Jenn Wolff, Author at Florida Solar LLC

Omni-Swim® Hybrid Pool Heating System

Jenn Wolff on November 19, 2020

One of the pleasures of living in Florida is the ability to enjoy the water for most of the year. And if you have a pool, spa, or both, a water-heating system can make them a year-round pleasure – even on those days that dip into chilly temperatures.

Pool heating systems have long been a staple of those who need to relax or get their daily laps while it’s cold enough for a jacket or who just prefer warmer water. With the Omni-Swim Hybrid Pool Heating System, you’ll be able to enjoy your pool or spa 365 days of the year at just a fraction of the cost that comes with a traditional heating system.

How the Omni-Swim Hybrid Pool Heating System Works

At Florida Solar, we think of the Omni-Swim the future of pool heating. That’s because it includes a heat pump and solar panels that work together. The result is the most efficient pool system on the market.
• Direct solar thermal power: By using the Omni-Swim’s solar panels, you’re able to preheat your water.
• Indirect solar thermal power: When the sun heats up the air, the Omni-Swim transfers that warmth to your pool or spa
• Solar electric: If you’re already using solar energy to power your home, the Omni-Swim can be fueled entirely by your photo-voltaic system.

While traditional solar panels can heat your pool eight months a year, the Omni-Swim does things a little differently. When the sun isn’t able to sufficiently heat your pool in the winter months, the Omni-Swim can. Its heat pump will complete the heating process until the water reaches your desired temperature.

How the Omni-Swim Hybrid Saves You Money (and helps you go GREEN)

We know that when we use less electricity, we’re doing more than impacting our bottom line. We’re doing what’s right for our environment. So what makes the Omni-Swim the green choice that’s kind to your budget? Let’s look at three design features that drive its value:
• Less equipment: With its integrated diverter value and rear solar feed and return ports, the Omni-Swim is the first pool heating designed for solar.
• Less plumbing: The Omni-Swim has two sets of water in/out ports, making it easy to install on either side of the equipment pad. No need for extra plumbing around the unit.
• Less use of electricity: The key is its direct solar thermal power. By preheating with the solar panels, you reduce the electricity required from the heat pump to complete the heating process. Not only will you heat your pool year-round, you’ll be doing it cost-effectively. Using the Omni-Swim can cut your pool-heating expenses by as much as 75 percent below what you might currently pay.

Why the Omni-Swim the Only Choice for Your Pool or Spa

The Omni-Swim is the right choice for residential and commercial applications. Not only because of the efficiency and money savings, but because it’s built to last. It includes a best-in-class titanium shell and advanced tube heat exchanger technology, so you’ll be enjoying your pool or spa all year long for many years to come.

Choose Florida Solar for Your Pool and Spa Heating

Schedule your free consultation today to see firsthand why the Omni-Swim Hybrid Pool System is the right choice for your family and budget. Call Florida Solar at 727-300-3515 to speak to one of our renewable energy experts. Or you can visit floridasolar.solar to schedule a free estimate.

Don’t Pass Up These Solar Tax Credit Savings

Jenn Wolff on October 13, 2020

Don’t Pass Up These Solar Tax Credit Savings If you’ve been thinking of moving to solar energy to power your home, now is the right time to make that valuable investment. The Florida Solar Tax Credit is a substantial 26%. Now here’s the urgent part: This credit expires on December 31 of this year. And it will drop to 22% in 2021. Still not a bad deal, but why wait to lose 4% of savings when you can act now?

How Does the Solar Tax Credit Work?

After your solar energy system has been installed, you can apply for the Federal Solar Tax Credit. Once that credit has been applied, you’ll receive 26% of your total project costs (including equipment, permitting, and installation) as a credit on your federal tax return. So let’s say you owe $5,000 in federal taxes this year. If you claim a $3,000 tax credit, that pays off a huge chunk of your liability, and you would be left to pay just $2,000 in taxes after the credit is applied.

Do You Qualify for the Solar Tax Credit? – Yes You Do!

