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Does your family have a safety plan in the event of a house fire? If your home has rooftop solar panels, it may be important to add solar rapid shutdown instructions to that plan. This critical regulation provides a way for firefighters to shut down the main power source during an emergency. Read on to see why the Solar Bear team recommends solar rapid shutdowns for homeowners.

Solar rapid shutdown is the ability to easily shut down a solar panel system in case of an emergency. This action was first mandated by regulations in 2014 by the National Electrical Code (NEC) as a quick and effective way to cut off electricity running through a solar panel system. Without rapid shutdown devices in place, there is no safe way to shut down the current running through the panel conductors. Because solar panels store power, there is still a risk of electrocution with the live current in the electrical cables in your solar panels. Firefighters and first responders would be at a higher risk because of rescue efforts that could bring them into direct contact with the solar system’s conductors or wires. However, with a solar rapid shutdown device, the solar system could be de-energized in under a minute and remove the risk of electrocution for anyone going on the roof.

If you purchase a solar panel system in 2022, rapid shutdown functionality is most likely included in your equipment. Most residential systems are installed with microinverters and power optimizers that operate with a built-in rapid shutdown capability. If you choose to buy a solar panel system that uses a string inverter, you will need to install module-level power electronics (MLPE) to comply with NEC regulations. By connecting your string inverter to a power optimizer or an MLPE rapid shutdown product, you can install this functionality quickly. Currently, if you have an older system, there is no requirement to retrofit but should you plan to upgrade or expand, you will need to bring the system up to NEC code.

Solar Bear wants to make going solar an easy and seamless experience for you! With our extensive solar knowledge, we can help you design the best system for your home. Get started with your free estimate today!

White sandy beaches, palm trees, great weather. We love our state! It’s known as the Sunshine State after all! But with all this natural beauty comes higher energy costs, and Florida residents are tired of paying for it.

You may be wondering if solar panels are worth the investment, and while we just want to say a resounding, YES, here are our top six reasons why Florida is the perfect place to go solar. Trust us, they’re worth it!

Why Solar Panels Are Worth It in Florida

Residential solar panel installations in Florida have never been more affordable thanks to the federal tax credit, energy cost savings, and advances in solar technology. Here are a few of the great reasons why Florida is the perfect place to switch to solar energy!

#1. Abundance of Sun

Depending on what side of Florida’s coast you are on, the state of Florida gets between 220-266 days of great weather and sunlight. Plus, our warmer winters are the perfect conditions for harnessing the power of the sun for home energy use year-round across the state.

The best part? If your home’s roof faces south or west and gets a lot of sunlight exposure, you can rest assured that your solar system will run efficiently and effectively.

But don’t worry if your home faces another direction, our solar pros at Solar Bear Orlando can evaluate your roof and energy needs to ensure your solar system will provide enough energy for you.

#2. Zero Sales Tax

If you didn’t already know, we’re happy to let you in on a secret! The purchase of your solar panel system or solar battery backup, as well as their installation, are all exempt from sales tax in Florida. Yes, you read that right!

Think about it. If you purchased a solar panel system for $10,000, the normal sales tax in Florida would be $600. But since you’ll be tax-exempt, you can keep that $600 in the bank!

#3. Net Metering

A great way to get even more savings on your solar panel purchase in Florida is to take advantage of net metering. What does this mean? Well, it’s just a way to say that you can sell the energy that your solar panels produce to your energy company in the form of a credit on your monthly bill. Score!

When you use net metering, your solar panels are connected to the utility grid, and when your system produces excess energy, it is sent to the grid. Your account then gets credits per kWh that your panels produce. Hello, energy independence!

Keep Reading> Everything You Need to Know About Net Metering

#4. Tax Incentives

If you are concerned about the costs of switching to solar in Florida, we have some great news for you! The federal government offers huge tax incentives to homeowners that are choosing to go solar.

With the Federal Tax Credit, you can get 26% of the total cost of your system back in tax credits when you file your taxes. If you don’t use the entire amount, it will roll over to the next year.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tax credit is set to reduce to 22% in 2023, and by 2024 it will be gone completely. There’s no better time than the present to install solar!

Learn More> A Guide to the Federal Solar Tax

#5. Energy Independence

Speaking of energy independence, if you install a solar battery storage system, you can store your excess solar energy to use in case of a power outage.

So not only does a solar system protect you from the rising cost of energy, but it can give you complete independence to control your home’s power.

#6. Keeping Florida Beautiful

Florida imports billions of dollars of coal per year to power our homes and businesses. Because of this, energy costs are driven up and residents pay the price. Further, the use of coal causes a lot of pollution as well.

Some cities in Florida are adopting their own progressive renewable energy policies to keep Florida, and our Earth beautiful. Let’s work together to create a future where 100% of our energy comes from renewable energy sources!

Choose Florida Solar

Now is a great time to go solar in Orlando and the surrounding areas. Say goodbye to rising energy costs and take control of your home’s energy today! Plus, you can take advantage of the Federal Tax Credit and feel better knowing that you are doing your part to keep our state beautiful.

