Category: Uncategorized

Many residential homes have solar panels installed to help promote a greener environment while saving money on electric bills, but did you know that commercial buildings can also benefit from solar energy? In fact, many industries have adopted solar panels as an essential part of their building’s structure because it almost seems irresponsible not to utilize solar energy. Here are just a few of the industries that benefit greatly from commercial solar, put together by your friends at Solar Bear Houston:

1. Educational Facilities

It can be difficult for some schools to gain adequate funding, but solar panels can help with saving money that can be put back towards the student’s educational needs like books and sports equipment. Solar energy can also keep the power going during an outage, so courses won’t be interrupted.

2. Healthcare Services

Hospital equipment can take up a lot of energy, and it’s crucial to make sure that they receive the power they need to stay up and running. Some machinery involving life support can literally be a matter of life and death but having solar energy on reserve can keep that equipment going for those who are relying on it.

3. 24-Hour Gas Stations and Convenience Stores

Any business that relies on energy 24/7 can save so much money on the electric bill with the help of commercial solar panels. Many customers with hectic or irregular schedules rely on these all-day and all-night services for their basic needs, so making sure that these facilities stay running indefinitely is extremely important. Solar panels act as a reliable backup source of energy to keep gas stations and convenience stores going for those busy bees.

4. Retail Stores

Many big-name retail stores are starting to see the benefit of upgrading to solar energy. Even with limited hours, it takes a great deal of energy to keep the lights running while ensuring that the air conditioner reaches all areas of the building. Not only do solar panels cut costs for such a high demand for energy, but businesses that utilize solar energy tend to receive positive reviews for helping the environment.

5. Manufacturing Companies

No matter what is being manufactured, every factory uses a large amount of energy to run the machines, equipment, and lights. For an extra boost of energy for an efficient facility, solar panels can be used to ensure smooth sailing.

6. The Hotel Business

For all hotel business owners, the safety and well-being of their guests take priority over everything else. If the power goes out, it can cause panic for everyone who is staying the night which can leave a bad impression on them for future reservations. By having solar panels as a backup energy source, you can ensure safety for all of your guests even during a blockwide power outage.

7. Automotive Service Shops

For the average human, it’s impossible for us to handle the weight of a vehicle. This is why auto shops rely on hydraulic lifts whenever they need to work on the underside of a car. On top of that, auto shops use pressure washers and high-powered vacuums to have your car looking good as new. All of this equipment takes a great deal of energy, and so solar panels can ensure that you have the energy you need to keep your business open for the day.

8. Data Storage Facilities

During this modern age, many of us have stopped using physical storage devices in favor of more convenient cloud storage. However, the files that you upload to the cloud are still kept in a data storage facility. These facilities need to be kept up and running around the clock and solar panels can give you the means of uninterrupted energy.

9. Physical Storage Warehouses

Aside from data storage, physical storage warehouses also require nonstop energy in order to preserve all of the items being held inside. This is especially true for cold storage where things need to be always kept at a certain temperature. Again, solar panels can keep that power from being uninterrupted so your goods can stay protected.

Get Commercial Solar Paneling in Houston, Texas!

Need commercial solar panels for your business in Houston? Solar Bear Houston has everything you need from quality solar panels installed by skilled and licensed contractors. Call (727) 471-7442 today for a free estimate!

Home of beautiful beaches and ample sunshine, Florida is an optimal location to switch to solar.

But which city is ranked the highest for solar output? Our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to find out!

We’ve ranked the top cities in 2022 based on their solar energy potential and how much money their residents can save by going green. Ready? Let’s go!

Go Solar in These Florida Cities

Thinking of going solar in Florida? These are the cities with the highest solar energy potential.

Tampa, FL

The city of Tampa’s solar radiation is 3.2 kWh per square meter per day, higher than even Miami! It also has ample rooftops that are suitable for mourning solar panels. In Tampa, almost 80% of homes have flat roofs, making them optimal for solar installations.

Tampa residents are also eligible for several state and local incentives that help offset the cost of the installation.

Orlando, FL

The metropolis of Orlando has the second-highest population growth of any city in the state of Florida, and it is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. If you are looking to go solar in Florida, Orlando is a great place to live!

The city has an average of 4.6 kWh per square meter per day, making it the perfect place for a solar installation in Florida. The average home with solar panels in Orlando can be powered entirely by solar power on sunny days.

Miami, FL

Miami is a city full of sunshine, which means solar installations generate ample power during the day.

With over 400,000 residents and many well-established neighborhoods, there are plenty of places to install solar in Miami.

