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Deciding to install a solar system on your property is a big investment and one that should not be taken lightly. So how do you get started?

Well, to begin with, you should never settle for anything less than a trustworthy solar installer with a proven track record of customer service.

Sound too easy? Follow these tips when evaluating a solar company so you can be confident that your solar installation is done by a contractor you can trust like Solar Bear Orlando.

#1. Choose an Installer that Works with High-Quality Equipment

Not all solar panel systems are created equally. As with many things in life, you get what you pay for. Higher quality equipment might cost more upfront, but the difference will be in better energy production which equals longer-lasting savings.

Look for a company that works with tier-q equipment. Your system will last longer and experience less degradation over time, meaning fewer costs and headaches for you.

#2. Look for a Strong Warranty

A strong warranty is a great sign that a company is selling quality products. Pay attention to your warranty and look for these three components:

• The panels
• The inverter or microinverters
• Labor and workmanship

At Solar Bear Orlando, we offer a 25-year workmanship warranty, plus one free solar panel cleaning per year for the first five years after the job is complete.

#3. Look for a Company with In-House Solar Contractors

When going solar, look for a company with the in-house expertise to manage your solar installation and not one that relies on outside subcontractors.

A team that works together can better manage quality control, and scheduling, and react more efficiently if problems arise.

#4. Evaluate the Company

Before making any decisions ask these questions:

How long has the company been around?

What is its BBB rating?

How many employees do they have?

Do they honor their warranties?

Are there any local incentives for installing solar?

Do they have good reviews or testimonials?

Knowing the answer to these questions can help you decide if a solar installation company is right for you.

#5. Do They Address Roof Conditions

When you hire a solar installer, one of the first things that they should do is assess the roof’s condition. Ask your installer if they recommend any roof repairs before installation. Also, it is important to be clear on who is responsible for any roof damage during installation.

#6. Talk to Friends and Neighbors

When in doubt about whom to trust in a crowded marketplace, reach out to the people you know who have gone solar and find out what their experience was. You may find that you have more confidence in your chosen installation company if you get direct feedback from a neighbor or friend rather than just scrolling through online reviews.

#7. Choose Locally Owned and Operated

When choosing a local company, you have the benefit of knowing that the company is there if you ever need them. A local solar company has different values than a larger national installer. Local companies like Solar Bear Orlando are inspired to better the community, more so than focusing on the bottom line.

Local companies are also experts in local building and electrical codes and will work with you to customize a solar system based on your energy needs, the type and layout of your roof, and your investment goals.

Learn More > Top Cities for Solar Energy in Florida

Go Solar with a Trusted Solar Contractor

If you are ready to go solar in Orlando or the surrounding Central Florida region, call on Solar Bear Orlando! We are locally owned and operated and will ensure that the process of installing your solar panels is seamless and stress-free.

Ready to get started? Call Solar Bear Orlando for an installation quote today at (727) 471-7442!

The popularity of renewable energy continues to rise. With that, comes more efficiency. So, what happens when your solar system is more efficient than expected? Any of that excess energy produced can actually be used by most of Florida’s utility companies. Solar Bear of Tampa looks at the different ways utility customers can add more profit to their solar-generated power.

Currently, Florida has no standardized solar pricing rules and regulations, which makes it more difficult to discern what a fair payment is for a homeowner that produces excess solar energy. However, net metering is perhaps the most popular solar incentive program operating in Florida. All of Florida’s investor-owned utilities, Florida Power & Light (FPL), Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric Company (TECO), and the Florida Public Utilities Corporation, offer this program to their customers. Once the utility company approves, solar owners can earn credits for excess energy that they send to the grid to offset their grid usage when panels are not generating power. Each program comes with critical nuances for customers to understand before signing up for this service. For instance, FPL offers a full retail net metering program where every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar energy produced is worth the same amount that a utility company charges for electricity. They also enforce a $25 minimum bill requirement that cannot be offset, no matter how much energy is produced.

However, there is an option to sell electricity back to companies that don’t rely on net metering, it just may take longer. The first step is to discuss options with your utility company. They will be able to convey the process and any qualifying credits. Several of Florida’s large utility companies also offer programs that deliver savings over time. Duke Energy Florida’s “Shared Solar” and “Clean Energy Connection” along with TECO’s “Sun Select” program provide customers with solar energy offsets that can lock in fuel charges at current rates.

So, it is possible to make money by selling excess electricity back to the grid. In most cases, it comes in the form of utility credits. If you’re interested in learning more about the power of solar energy and its financial incentives, speak with our team of experts at Solar Bear of Tampa. Call us at (727) 741-7442 or schedule your free estimate online today!

