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Are There Taxes on Solar in Florida in 2024?

If you’re a Florida homeowner considering making the switch to solar energy, you might be wondering about the tax implications. Will those shiny new panels add to your tax burden? Good news! Florida shines when it comes to solar incentives, and in 2024, you can still enjoy significant tax breaks that make going solar even more attractive.

No Sales Tax on Your Sunshine Power

Let’s start with the big one: Florida waives the sales tax on solar energy systems. That’s right, you won’t have to pay a dime in sales tax on your solar panels, inverters, batteries, or even the installation costs. All in all, it’s a sweet deal, especially considering that Florida’s average sales tax is 6%. For a typical solar system, that could save you thousands of dollars!

Property Taxes? Not a Problem!

Worried about your property taxes skyrocketing after installing solar? Not a problem! Florida offers a property tax exemption for solar energy systems. So, the added value solar brings to your home won’t increase your property tax bill. That’s a win-win for your wallet and the environment.

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

While not a state-specific incentive, the federal solar investment tax credit is a significant financial boost for homeowners who go solar. In 2024, you can still claim a 30% tax credit for the cost of your solar system, including installation. That means you could potentially recoup a substantial portion of your investment through tax savings.

Extra Incentives to Brighten Your Day

Beyond tax breaks, Florida offers several other incentives to encourage solar adoption, like:

• Net Metering.This program allows you to sell excess electricity back to the grid, earning credits on your utility bill.
• Solar Financing Options.Various loan and lease options can help you make solar more affordable.
• Local Incentives.Some cities and counties offer additional rebates or incentives for solar installations.

Maximize Your Solar Savings with Solar Bear!

Ready to take advantage of Florida’s solar-friendly tax policies? Understanding solar incentives can be a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry, the experts at Solar Bear of Tampa are here to help. We’ll guide you through the process, help you understand the available tax breaks and incentives, and ensure you get the most out of your solar investment. Contact us today at (727) 471-7442 and let us illuminate your path to a brighter, more sustainable future!

3 Important Numbers That Should Always Be Checked During A Solar Maintenance Appointment

Installing a solar panel system at your Florida home is an exciting way to harness the power of the sun to produce energy to power your appliances, EVs, and more. However, certain aspects of the system need to be monitored to make the most of their efficiency.

Today, our team at Solar Bear Orlando explains the top three most important solar-related numbers that should always be checked during a solar maintenance appointment.

#1. Tilt & Orientation

As we’ve outlined in previous articles before, the angle and tilt of your solar panels can have a large effect on the energy the system can absorb. This is all based on the latitude of the current season.

To maximize the amount of energy that your solar system produces, the panels should be positioned perpendicular to the sun. Generally, it is recommended that for the best performance, you should add 15 degrees to your panel’s tilt in the winter and subtract 15 degrees in the summer for optimal energy production.

Orientation is also quite important. The best direction for solar panels to be oriented is South. This allows them to receive the maximum amount of direct sunlight throughout the day in Central Florida.

When checking in for maintenance, a solar provider will ensure that your panels are still producing energy efficiently based on their tilt and orientation.

Read More > Angled Solar Panels: Why Tilt Matters

#2. Temperature Coefficient

This is another important number that solar contractors and maintenance teams check with maintaining your solar system. This outlines the percentage per degree in Celsius, or how much power the solar panel will lose when the outside temperature increases by each degree over 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

Generally, as the temperature rises above 77 degrees, the solar panel’s overall efficiency decreases. It also works the other way. If the outside temperature is lower than 77 degrees, the system’s efficiency increases.

We check this number because it allows us to understand how efficient your system is based on the season, and time of day. After a year of compiling this data, you will see how Central Florida’s weather affects the efficiency of your panels and when you can expect to see any specific losses or gains in production.

#3. Solar Irradiance

Another important measurement when it comes to solar panels is called solar irradiance. This is defined as the measurement of the sun’s intensity over a specific area. In solar speak, we also define this as Peak Sun Hours or PSH, or the number of hours that the system receives an average intensity of 1 kW/m2.

This is important as the higher solar irradiance is, the more electricity can be produced by the system.

Call on Solar Bear Orlando

Choosing Solar Bear Orlando to install your solar system in Central Florida is a decision that will yield optimal results. Our team of experienced professionals understands the importance of factors such as tilt and orientation, temperature coefficient, and solar irradiance in maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of your solar system.

Don’t wait to install solar at your home or business! Contact Solar Bear Orlando today for an installation quote at (727) 471-7442!

What Is the Solar Industry’s Outlook for 2025?

