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As a landlord, you are likely on the lookout for new ways to increase the profitability of your rental property, and solar panels are a great way to do it!

It can be incredibly worth it to install solar panels on a rental property, and our team at Solar Bear Orlando explains why and how to do it! Ready? Let’s go!

How Can Rental Properties Benefit from Going Solar?

Installing solar panels on a rental property can certainly attract better tenants and can help save on utility expenses in the long run.

Here are some of the main benefits of going solar:

• Help tenants reduce or eliminate their eclectic bills (What a perk!)
• Reduce operating costs if your tenant’s electricity is included in their rental payment
• Offset electricity costs in common areas
• Justify higher monthly rent for tenants
• Lower your rental’s carbon footprint
• Attract higher quality tenants
• Increase the value of your property
• Quality for solar incentives and tax credits

Let’s discuss some of these further!

Tax Credits

If you have a solar system on your investment property, you may qualify for the Investment Tax Credit or ITC and other federal or state tax benefits

Increase Property Value

A great benefit of having solar panels on a rental or investment property is that they increase the overall property value. You may find that you can charge higher rent or find better tenants by having an energy-efficient feature at your rental. In turn, your tenants will benefit as they may see a dramatic decrease in their energy bills. It’s a win-win!

Being able to charge higher rent allows you to financially recover from the expense of installing a solar system. If you sell the rental property later, the solar system will increase its sale price and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Energy Efficiency

It is amazing to be independent of public utilities. Not only is solar more reliable and better for the environment, but it can also amount to greater savings each year. This is especially true in states like Florida where we get a lot of sun exposure!

Environmentally Friendly

Besides the financial benefits, a solar panel system can decrease our dependence on fossil fuels for energy. Using solar power significantly decreases your carbon footprint and helps the environment thrive for future generations.

Is Your Rental Property Suitable for Solar Panels?

As a property owner, you must consider if your property is right for solar before beginning installation. Most properties in Florida are suitable due to the amount of sunlight we receive here in the Sunshine State, but there are still many factors to consider.

To gain the most benefit from a solar system, the solar panels should be installed on a roof that faces south at a 30-degree angle. Don’t worry, roofs that face east or west at a different angle will still generate sufficient energy! If you have a flat roof, we will have to create the most efficient angle with special mounting brackets.

For properties that face north or have trees and structures that surround them, it can be difficult to generate solar power.

The Costs of Installing Solar on a Rental Property

Keep in mind that before you can reap all the benefits of solar, there are some maintenance costs associated with solar panels.

• You will have to pay a monthly connection fee to your utility company which can be around $20-40 a month
• If you finance your solar panels, then the monthly payment will need to be factored into the rent of your property. As stated above, you can justify higher rent with solar panels, and once they are paid off you will receive a substantial cash flow from your rental property.

Install Solar at Your Investment Property

Take advantage of the solar revolution and install solar panels at your rental or investment property with Solar Bear Orlando today! You’ll gain energy independence, and higher property values, plus you can net higher rent payments from your tenants. Yes!

Choose to go solar with Florida’s #1 solar installation company, Solar Bear Orlando! Give us a call for a solar consultation today; (727) 471-7442!

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!

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.

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!