Living in Texas means having to deal with many electrical disturbances due to intense weather conditions. Since this is a common issue considering the location, it pays to look into alternative power sources like solar or generator power so you can still live your life even during a blackout. But which option is more reliable and conventional? The experts at Solar Bear Dallas put together this helpful comparison between solar panels and generators with regard to backup power sources.

When Disaster Strikes

A few of the main causes of power outages in Texas involve heat, rain, thunder, and high winds. Deep water can overwhelm electrical facilities, and lightning strikes on top of that are just a recipe for disaster. Strong winds can also cause power lines to waver and topple over. During intense heat waves, electrical components can shut down or short-circuit. When any of the above happens, you could be without power for as long as a week or more unless you have a reliable backup source of electricity to get you through these difficult times.

Solar Panels as a Backup Power Source

One of the major selling points of solar panels, and the main reason why most people buy them in the first place, has to do with saving money on your energy bill. Many solar panel owners view them as a way to manage electricity usage and save money, but they can also be used as an effective source of emergency power for when things go dark. Solar panels are self-sufficient and require little to no maintenance. They are also extremely reliable, since they absorb energy from the sun, which never runs low and is always free. And because you don’t have to worry about paying for regular maintenance or an extra fuel source, the return on investment is incredibly high. Plus, solar panels are useful during any typical day and not just in emergency situations.

The Truth About Backup Generators

Even though backup generators are specifically designed to combat power outages, it doesn’t always mean they’re the best choice. These generators are dependent on fossil fuels that come in a limited supply, which can run out during an outage when you need power most. Plus, the emissions are terrible for the environment. And since you can only use a generator when the power goes out, it just takes up a great deal of space in your yard the rest of the time when you’re not using it. The return on investment isn’t impressive either, when you factor in the cost of frequent inspections and fuel top-ups. Backup generators are also incredibly noisy, which can prove frustrating during prolonged outages.

The Best Solar Panel Contractors in Texas

If you live in the Dallas area, you have a trustworthy solar panel contractor right next door! Solar Bear Dallas has skilled and qualified experts who will equip your home with reliable solar panels that will prove useful to you during surprise emergencies. Call us anytime at (727) 471-7442 for more information and to receive a free estimate!

There’s much more to solar setups than just laying out the panel and calling it done. Depending on the location and orientation of the installation, there are many ways you can go about it. For instance, there are additional gadgets that can bring in a noticeably larger percentage of power than if you were to install your solar power system without them. Today, the experts at Solar Bear Houston will tell you about all the wonderful advantages of solar trackers.

What Is a Solar Tracker?

A solar tracker acts as a base for your solar panel to sit on which has the ability to direct and position the panel to be always facing the sun. With the sun rising and setting in completely opposite directions, you can see why solar trackers are a very nifty tool. You’ll also be surprised to find out that solar trackers come in a great range of styles and varieties to help you reach full efficiency for your solar needs.

Single-Axis vs Dual-Axis

When it comes to the orientation in which the panel swivels, there are two different kinds of solar trackers that offer this function. The simpler option is the single-axis tracker, which points back and forth from one line of reference. It is typically placed so that it can face the east and west in order to catch UV rays during both sunrise and sunset. Dual-axis trackers, on the other hand, have two opposing swivel points so that they can face any direction. That way, the solar panel can directly face the sun, no matter its location in the sky.

Active, Passive, and Manual Setups for Solar Trackers

As far as how the tracker moves, there are three separate ways

to orient the solar panel. Each has its pros and cons, so it’s entirely up to you on which kind you would rather use.

The three types of solar trackers include:

• Active trackers, which are hooked up to a power source in order to precisely and automatically point in the direction of the sun. This is the most commonly-used style.
• Passive trackers, which are designed to follow the heat from the sun without the need for an additional power source. While this may seem ideal, passive trackers can take a long time to respond, which causes inaccuracies.
• Manual trackers, which require you to position the panel yourself at varying times of the day. Since many people aren’t always home at every hour of the day, this style can seem impractical.

Are Solar Trackers Worth It?

Without a tracker, your solar panel is only getting half of the UV rays that it could be getting because it’s only capturing the sun for half of the day. Solar panels with trackers see an increase of 25%-40% more generated power each day, which can add up to quite a lot! Needless to say, that solar trackers definitely give you your money’s worth.

Contact Solar Bear Houston Today!

Not sure which kind of solar tracker to get for your solar panels? Reach out to the friendly Solar Bear Houston team and we’ll evaluate your situation to give you a personalized recommendation. Call (727) 471-7442 today!