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Solar energy is not just for neighborhoods anymore. Florida businesses are beginning to see the light and are now integrating solar into their operations. The Solar Bear Tampa team knows that by cutting energy costs and leveraging government incentive programs, these businesses can cut down their costs significantly. Read on to find out how going solar can reduce or even eliminate business costs.

Energy costs have always been a notable profit-stealing factor for most businesses. With the ongoing popularity of solar energy here in Florida, there’s never been a better time to enhance a business brand image with the addition of solar. Though cost is always at the helm of a business owner’s decision, there are nuances when it comes to short and long-term solar costs. The upfront panel installation can be expensive but because commercial systems vary in size, pricing can too. Many solar companies, like Solar Bear Tampa, offer incentive programs and payment plans that are then offset by the energy savings provided by the system. Most businesses receive more energy savings than their monthly payment costs. Pair this with local and federal tax incentives to save even more!

Since space is a valuable resource, businesses often have several advantages over residences when installing a solar system. Most systems are roof-mounted so a large, flat roof design is ideal. This type of landscape will also assist solar companies when performing their system estimates. Because each system is customized, providers should always work with business owners to determine the best scope, size of the system, and any additional maintenance plans. Solar Bear Tampa provides all of this and can answer any additional questions during our free estimate.

Taking your business solar will not only cut down costs but can also enhance your brand image as an environmentally conscious company. Solar Bear Tampa is here to help! Based in Florida, our team can help you create a solar energy plan that works for your business. Call us at (727) 471-7442 for more information.

When you’re ready to install a solar panel system in your Orlando home, you’ll likely have many questions about the installation, price, and ultimately, the warranty.

Don’t worry! While solar panel warranties can be complex to understand, our team here at Solar Bear Orlando is here to walk you through every part of the process. We can help you decide what solar system is best for you and will go over the warranty with you to ensure you know exactly what it entails.

Keep scrolling to learn more about solar panel warranties from our team at Super Heat & Air!

What Components are Included in a Solar Panel System Warranty?

There are four key components that are usually in a solar panel warranty:

• Product warranty
• Labor warranty
• Performance warranty
• Roof warranty

Each component of the solar warranty is equally important to ensure that you are getting the best value possible with your solar panel system.

Product Warranty

A product warranty ensures all the parts and materials of your solar panel system. Some parts of the solar system, like the inverter, often have a lifespan of 10 years, which is why many people decide to get coverage beyond that.

There are a few crucial things that are included in a product warranty including:

• Shipping, parts, and materials through the manufacturer
• Components such as railings, mounts, and the inverter

A product warranty lasts for 25 years and covers any panel replacements that may be required if the panels break or malfunction.

Labor/Workmanship Warranty

A labor or workmanship warranty ensures that your solar panel system will be properly installed. This includes:

• Proper conduit and wire runs
• Proper solar panel installation

Without a solid labor warranty, it could be quite costly to perform maintenance or repairs on your solar system and it will come out of your pocket.

Performance Warranty

The performance warranty guarantees that your solar panels will meet or produce a minimum of electricity during the warranty period. Just like other electronics, solar panels and their parts will slowly degrade over time, but only on a small scale over time.

Roof Warranty

It is also important to consider the lifespan of your roof. A benefit to installing solar panels is that they offer protection for your roof from inclement weather like rain or snow in northern climates.

Because of this, your roof will remain in stellar condition after a Solar Bear solar installation. Roof warranties also often provide coverage in the unlikely case of a leak caused by the installation of the solar panels.

If your roof does need to be replaced after getting solar, our solar installers can properly remove and reinstall the panels so your warranty remains intact.

Importance of Solar Warranties

Solar panels are a great investment because they are built to last. Even with slight degradation over the years, they can be effective and produce power for 3-40 years and beyond.

When you are investing in a solar system, it is important to choose a company that you can trust to ensure that your solar panels run smoothly for years to come. Solar panel warranties are a key component when investing in solar, as they provide a sense of security to you, the buyer, throughout the lifespan of your panels.

Orlando Solar

When you are ready to go solar in Orlando, choose Solar Bear Orlando for expert solar installations. We will help you choose the most-efficient solar array for your home and will make sure that you understand all the warranties involved.

Get started with solar today! Call Solar Bear for a quote at (727) 471-7442!

The recent changes to the solar industry in Florida have turned the Sunshine State a bit cloudy lately. Net metering, highly regarded as one of the best financial incentives when owning a solar system, was hanging in the balance under a new piece of legislation, HB 741. Solar Bear Tampa shares what Floridian solar power users should know about possible government deadlines for bills like these.