Tallahassee, FL

Tallahassee’s average irradiance is about 5.8 kWh per square meter per day, making it an ideal place for solar installations.

Tallahassee also has amazing solar rebates. You could get up to $5,000 back on a new solar installation!

Gainesville, FL

Gainesville has been nicknamed “the solar capital of Florida,” and for good reason! This college city has been ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States and a great place to go green.

Although there aren’t any state tax credits or rebates available for residential solar installations, there are plenty of ways to make solar energy in Gainesville more affordable, such as fixed-rate plans with $0 down and no financing fees.

Fort Myers, FL

Fort Myers gets about 4.5 hours of sun per day on average, meaning that you can generate a lot of solar power during the day!

Fort Myers doesn’t have a state sales tax, so if you are looking to save on solar and reduce your carbon footprint, Fort Myers is a great place to do it!

Sarasota, FL

More than 750,000 people live in the Sarasota-Bradenton metro area, and its renewable energy market is growing at a fast rate.

Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville ranks number 19 in the nation for top solar cities. The abundance of sunshine and local incentives makes choosing solar even more attractive. Solar panels are exempt from sales tax in Jacksonville, so you will save 6% right off the bat.

Clearwater, FL

An old city known for its culture and beautiful beaches; Clearwater offers a lot of tax credits for those switching to solar.

The average cost of installing solar panels in Clearwater is $3 per watt, meaning that it is easy to get started with green energy!

Learn More: 7 Common Solar Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Join the Solar Energy Movement

If you are interested in installing solar panels on your property in Central Florida and the Greater Orlando Area, call our team at Solar Bear Orlando! We will design a solar array that can optimally harness the energy from the sun and ultimately reduce your carbon footprint.

Call Solar Bear Orlando today for a quote at (727) 471-7442!

If you purchased a toaster oven that can also be used as an air fryer, you already know how to maximize double-duty technology. So why not take advantage of the double duty that solar energy can offer? Solar Bear of Tampa shares why you should consider installing double-duty solar for your business and what it entails.

When most people imagine solar energy, they tend to think of the infamous rooftop panels. These are indeed the most popular type of solar installation. However, this method may not always be feasible for businesses due to their small footprint or because of strict lease agreements. Double-duty installations are rapidly growing because of their versatility and adaptability to tighter spaces.

After an initial energy evaluation to determine weak rooftop sun exposure levels and any obstructions, a solar company may recommend this installation method. These setups are structural ground mounting systems that offer a secondary function, such as a carport or pergola, that can provide shade or shelter from weather elements while producing solar energy.

You may decide to utilize a current structure and retrofit a solar installation on top for a more cost-effective solution. Clients may choose this type of installation for a more seamless architectural integration. However, for some clients, building a brand-new structure can accommodate the addition of solar panels more effectively. By customizing the design, you ensure that it is sized appropriately to fit the desired number of panels and that it is in an ideal location. Whichever option you choose, confirm with a solar installation company that the structure is stable and sturdy enough to withhold the system’s weight.

Florida currently offers several financial incentives that can significantly offset double-duty installation costs. Through exemptions like the Solar and CHP Sales Tax Exemption and net metering programs, business owners can optimize their investments.

Need more information on double-duty solar installations? Speak with our qualified and experienced team today at (727) 471-7442 or schedule your free estimate here.

Think you are too fast, too furious for solar? You might think differently when it comes to solar carports. Solar Bear of Tampa explains more about this custom-built installation and how it can work in your home.

Also known as a solar canopy, the solar carport is unlike other solar entities. The structure not only provides shade for vehicles but will also generate electricity like traditional rooftop solar installations. However, solar panel carports are unique because they do not require a surface or a roof but rather resemble a ground-mounted solar installation. This installation style allows homeowners to structure their solar carport for optimum production. All solar carports are designed for the PV panels to be high enough off the ground to create enough clearance for parked vehicles. This design also allows for an in-built electric vehicle charging station so customers can top off batteries when cars are not in use. Most solar carports in residential areas are built for a single parking spot though in commercial areas, it’s common to see them strung together in a series to cover an entire parking lot.

With solar carports, the benefits are endless. This installation style allows customers to optimize their valuable real estate while transforming a seemingly unproductive parking spot into an energy-generating machine. Not only is it a more efficient use of space but it also protects Florida’s wide range of elements. Layer all of this onto the foundational premise of solar energy installations that allows for a smaller carbon footprint, energy independence, and financial savings and you have the best of both worlds.

If you want to learn more about the most efficient solar panel system for your needs, 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. Call us at (727) 741-7442 today!