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As the solar industry continues to gain ground in Florida, many homeowners are ready to invest in the increasingly popular practice. But, if the initial costs of a solar panel installation seem out of reach, a solar lease may be the light at the end of the tunnel. Solar Bear of Tampa shares four pros and cons of leasing solar panels below.

Did you know installing solar panels can instantly increase your home’s value by over 4% and help you save up to $30,000 across their lifespan? But should you choose to lease versus own the solar panels, you won’t be required to pay for installation, maintenance, or repairs. Instead, you elect to pay a fixed monthly amount to receive the energy from the solar panels on your property. Much like renting a car, a solar panel lease is a financial agreement with a solar energy company.

A considerate pro to leasing solar panels is avoiding the upfront costs. Most homes require 10 to 12 panels to fully cover electricity costs, which on average can total $8,000. If you choose to lease, the upfront costs are significantly cheaper. With this avenue, you also avoid any installation and maintenance fees. Solar installation companies may offer leasing programs that include free installation, maintenance, monitoring, and warranties on the rented panels. This is a great option for any solar panel novices, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the installation process or troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

Let’s talk cons. When you decide to lease rather than purchase solar panels, you miss out on financial incentives and rebates. Leases are ineligible for the 26% federal tax credit on any solar panel systems installed from 2020 to 2022 or the 22% credit for systems installed in 2023. That also includes net metering, a foundational financial incentive for Florida homeowners. Additionally, saving on those upfront costs may just end up costing you more over time. Similarly, to renting a house versus buying one, the costs seem cheaper initially but purchasing and owning an asset leads to significant savings overall.

If you are interested in learning more about leasing versus buying a solar system, speak with our team of experts at Solar Bear of Tampa. Call us at (727) 471-7442 or schedule your free estimate online today!

If you live in South Florida, you may have heard the term “HZHV” solar. What does this mean? Well, after Hurricane Andre blew through in 1992, South Florida building codes were rewritten to ensure that structures could withstand the stronger storms. Thus, the High-velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) was created.

Our team at Solar Bear Orlando outlines what it means to be HZHV solar and what requirements are encompassed in this building code.

Which Areas Enforce HZHV?

The main areas where HVHZ impact ratings are crucial are Miami-Dade, Broward County, and Coastal Palm Beach County. However, we recommend installing HVHZ impact-rated solar panels and other products if you live anywhere near the Florida coast where a hurricane might pose a risk.

Alongside hurricane-prone regions are Wind-Borne Debris Regions which include any area within one mile of the coast where wind speeds of 110 miles or greater are possible.

HVHZ impact-rated products include roofing, windows, doors, shutters, and yes, even solar panels. If you live in an area in Florida that is prone to hurricanes, you may be required to install HSHV building materials throughout your home.

HZHV Solar Installations

Because of the strict building codes that were established after 1992, all structures must be able to withstand wind gusts of between 170-180 mph to meet HSHV requirements.

Areas closer to the coast also have higher wind speed resistance requirements than inland areas, and each area has specific zoning and requirements based on that specific zone’s storm exposure.

All materials used to build homes and solar installations in these areas must be tested and meet zone wind resistance requirements. Materials that do not meet these high requirements will NOT be approved during the permitting process.

Solar Panels Make Your Roof Stronger

The solar panels that we install have a minimum of 4000-pascal uplift resistance. What is a pascal? It is the pressure of one newton per square meter. For a frame of reference, 100 pascal is approximately the pressure of direct impact from a strong breeze of about 28 mph. Imagine 4000 pascal! Our solar panels are built to resist uplift even during hurricane season.

Plus, the mounting systems that we use are thoroughly tested and are rated for the required uplift ratings as well.

P.s. Due to the structural integrity of solar panels, they enhance the strength of your roof! Yes!

What Could Happen During a Hurricane?

During a strong hurricane, one of a few things might happen if HZHV codes were not followed:

• The entire roof could come off with the solar panels attached
• Areas of the roof without solar panels might have serious damage
• Solar panels may be torn off the roof leaving attachment points in place

Though nothing can truly protect from catastrophic hurricane-force winds, using HZHV-certified solar is a step in the right direction.

Built to Last

HZHV solar installations are built to last. Since they are structurally part of the home, they are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. As the solar industry grows and adapts, new solar products will continue to be introduced to the market, offering more secure and strong solar panels that can virtually withstand anything.