Net metering programs allow Floridian solar power users to lower or eliminate their utility bills. With this program, if your rooftop solar panels produce more electricity than needed, any excess would be sent through the meter and into the utility electrical grid. As it flows into the meter, you earn credit for each kilowatt (kW) of energy produced on a future utility bill. Currently, Tampa Electric Company (TECO), Duke Energy, and Florida Power & Light (FPL) offer utility net metering programs in Florida. However, if HB 741 or a similar bill was passed, that could all change.

As it’s written, HB 741 was set to have a huge impact on potential solar customers. Current solar customers would not be directly impacted by the bill immediately but if you were interested in adding a new solar system, it would be best to act quickly. HB 741 was scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2022, with all current solar businesses and residences grandfathered in for twenty years. Those that are interested in installing solar would have to do so by 2024 before utility companies replaced credits with fixed-rate charges. As part of these possible changes, the following time frames explain the elimination process for billing credits.

• January 1, 2024-December 31, 2025 credits will be reduced to 75% of their current value
• January 1, 2026-December 31, 2026 credits reduced to 60% of their current value
• January 1, 2027-December 31, 2028 credits reduced to 50% of their current value
• Beginning January 1, 2029, all billing credits will be eliminated. Solar customers will pay the full cost of all services and will not be cross-subsidized.

Though the bill was passed in both houses, HB 741 was vetoed by Governor DeSantis on April 27, 2022. This iteration of the bill has been halted but that’s not to say it could not return in a different form next session. Stay up to date on solar initiatives with Solar Bear Tampa by scheduling your free estimate today.

There are many reasons that public support for renewable energy has been gaining traction. Building wind and solar energy is a way that the United States can use energy sources that are more homegrown, low-cost, and renewable instead of relying on fossil fuels.

No matter the reason for embracing renewable energy, you might be wondering how you as a citizen can support the renewable energy movement.

While everyone doesn’t have the space to erect a wind turbine or install a solar panel system, here are 6 ways that you can support clean and reliable energy.

Contact Your Elected Officials

When you write to your U.S. Representatives, State Representatives, or your local elected officials, remember that your voice matters.

Tell them why you support growing renewable energy and why they should support policies that help the renewable energy industry grow. Ask what actions they are taking to support the renewable energy movement.

You may be surprised by how accessible your state and local elected officials are. To help enact meaningful change, make sure that your voice is heard!

Vote for Solar

The most important solar victories in the past few decades have all happened at the state and local levels, where the voices of everyday citizens hold sway.

Voting for solar initiatives and candidates that support solar energy are two ways that you can make an impact on a local and even global level. Push your representatives to take action. They work for you after all!

Support Local Businesses That Use Clean Energy

Corporate giants’ climate action is proof that global support for clean renewable energy is growing. But it isn’t only large companies that are making the switch. Solar panels can be seen across the country atop car repair shops and other small businesses to help them avoid fluctuating energy prices.

Frequent the greenest local businesses that you can. Buy from sustainable local businesses when you can, and don’t hesitate to let your local sops know that you support their decision to go solar or use clean energy.

Support Local Renewable Energy Initiatives

There are many wind and solar projects across Florida to support. Write to your local elected officials such as the County Commissioner or City Council to explain why you think renewable energy is a good thing for your community.

If there is a local renewable energy project in your area, stop into the developer’s office and say hello and ask how you can get more involved.

Further, attend any hearings or public gatherings and speak in support of these renewable energy projects. Even if you aren’t a public speaker, your presence at the local meeting is still helpful!

Inform Your Friends and Neighbors

Going solar is contagious. If you support solar by installing it on your roof or carport, your neighbors are more likely to follow. Inspire your neighbors to take action!

Let them know what steps you have been taking to support solar energy and share your enthusiasm for a future powered by clean energy.

Reduce Your Energy Impact

While choosing to add a solar system to your home is a wonderful way to support the renewable energy industry, there are other things that you can do to reduce your daily energy consumption.

Try:

 Reducing your electricity usage.

• Turn lights off during the day
• don’t leave lights on at night
• Unplug items that you aren’t using
• Leave blinds and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day
• Replace lightbulbs with LEDs
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Use energy-efficient appliances

Reducing the impact of transportation on the environment.

• Purchase an electric vehicle
• Take public transit
• Carpool
• Walk
• Ride a bike

Related> Why Florida is the Perfect Place to Switch to Solar Energy

Go Solar Today

Ready to make a difference in your community and for the environment? Take part in the renewable energy revolution and call Solar Bear Orlando to get started installing solar panels at your Orlando property today! If you want to make a change globally, you have to act locally.

Harness power from the sun with Solar Bear Orlando. Call to schedule a consultation today; (727) 471-7442!