If you’re considering solar power in 2025, get ready for a wild ride. The industry is booming, with growth projections that would make any energy enthusiast giddy. But like any sunny day in Florida, there are a few potential storms brewing on the horizon. So, let’s take a closer look at what the solar landscape might look like in 2025.

The Sunshine State of Solar: Growth and Potential

Hold onto your hats, folks, because solar is soaring! The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts a whopping 79 gigawatts of new solar capacity will come online over the next two years, making solar the leading source of new electricity generation. That’s enough power to juice up millions of homes and businesses across the country.

The EIA is even forecasting that solar could surpass hydropower as the largest source of zero-emissions electricity in the U.S. in 2024. That’s a major milestone and a testament to the growing popularity and viability of solar energy.

Clouds on the Horizon: Challenges and Headwinds

While the future looks bright for solar, there are several challenges to the industry’s momentum:

• Supply Chain Woes:A limited domestic manufacturing base and potential trade barriers could lead to a shortage of affordable solar equipment. This could drive up prices and slow down installations.
• Interconnection Issues:Connecting solar systems to the grid can be a lengthy and complex process. The industry is pushing for reforms to streamline interconnection and make it easier for homeowners and businesses to go solar.
• Net Metering Changes:Some states are re-evaluating net metering policies, which could reduce the financial incentives for homeowners to install solar.

Making the Most of Solar: Your Guide to a Brighter Future

Despite the challenges, the overall outlook for the solar industry in 2025 remains positive. The demand for clean energy is stronger than ever, and technological advancements continue to make solar more accessible and affordable.

But here’s the key: choosing the right solar partner is crucial for navigating this ever-changing landscape. That’s where Solar Bear of Tampa comes in. We’re your local solar experts, committed to helping you harness the power of the sun and make a smart investment in your future.

Don’t Wait to Make the Switch!

There’s never been a better time to switch to solar—reach out to Solar Bear of Tampa today at (727) 471-7442. We’ll answer all your questions, guide you through the process, and help you design a custom solar solution that meets your needs and budget. Let’s start building your brighter future together!

3 Reasons To Never Clean Your Solar With Dish Soap

You might know that to enhance your solar panel’s output they need to be kept in optimal condition, which means they should be as clean as possible. But, this doesn’t mean that you should grab the nearest bottle of dish soap to clean them! Yes, it’s true. Using kitchen dish soap to clean your solar array could do more harm than good.

Today, our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares why you should avoid cleaning with dish soap and instead call on a professional to clean your solar system. Let’s get to it!

Why You Should Never Use Dish Soap to Clean Solar Panels

So, here’s the thing. We get that many homeowners are avid DIYers, but we want to warn them that this could cause issues with their solar panel’s efficiency and output.

Consider these reasons why:

#1. Reduced Efficiency & Damage

Using dish soap to give your solar panels a quick clean might seem convenient, but the truth is that it can cause damage to your solar array. Dish soap is designed to cut through grease and grime on household dishes, but the harsh chemicals can strip away the protective coatings on the solar panels, damaging them in the process.

Also, sometimes there is residue left behind from dish soap which can create a film on solar panels, reducing their overall efficiency.

#2. Scratches

Scrubbing with abrasive pads or sponges with dish soap can potentially scratch the glass surface of the solar panels, causing permanent damage and, thus less efficiency.

While we understand that the intention is to remove dirt and grime from the panel surfaces, scrubbing too vigorously can scratch the glass surface of the panels. While it might seem that minor scratches are no big deal, they can lead to permanent damage and less than optimal energy output.

#3. Voided Warranties

Another very important reason to avoid using dish soap to clean solar panels is the simple fact that it can void the warranty that you have on your system. Many solar manufacturers outline in their warranties that they only allow certain cleaning products to maintain the overall integrity of the panels.

If homeowners disregard these guidelines and use DIY solutions or dish soap for cleaning, they could risk the coverage that they have for repairs or replacement under the warranty.

Read More > Why Have Your Solar Panels Professionally Installed

Expert Solar Installations

We are honored to be the #1 solar installation company in Central Florida and are excited to help homeowners across the Sunshine State install solar systems at their residential and commercial properties. We want everyone to remember, that cleaning your solar panels with dish soap will not result in a thorough clean. Without proper equipment, you may end up with damage or spots that impede sun absorption.

We always recommend investing in professional solar panel cleaning services to optimize the system’s performance for years to come. Ready to get started with your own solar array? Contact our team at Solar Bear Orlando for a quote today at (727) 471-7442!