HZHV Solar Installations

Though we live in Central Florida and don’t necessarily need to follow the HZHV building codes, it is always a great idea to install the best quality solar panels available to you. We can still get heavy winds and rain from hurricanes as they pass through, so call Solar Bear Orlando to ensure that your solar panels are ready to weather any storm!

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

The sweltering summer heat is here in Orlando, Florida, and if you are tired from spikes in your electricity bill, you aren’t alone!

If you are looking for ways to cut your energy bills this summer, try some of the following small updates and consider installing a solar system so you can take advantage of the sun’s energy.

Keep reading to learn tips from our team at Solar Bear Orlando!

Solar Bear’s Tips to Save on Energy Costs this Summer

Save on energy costs this summer with these simple tips!

#1. Install a Programmable Thermostat

One of the biggest users of energy in your home is your HVAC system. It certainly takes a lot of energy to keep your home cool!

We recommend investing in a programmable thermostat so you can adjust your home’s temperature throughout the day. Raising the thermostat by just a couple of degrees can save up to 10% on your electricity bills!

If you can stand it, set your indoor air temperature to 78 degrees for optimal savings.

#2. Change your AC Filter

If your home has central HVAC, make sure to change your air filter every 30-60 days. A dirty filter requires more energy to run and can lead to AC breakdowns and higher energy costs!

#3. Keep Your Windows Covered

Close your blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day to help reduce the amount of heat that is getting trapped inside your home.

When the sun goes down, open them up again since it is generally cooler outside.

#4. Invest in Energy Saving Appliances

In addition to your AC, large appliances like the dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine, and dryer are the biggest consumers of energy in the home.

If you are going to replace one or more of these appliances, look for the Energy Star Label. Energy Star appliances use 10-40% less energy than their counterparts, so you’ll be sure to notice more savings on your energy bills!

#5. Unplug Unused Devices

Avoid vampire power throughout your home. Unplug devices and chargers around your home if you aren’t using them. This includes laptops, TVs, gaming consoles, phone chargers, and kitchen appliances.

Consider connecting them all to a power strip that you can switch on and off. This small step could save you up to $200 a year!

#6. Install Solar

Consider installing a solar system to use the summer sun to your advantage. It might be obvious, but solar systems generate the most power when the summer sun is shining and its rays are the strongest.

Plus, solar energy systems provide clean energy and don’t emit harmful greenhouse gasses like fossil fuels. And if that isn’t enough of an incentive, you can look at substantial savings on your energy costs by switching to solar.

#7. Use a Solar Battery System

You can further offset peak electric rates with a solar battery. Some utility companies offer Time-of-Use plans that raise electricity rates when energy use is at its highest. With a solar system and solar battery system, you can buffer these Time-of-Use rates by storing energy to use when you need it most.

Take Advantage of the Sun’s Rays

As you can see a few simple changes can greatly offset your electricity costs during the hottest months of the year. Plus, by choosing to install a solar system from Solar Bear Orlando, you can offset these costs even more by harnessing the power of the sun!

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

Floridians know that summer is not all sunshine and beach days. It is also the start of hurricane season – a time that can cause worry and panic to ensure homes are up to snuff, especially those with solar panels. Solar Bear of Tampa examines how extreme weather can impact your solar panels and how you can protect against future damage.

Generally, most solar panels are certified to withstand up to 140mph winds. Certain states like Florida require installation companies to ensure that their fixtures are strong enough to hold off winds up to 170mph. High winds and heavy rain could potentially disrupt a solar panel installation but by using high-quality materials, even the heaviest of storms should not cause damage. Because solar panels are created from a combination of aluminum and glass, they are extremely waterproof. The rain actually helps clear away dirt, pollen, and other debris. If there is an incident of damage, most homeowners’ insurance plans include solar panels as a permanent part of your home. We recommend contacting your insurer before installation to see whether you’re covered and if you are not, see if you can be. 

Hurricanes can often bring with them heavy cloud cover and dark skies. But fear not, solar panels can still absorb about 25% of their capacity in those conditions. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact amount due to variables like the number of breaks in the clouds or how dark the clouds are but generally, it’s enough to keep essential appliances running. Furthermore, by installing a solar battery or stand-alone inverter with your solar system, you are better prepared than most to withstand a powerful hurricane. If the electrical grid should fail during a storm, a solar battery bank will allow you to take the excess energy stored and use it at your disposal.

Our team of energy experts can assist with any solar panel questions while we customize a solar installation that works for you. Call Solar Bear Tampa at (727) 471-7442 or request a free estimate today.