power.

A smart thermostat, HVAC system, or even LED lighting can help you use as little energy as possible during energy usage times. They can also help you use less power overall.

Just like you might be eligible for solar tax rebates, many states offer rebates and other incentives for buying energy-efficient smart appliances so you can save even more money when you switch to smart technology and solar.

Choose Solar with Solar Bear

If you are ready to harness the power of the sun and take control of fluctuating electrical costs, it’s time to go solar with Solar Bear Orlando! Just think, instead of sending your hard-earned money to the utility company each month, you could install a solar system and keep most of that money in the bank!

What are you waiting for? Schedule a solar consultation with our team at Solar Bear Orlando today; (727) 471-7442!

The Impact of Solar Energy for Future Generations

The world is changing fast. According to a Solar Futures Study that was published by the U.S Department of Energy, we can expect to see rapid changes throughout the energy sector, new commitments to a more sustainable economy, and increased electrification of buildings and vehicles. As exciting as it may seem, what does this all mean for future generations? Solar Bear Tampa takes a look at the impact of solar energy for years to come.

Expect to see positive impacts on the environment and climate change in the near future. Technology improvements like higher efficiency modules will ensure that solar energy continues to be more affordable. These updated systems can generate 1.5 times more power than their predecessors using a technology called tandem silicon cells. This high-performing solar cell is engineered for stability. Other production innovations to look forward to include reduced pricing of silver and silicon, and bifacial modules that allow panels to capture solar energy from both sides.

Some predict that by 2030, solar will become the most valuable energy source for electricity production in large parts of the world. Given that solar energy is incredibly easy to install, flexible to set up, and perhaps above all, cost-efficient, it no doubt will make it unbeatable compared to fossil fuels. Integrating solar into homes, businesses, and power systems will mean an increase in low-cost digital technologies and powered electronics.

If you want to be fashion-forward, now is the time to schedule a solar estimate! The Solar Bear Tampa team can help you lock in net metering benefits, recommend energy-saving solutions, and assist with financing so you are ready for whatever the future brings. Get your free estimate here or give us a call at (727) 471-7442 for more information.