As long as you purchase your solar system by December 31, 2020, you’ll earn the full 26% Federal Solar Tax Credit. Other stipulations to keep in mind:

You must own the single-family home that you want to outfit with solar power
You must own the solar panels purchased for your home

Contact us now at Florida Solar as time is running out on this tax credit. Once the year is up, the savings credit will drop to 22%. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save and get a system that greatly reduces your energy bill. The sooner you contact Florida Solar, the sooner we can get you on the path to long-term energy savings at a big discount over what you’re paying today to your electricity provider.

If you have any questions about solar power or would like more information on our services, email us today at sales@floridasolar.solar or call (727) 300-1515. Our experts are available to discuss different types of solar energy systems, the savings you can expect, and your financing options.

Ten Tips to Help you Find a Trustworthy Solar Installer

Jenn Wolff on September 18, 2020

Interested in making the next step towards solar power, but you aren’t sure where to start? Choosing the right solar installer is a confusing time for most first time solar buyers, don’t worry though, we are here to guide you with ten tips to help you find the perfect and trustworthy solar installer for your home.

Tip 1: Check Local options

Find the options in your area. A local professional should know the best solar options, laws, policies, and regulations in your area. See how long each company has worked in solar in your region.

Tip 2: Check Testimonials

What do clients have to say about their work? Do they have any local clients that will give you a person to person review? What previous clients who have dealt with a company you are looking into in the past may be one of the best indicators of a truly trustworthy and reliable solar company.

Tip 3: Check their Knowledge

Do they have plenty of knowledge on regional laws and policies? Make sure they are up to date on rules implemented in your area and they aren’t afraid to go into detail when you ask directed questions on the topic.

Tip 4: Ensure they are Licensed and Bonded

All trustworthy solar installers are licensed and bonded, ask for proof before you move forward with any solar company.

Tip 5: The Crews Knowledge

We encourage you to talk to the crew that will be doing the installations, not just the sales team. See their experience on solar and installations in your region.

Tip 6: See if they Outsource

Do they do their work or do they outsource?

Step 7: Check Financing Options

Do they have financing options to make your solar investment work for your budget and timeline? One of the first steps we recommend is checking if the solar company you have interest in working with offers financing.

Step 8: Check the Warranty

Many solar panel manufacturers offer a 25-year production warranty guaranteeing that their solar panels will continue to generate electricity. Make sure you check the warranty you would be protected by before you invest in a system.

Tip 9: Try to Build a Trust with your Installer

Investing in solar is a big step, and it is vital to take that step with someone you can trust to do quality, reliable work and that will be there for you past the time of installation. Make sure you can develop reliable and effective lines of communication so that your installer can ease you through every step.

Tip 10: Check Overall Value

Are you getting a quality solar system installed by a reliable installer while also getting a good deal? You should be finding a solar company that meets your standards and can pass this tip list with a breeze. Don’t settle for less when it comes to an investment that will be with you for decades to come.

One way to ensure an extra good value on solar right now is to choose solar before the end of 2020 and you can receive the 26% tax credit currently offered. If you want to learn more about this tax credit click here (link to tax credit info) or contact us at Florida Solar today.

Hopefully these ten tips help you feel more comfortable taking your next step towards solar, if you have any questions about any of these tips or would like more information on our services contact us today at sales@floridasolar.solar or 727-300-1515.

What to Know Before the Storm

Jenn Wolff on June 30, 2020

Much like all outdoor equipment, solar panels are subject to the changing weather. Depending upon where you live, your panels may experience heavy rain, high winds, or even hail. Hurricanes are nature’s wildest storms, with winds reaching 160 miles per hour or higher, and the threat of catastrophic damage from these storms can be staggering. For that reason, places that are most prone to the threat of hurricanes like municipalities in Florida and Texas, require solar installations to withstand these heavy winds. By setting a high standard, homeowners can have the peace of mind that their solar project is planned with hurricanes and high winds in mind. In this article, we’ll examine how solar panel systems stand up to intense weather conditions, and what government organizations and industry groups are doing to improve their products and protect consumers from weather-related solar panel damage.

Solar Panels are Built Tough

As a whole, solar panels are durable and hold up very well in inclement weather. A report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on 50,000 solar energy systems installed between 2009 and 2013 indicates that only 0.1% of all PV systems have been reported as affected by damaged or underperforming modules each year.

