Category: Uncategorized

Does anyone even read the manual before they start building something? Lucky for you, the Solar Bear team does but it’s also a great idea for owners to have a baseline knowledge of solar systems so they can make informed decisions during the installation process. Today, we’ll take a quick look at solar panel electrical requirements and what they entail. Don’t worry, there won’t be a quiz!

As you begin a solar system journey, it is critical to consider the rated size, or capacity, of your home’s electrical panel. This is the central area where all circuit breakers will be housed and act as the clearinghouse for all incoming and outgoing power from your panels.

Until about the 1970s, most homes were built with 100 amps electrical panels. Fast forward to the newer and larger builds that required the more powerful 200 amps panels. Because of the significant difference in these panels, electrical code rules limit the size of the solar system that can be installed. If a home needs a larger system than the electrical panel can support, there are a couple of ways to upgrade the panel. During a consultation, the Solar Bear team can identify and recommend all available options for your home.

However, in order to size your system effectively there are some terms that will be helpful to know. Utility companies will bill electricity on a cost per kilowatt hour. A kilowatt hour (kWH) is a unit of measurement that calculates how much energy is used over a period of time. You can find out how many kWh your home uses monthly by looking at your electricity bill. Voltage drop is another term that may be helpful to learn as you install your solar system. This occurs as a current moves through an electrical circuit, causing a small amount of voltage to drop due to its resistance in the wires. Check out our blog post on voltage drop for a more in depth look.

Though there may be a learning curve with things like the 120% rule or reading an electrical wiring diagram, the Solar Bear Tampa team can help from start to finish. Our team prides itself on providing solar energy education and transparency to all clients. Get your free estimate or give us a call at (813) 922-3735 for more information.

Thanks to advances in technology and affordability, solar power is more popular than ever, and more people are beginning to realize that solar power can benefit them financially while making a difference. Solar offers an opportunity to make a positive impact on the world without changing your lifestyle.

For Florida residents, choosing to go solar helps preserve the natural beauty in our state and as we move further into 2022, we are excited to share some of the solar energy trends that we’re watching out for this year. Let’s go!

Power Companies Commit to Renewable Energy

Solar power and other renewable energy sources provide large amounts of electricity to consumers across the United States. In 2021 alone, renewable energy usage increased by 28%, and it is forecasted to rise again in 2022.

48 major power suppliers in the United States have committed to cutting their carbon emissions by 2050, and in many cases, the goal is to reach “net-zero.” Though 2050 seems like a lifetime away, 2022 marks the starting point for many of these solar power and renewable energy initiatives.

Don’t wait for the power companies to catch up with green energy—take control of your energy bill and have Solar Bear Orlando install a residential solar power system today!

American Solar Energy Society to Address Economic Issues

When the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) hosts its conference in June of this year, they will discuss how to transition to solar power on a larger scale.

Beyond its environmental benefits, solar power is generally more affordable than it once was. Both businesses and homeowners alike can save substantially on energy costs over the lifespan of their system. In many cases, these returns are better than what one could get on the stock market. It is the goal of ASES to bring the opportunity to install solar to more people of all economic backgrounds.

The Society also plans to focus on the positive impact that solar power can have on communities around the world that are experiencing natural disasters. We look forward to hearing expert speakers explore the latest solar power trends!

Las Vegas Embraces Solar Power

No longer just Sin City, Las Vegas is taking advantage of their ample sunshine in the desert and becoming a SUN city! MGM Resorts plans to build a Mega Solar Array that will use 640 acres of solar panels to generate 90% of the daytime power that its 13 Vegas strip properties need.

In total this solar array will produce the same amount of power that is used by 27,000 residential homes. This is also the second investment in solar power by MGM, and we are hoping that it will encourage other resorts and business owners to switch to renewable energy in 2022 as well.

If you stay at the Aria or Bellagio Resorts, you can appreciate knowing that your stay is powered by the sun every day!

Residents and Businesses are Empowered by Solar

One of the continuing trends in solar power that we expect to see more of in 2022 is the installation of on-site solar systems that provide freedom from utility companies. With the cost of fuel rising all the time, it’s no wonder that so many people are switching to solar.

You could benefit from energy bill savings of at the very least 60%, and when the solar system is paid off, you could enjoy free energy production for decades.

Switching to solar is a simple way to take control of your energy bills while making an impact on our planet and our beautiful state of Florida. In 2021, homeowners switched to solar power in record numbers, and we expect to see that trend continue into 2022.

Switch to Solar

Florida is called the “Sunshine State” for a reason! Take your energy into your own hands and make the switch to solar today! Not only will you enjoy lower energy costs, but you will be making a difference in your very own community.