Ready for a solar quote? Call our solar pros at Solar Bear Orlando today; 407-904-7585!

Net metering is one of the tremendous financial perks going solar offers. Depending on your solar system and any incentives you opted into, a meter was likely installed with your system. If your rooftop solar panels produce more electricity than needed, any excess is sent through that meter and into the utility electrical grid. As it flows into the meter, you earn equal credit on a future utility bill. Currently, Tampa Electric Company (TECO), Duke Energy, and Florida Power & Light (FPL) all offer utility net metering programs in Florida; however, that could change soon.

Recently, an anti-rooftop solar bill, Senate Bill 1024 and House Bill 741 respectively, was introduced in the Florida legislature. This bill is aimed at gutting the state’s net metering policy by stripping net metering from homes and businesses that go solar in 2024 and beyond. If passed, this would also permit punitive fees on solar customers. A major utility company argues that this arrangement is fairer for non-solar customers who allegedly subsidize solar customers. This stance could decimate solar choice for customers, jobs, and economic development in Florida.

At the time of this article, Senate Bill 1024 has passed the legislature and is awaiting Governor DeSantis’s signature or veto. By signing this bill, solar financial benefits for Floridians would effectively be eliminated and allow utilities to impose new fees on solar owners. To ensure that your home can keep net metering for the next 20 years, all solar panel installations must be completed by the end of 2023. In addition to the lost compensation for excess energy, rate schedules could be considered that include increased “base facilities charge, electric grid access fees or monthly minimum bills” to guarantee that solar owners pay more than non-solar owners.

If you are on the fence about going solar, now is the time to schedule an estimate! The Solar Bear team can help you lock in net metering benefits, recommend energy-saving solutions and assist with financing. Get your free estimate here or give us a call at (813) 922-3735 for more information.

When deciding to install solar panels in Orlando Florida, one of the first questions you may ask yourself is, should I re-roof my home? And your next question might be will any of the solar tax credits apply if I do?

Our team here at Solar Bear Orlando is here to help you get the facts straight about solar tax credits so you can make the best decision for you. Keep reading to learn more!

What are Solar Tax Credits?

The Federal Investment Tax Credit, also known as a Solar Tax Credit, allows you to deduct a percentage of the cost of your solar installation from your annual federal taxes. The structure follows this pattern:

• In 2022 the savings are 26%
• By 2023 they will drop to 22%
• In 2024, it will be 0%

The Solar Tax Credit will cover all labor, equipment, and installation costs for your solar system, and can also be carried into the next year if you can’t take the full credit in the year that your solar system was installed.

Disclaimer:

Though we are knowledgeable about solar tax credits, we are not tax professionals, and all the information in this blog does not and should not constitute professional tax advice. You should always consider advice from a professional when making important tax decisions.

How Much Can You Save with the Solar Tax Credits?

Let’s create an example: If your solar installation costs $10,000, you could be eligible for a tax credit of $2,600, thus reducing your costs significantly.

Is a New Roof Eligible for Solar Tax Credits?

So, what if you plan to re-roof your home in conjunction with installing solar panels. Does the Solar Tax Credit apply? The short answer? No.

Many solar installers in Florida might tell you otherwise, but don’t listen to them. The last thing you want to do is end up in trouble with the IRS.

Here is what the IRS says:

Tax reductions only apply to qualified solar electric property costs. Here are some guidelines:

• The solar energy that generates electricity for use in a home located in the United States
• Costs cannot relate to a solar panel or other property installed as a roof
• Cannot be a structural component of the structure on which they are installed
• Some solar roofing tiles or shingles can qualify for the solar credit
• The home doesn’t have to be your primary residence to qualify

Do I Need a New Roof?

Before installing solar panels, it is important to consider the age of your roof. Our best advice: don’t install solar panels on an old roof. You won’t want to pay a contractor to remove the solar panels and have to put them back up after you replace your roof.

Yes, it is a bummer that the Solar Tax Credit does not apply to a new roof, but it is better to do the job right the first time!

Before installing solar panels, consider:

• HOA regulations
• Your roof’s warranty
• Does your roof get enough sunlight? Is it shaded by trees most of the day?
• Hiring a company like Solar Bear that does roofing and solar panel installations
• Installing solar panels on the ground or a shed or outbuilding can be a great option if you have a new roof already
• Having your roof inspected before installing solar to ensure it is in great condition

Trust the Experts

If a solar company is offering you a new roof with the promise of solar tax credit reductions, consider their intentions.

Here at Solar Bear Orlando, we’ll never steer you wrong, and can help you decide what is best for your home if you do decide to install solar. Ultimately, before making any decisions, you should talk to your tax professional to ensure that what you are planning to do falls under the Solar Tax Credit guidelines.

Go Solar in Orlando

If you are interested in installing solar panels in Orlando, Florida, or the surrounding Central Florida area, contact Solar Bear! We are one of the Sunshine State’s leading solar installation companies and would love to help you save big on your solar installation with the Solar Tax Credit in 2022.

Don’t wait. Take advantage of these tax credits before they’re gone! Call Solar Bear Orlando to get started today; 407-904-7585!