Solar panels are like any other product. The good ones are built to last, while the cheap ones can be pretty flimsy. The result of higher-build and resiliency standards has been proven methods for installation that can withstand high wind speeds and keep solar panels in place, even during the worst storms. These methods include, among other things, mounting panels in place using heavy bolts screwed directly in roof beams. This greatly helps keep panels in place, and significantly reduces the risk of panels tearing pieces of roofs from homes.

Solar panels are also built to withstand the barrage of heavy rain or hail that accompanies a hurricane’s winds. Additionally, the aluminum and glass casings that hold solar cells are highly waterproof, even in the most extreme conditions.

Beyond the build quality of products, the solar industry has a vested interest in ensuring its products are designed to last. For that reason, there are numerous organizations within the industry working to make solar panels more durable and resilient, while keeping costs at a minimum. One such group, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office, has worked for nearly a decade on research, development, and implementation of improved solar technologies — including weather resiliency.

In fact, a look back at some of our nation’s most catastrophic storms in recent history illustrates this point well.

New Jersey has one of the highest concentrations of single-family homes with solar panels in the country. So, when Hurricane Sandy barreled toward the Jersey Shore in 2012, thousands of solar customers in the area understandably prepared for the worst.

Although this region saw devastation on an unprecedented scale, most of the state’s solar panels were unaffected – only a very small number of solar panels sustained damage.

Most solar panels even withstood the havoc Hurricane Maria caused in Puerto Rico in 2017. The massive storm slammed into the island with winds exceeding 150 miles per hour.

But when it was all over, a veterans affairs (VA) hospital with a large 645-kW solar system was left operating at 100 percent – in San Juan, one of the most heavily affected areas.

Solar panels are one of the most durable and reliable energy technologies in the world, and industry efforts mean that they are becoming more resistant to severe weather damage every day. Installing a home solar energy system ensures that your home can produce its own power, even during severe weather events. Much like other home improvement projects, the more you are willing to invest in quality from the start, the better return you’ll get on that investment. While solar panels are built to withstand the worst that Mother Nature can throw at them, opting for low-quality panels from inexperienced installers can result in increased risks of damage when storms come your way.

If you’re interested in learning more about how durable and safe solar can be during a hurricane or other extreme weather event please contact us anytime at 727-300-1515 or sales@floridasolar.solar.

Ok Google – “Solar Panels Near Me”

Jenn Wolff on May 20, 2020

Recently, there has been a large movement to “buy local” – We’re sure you’ve read about it online or seen it on the news. But… does apply to solar? Specifically does it apply to you? This is by no means a “one-size-fits-all” industry. There are reputable companies at every level, national and local. There are also fly-by-night companies at every level. Some specialize in the residential market, others in the commercial. Some only use a particular product line, others are more open to their clients’ well-informed research and preferred options.

Now, there are several reasons it makes more sense to work with a local solar contractor rather than a large national (or multi-national) solar installer.

First of all, you’ll save money.

While quality of product and workmanship are a priority, it’s also true that most homeowners pay attention to the bottom line. The good news is that, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in a 2017 article, local solar installers’ pricing is an average of 10% lower than the national residential solar installers.

Do local installers have better customer ratings?

Simply put, yes. Local solar installers care more about the work they do, their reputation, and your ratings. In fact, studies have shown over and over again that local solar panel installers consistently get better ratings than the nation’s largest, and most recognized solar installers. It’s true!

Couple that with them also often using higher-quality brands of solar panels and inverters products because they feel a personal responsibility for the systems they install and you have a match made for you!

Since local solar contractors care more about the work they do and their overall customer satisfaction, they use higher-quality products, materials, and workmanship – but still prioritize customer-centric pricing tables. This results in reduced long-term solar maintenance requirements and repair costs for their buyers, and it also increases the life expectancy of the solar panels and related equipment. National installers can be known for using cheaper products to lower in-house costs and maximizing their profits. While local installers certainly care about their profit margin, they take a different approach to pricing.

This approach can save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a residential solar system.

Overall customer satisfaction matters more

When you work with a local solar contractor, odds are you’re working with a family-owned business that cares about their customer’s satisfaction in a more personal way. Local companies rely heavily on word-of-mouth referrals. and those only happen when customers are happy with their work. Plus, if company owners and employees live and work in the same community as the client base, they’re apt to run into you in the grocery store, the soccer fields, or at the local pool – and they want to be able to wave and say hello with open hearts and clear consciences.

