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When you have solar panels installed on your roof, you don’t want it to remind you of the classic Goldilocks tale. Is the roof strength too weak, too strong, or just right? That’s where Solar Bear Tampa comes in with the hot take on solar panel installation.

In most cases, the weight and size of an individual solar panel is universal and doesn’t offer much variation between brands. The more critical part is the combined weight of the installation and how it will affect your rooftop. Much of the weight attributed to solar panels is actually in the aluminum framing and tempered glass that is used to create the solar panel. Tempered glass is used rather than normal glass as an industry standard to ensure that the panel can combat harsh weather conditions. The panel must withstand the impact of a 1” diameter hailstone traveling at 50 mph.

Before any solar panel installation takes place, the Solar Bear Tampa team will audit your roof through our free estimate to check its condition and if it can take the weight of the installation. Generally, every roof is able to withstand the additional weight of an average size solar panel installation. In most cases, the weight of a solar system includes panels, mounting equipment, racking, wiring and junction boxes that will total around 3-4 pounds per square foot. A roof is designed to accommodate up to 20 pounds per square foot before it becomes stressed, per the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Though if you own an older home and there is a concern that your roof cannot handle the extra weight, an inspection can be done by a structural engineer. This will not only affirm your roof’s strength but also ensure that your warranty will not be voided if panel damage occurs.

Let us design a fairy tale ending that is just right! Solar Bear Tampa is ready to create a thriving quality of life through solar energy for Florida families just like yours. Sign up for a free estimate today or give us a call at (813) 993-4252 for more information.

If you have been waiting to install solar panels, here’s your sign! With the Federal Solar Tax Credit, now is the best time to go solar.

But before you sign on the dotted line, there are a few things that you need to know about the updates to the Federal Solar Tax Credit which has now been extended through 2024. Ready to learn more? Let’s go!

History of the Solar Tax Credit

The Solar Tax Credit, also known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), began in 2005. It applies to residences, businesses, agricultural businesses, and utilities. There is no cap, so even a multi-million-dollar solar installation can use the credit.

Take note, this is not a tax deduction, rather it is a tax credit. A deduction lowers your taxable income, but a credit is a direct reduction to your tax bill.

Originally, the ITC was meant to expire just two years after it began. But once it started, it never stopped and has now been renewed until 2024.

Up until 2019, the solar tax credit had been 30%, but in 2020, the credit dropped to 26% for residential solar installations. It was scheduled to drop to 22% in 2021, to 10% in 2023, and then be terminated after that.

For commercial and utility solar installs, the plan was meant to follow the same structure, but the 10% credit would remain in effect indefinitely.

Updates to the Solar Credit

As 2020 ended, Congress and the President agreed on a new spending and stimulus bill which included an extension of the ITC for two more years.

What this means:

• The 26% tax credit has been extended through 2022
• The 22% tax credit will kick in on January 1st, 2023
• The 10% tax credit will begin on January 1st, 2024
• The ITC will expire for residential solar installation on December 31st, 2024, unless it is extended again
• Commercial and agricultural solar will follow the same outline, and the 10% credit will continue indefinitely after 2024

This means that if you install a $20,000 residential or commercial solar system before the end of 2022, you will receive a $5200 credit back when you file your taxes.

Who Can Claim the Solar Tax Investment Credit?

Any residence, farm, business, or utility can claim the Federal ITC if they own the solar system that they are installing.

This means that if you are paying for the system upfront or if you are financing it, you own the system and can claim the tax credit. If you are leasing your solar system, you cannot claim the tax credit.

Claiming the Solar Investment Tax Credit

It is simple to claim the Solar Investment Tax Credit. If you file your own taxes, you will need to get Form 5694, but if you are using a tax accountant, you will need to let them know that you installed your solar energy system last year. Also, send them your solar invoice and the total cost of the project. If you forget to tell them, you won’t be able to get the credit!

Before you sign off on your tax return, ask your accountant to outline how much of the credit you received and if any of it will be rolled over to the next year. This can happen if the credit is larger than your total tax owed for the year. For example, if you owe $5000 in taxes, but get an $8000 solar tax credit, $3000 of the credit would be carried over to the next year.

What if I Haven’t Installed Solar Panels Yet?

If you haven’t had a solar system installed yet but have wanted to, what are you waiting for? Get them installed as soon as possible so you can be sure that you receive the maximum solar tax credit. 10% is ok, 22% is good, but 26% is better!

Learn More> What Factors into the Cost of a New Solar System?

Take Advantage of the Solar Investment Tax Credit

Don’t wait to install your solar panels! Take full advantage of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit by requesting a solar consultation and quote from Solar Bear Orlando. We will help you decide what size system is best for your home or business and will answer any questions that you might have about the ITC.

Ready to get started? Call Solar Bear Orlando today; 407-904-7585!

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!