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

Work smarter, not harder. The age-old saying applies to a lot of things especially when it comes to installing solar power for your business. Solar Bear Tampa has the top four reasons why adding a solar energy system is just good business cents…er, sense.

1. Tax incentives

There are a number of local and federal tax incentives that may reduce or eliminate your business’s monthly utility bill. Currently, the Federal Solar Tax Investment Credit offers a solar tax credit of 26% as an incentive for businesses to use alternative energy. The Solar Bear Tampa team can recommend all applicable options that may include net metering, Florida’s Solar and CHP sales tax exemption and more.

2. Increased property value

The real estate game is on fire these days. As a growing or expanding company, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the market. By installing solar panels, you will instantly see an increase in property value followed by a decrease in utilities costs. These small changes can lead to big results for buyers and sellers.

3. Attracting customers

Installing a solar system can lead to a whole new customer audience! Growing climate concerns and constant discussions on renewable energy initiatives have consumers paying more attention to where their dollars are spent. By installing solar for your business, you are exemplifying a progressive strategy that is committed to sustainable values.

4. ROI

Making sound investments is part of the business world but with solar, it’s never been easier to see your return on investment. By installing solar and owning a system outright, payments will be significantly less than they would be for a traditional electric system. Solar Bear Tampa can determine the best financing options for your business to ensure that your ROI keeps growing. 

Solar Bear Tampa wants to make going solar an easy and seamless experience for your business! With our extensive experience and a plethora of fantastic benefits, going solar has never been easier. Get started with your free estimate today!

If you are interested in installing a solar panel system, there are many things to consider including the size of the system, your energy needs, and ultimately, the price. But what factors into the cost of a new solar system?

We’re glad you asked! Learn how the cost of your solar system is calculated from our team at Solar Bear Orlando!

System Size

The most important metric to pay attention to when installing a solar system is the cost per kilowatt of DC capacity (kWdc). Typically, solar panel systems are sized accordingly to their “DC capacity,” which is the amount of electricity the system is forecasted to produce.

When discussing cost, a common metric used in the solar industry is $/kWdc, which is the ratio of capital invested in the system relative to the capacity installed. This is like what architects and contractors use to determine the price per square foot ($/sq.ft.).

One of the best aspects of installing solar is that it is easily scalable. Systems are cost-effective at any size, and the price of installation can be scaled to fit any budget, large or small.

The cost of solar regarding $/kWdc will go down as the system gets larger and will produce electricity at a lower overall cost the larger it is. It is important to remember not to install an oversized system, as too much power can lead to waste and an unproductive return on investment (ROI).

When our team at Solar Bear quotes a new project, one of the first things we look at is the current electrical load, and the area that is available for solar installation. Then we will conduct an energy analysis to ensure that the system we install is the optimal size for your needs.

Mounting Style

The most common ways that solar can be installed are rooftop or ground-mounted. Rooftop systems are mounted to your home’s roof, and ground-mounted systems utilize vacant land.

Ground-mounted solar systems can involve higher project costs due to the equipment and planning involved to build the mounting system. There are more materials involved with these kinds of systems because the mounting system provides the entire foundation for the solar system, whereas rooftop solar systems rely on the roof for their foundation.

If a large system is desired, ground-mounted systems have the potential to be more cost-effective than rooftop solar systems as they can often be built bigger.

The third type of solar installation, like a ground mount, is solar carports. These can be expensive to install, as they require extensive structural foundations to be strong enough to mount solar panels. If you already have a carport at your home, it might be able to be retrofitted for solar installation.

Learn More> Ground Mounts Vs. Roof Mounts- What to Know

Age of Your Roof

If you are installing solar panels on your roof, and it needs to be replaced, it makes sense to replace your roof before installing solar panels. This is because if you don’t, you will later have to have your solar panels removed so that the roof can be replaced. Rather than incur these added costs, consider replacing your roof when the panels are being installed.

At Solar Bear Orlando, we can do both! We offer expert solar panel installations as well as solar power! 

Tax Incentives

Many cities and governments offer incentives for solar energy installations. In most cases, these will help to reduce the total cost of the installation. These incentives don’t apply in certain scenarios, so it is important to understand what is covered and what isn’t.

Keep Reading> How to Calculate the Solar Payback Period

Go Solar

If you are considering installing solar panels in Orlando, Florida, our team at Solar Bear is here to help! We have extensive experience installing solar systems in Orlando and the surrounding areas and will help you secure financing and tax incentives, so your solar installation is cost-effective.

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