In conclusion

We live in the age of the informed consumer and we don’t expect you to take this as verbatim. However, as you do your research, think about what buying local actually means to you. Think about the positive impact you can have on your community! Think about how you can lead the charge to a more sustainable neighborhood put together by your neighbors. Sounds great, right?

Going Green: Why Solar Energy is Good for the Earth

Jenn Wolff on April 6, 2020

The sun is by far the most abundant, renewable, and eco-friendly source of energy available. There are copious amounts of benefits that are involved when switching to solar, but since Earth Day is right around the corner, we wanted to celebrate by sharing how going solar is a great way to go green.

Cleaner Air

Electricity production is the cause of a large portion of the total carbon emissions in the United States. Going solar dramatically cuts back on your household output of CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions. A modestly sized solar system can reduce your emissions of these toxic gases up to 80%, and in many cases even more.

Just how much of a difference does one household going solar make? A household of just 2 people can reduce their carbon emissions by 3 to 4 tons each year on average by switching to a solar power system*.

Less Water Usage

How much water is required on average to power a typical household per day? For a house powered by a nuclear power plant, it is over 600 gallons, for a coal-fired power plant around 200 gallons, and a natural gas power plant, it is around 114 gallons.

But what about solar? Zero gallons. Though minimal water is required to produce solar panels, the panels themselves do not rely on or require water to function and produce energy. This means once the system is installed, there is no water required for at least 25 years or more to produce energy through your solar system. There’s no need to compete with drinking systems, agriculture demand, and other water needs that are vital to your local environment.

Helps Fight Against Climate Change

Solar energy is the best replacement versus older energy technology to fight climate change. Human behavior has increasingly had negative impacts on the world around us.

Burning fuels to produce energy lets off chlorofluorocarbons that clog the atmosphere, we cut down trees that are what help produce clean air we need to breathe, and that only scratches the surface on the damage we’re doing. The negative effects of these actions are evident, winter has increasingly grown shorter, glaciers are melting rapidly, and we can see in day to day life that we are not treating our planet how we should in order to maintain its health.

Luckily, we have an endless supply of fuel and energy given to us by the sun, and with solar power we can properly harvest this energy and supply power that doesn’t require burning fuels, killing trees, or putting off any pollution. The world has supplied us with the most clean and abundant source of energy, we mind as well use it!

Better for Public Health

We’ve covered why going green through going solar is good for individual households and the planet as a whole, but how does it fare for public health? Its impact is much bigger than you may first think.

Solar panels help lower the amount of hazardous waste that many other forms of energy production cause. Respiratory issues, cancers, and cardiovascular problems are all serious issues caused by common pollutants that older energy productions emit. Solar energy does not emit any pollutants. Less toxic output in an area leads to healthier residents and a healthier you!

In Conclusion

Cleaner air, less water usage, a healthier planet, and people. That is what solar energy is all about. We’re proud to be part of an industry that helps make such a massive impact on our world. If you’re interested in hearing more about how you can help the world by going solar, contact us anytime at 727-300-1515 or sales@floridasolar.solar.

* The US Green Building Council

Is Hybrid Solar Pool Heat the Most Effective Pool Heat Option?

Jenn Wolff on March 24, 2020

Ninety-nine percent of people check the water before jumping into a pool, even in the sunshine state there are only four months out of the year a swimming pool is pleasant without any type of heating. Adding heating to your pool is maximizing your investment, allowing you to use it year-round.

Why don’t many homeowners enjoy heating their pool? The answer is easy, it’s expensive and not always efficient. Strictly electric pool heating can be quite costly, adding high prices to your energy bill due. On the other hand full solar heat is only effective 8 months of the year, even in the sunshine state, meaning you still can’t comfortably enjoy your pool for 4 months of the year.

So how do you find a system that overcomes these massive issues? The Omni-Swim Hybrid heat pump takes the best of both these pool heating options and combines them. Omni-Swim has many unique benefits, such as cutting your pool heat costs roughly 75%. The Omni-Swim works for spa heat too, not only pools!

Is Omni-Swim a financially viable choice? Absolutely! With solar technology developing and evolving, the cost of investing in solar systems is suitable for nearly all homeowners now. Additionally Florida Solar does offer financing to help you through every step of owning your solar system, start to install to finish.

Using the Omni-Swim is the most efficient way to heat your pool, saving you energy costs and using as much solar energy as available, there is no doubt that the Omni-Swim is the next big thing in pool heat. This new technology is available through Florida Solar, who is proud to be the exclusive Florida dealer of this system. For more information about the most efficient pool and spa heating available, contact Florida Solar today 727-513-5254 or sales@floridasolar.solar.

Does Solar Add Value to My Home?

Jenn Wolff on February 7, 2020

Investing in solar can be a big decision, it is important to ask pertinent questions before making an investment in solar electric. One of the most commonly asked questions asked before investing in a solar system is, “Will this investment add value to the resale value of my home”? The simple answer is, yes it does add value to your home.

There is a lot that goes into determining how much value is added. The factors that help determine the added value are home location, roof shade, your personal electric costs, and so much more. Each solar system will add a different type value than the next, but recent studies show that the average increase in resale value is roughly $5,911 per kW of solar installed. This means installing 5kW of solar panels can add around $30,000 of resale value to a medium-sized home in a sunny solar-friendly state like Florida.

We consulted Tampa real estate broker Thomas Corinti about the impact he has seen Solar Electric have on home values and he confirmed, “Solar energy is a great investment, homes with solar systems are valued higher and sell a bit faster than homes without.”

It is true that homes with solar systems do sell roughly 20% faster than a home without a solar system. Therefore, if you decide to sell your home, a solar system investment can help you in more ways than one. Even if you have no intention to sell, it’s still a great investment, which unlike many other investments gets you results immediately that will continue to benefit you for decades.

It is important to remember that these statistics are relevant to current housing and utility costs, but as electric costs continue to rise, the added value of solar is sure to rise as well. Solar Electric is a big decision, but also a worthwhile investment that will benefit you for the lifespan of your solar system. It’s good for your budget, and it’s good for the environment. Going green is a smart investment for so many reasons. For information on how much Solar Electric can save you and add value to your home, contact us at Florida Solar for a free no-obligation consultation today!

Solar Electric Federal Tax Credit Can Help You Save Big in 2019

Jenn Wolff on December 5, 2019

Through the end of 2019 the Solar Electric Tax Credit can earn you 30% in Federal Tax Credit on the total cost of your solar system, including the cost of permitting, equipment, and installation. Think of it as a 30% discount off the price of going solar!

How Does it Work?

The Investment Tax Credit works by giving you back 30% of the cost of your solar system as a tax credit. If you have more credit than you owe, that’s no problem, the credit will roll over to the next year and is valid for up to 7 years. In order to take advantage of this tax credit you must own your solar system, it is not valid for leasing or purchase price allocation.

Worried you might not quality for the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit? If you purchase your solar system during 2019, own your residence, and you own rather than lease your solar panels there’s a good chance you are the perfect candidate.

What Happens after 2019?

After December 31, 2019 the Investment Tax Credit will still be around, however the Federal Tax Credit amount will be lowered from 30% to 26% in the year 2020. In 2021 the amount will decrease again to 22%, and in 2022 residential will have no tax credit, while commercial and utility applications will get 10%. In short, to save the greatest amount you can on your solar system you should start the process immediately. In order to get the 30% Federal Tax Credit amount your system will have to be purchased by December 31, 2019.

There is Still Time in 2019 – Get Started Today!

Starting the Process

It’s easy and free to get started. Florida Solar will come to your home and perform a complimentary consultation. We will walk you through a detailed checklist and use the information you share with us to determine how much solar electric can save you and your family.

How Does Florida Solar Determine what Size System You Need?

To determine the size of the solar system that’s perfect for you, Florida Solar needs 12 months of your power bills. We average your bills together and determine what size solar system will zero out your electric bill. If you’re a new home owner don’t worry, we have additional ways to help figure out what your power consumption is, and are still able to determine the perfect size system for your residence.

How Long Do Solar Systems Last?

Florida Solar’s systems have a 25 year warranty, so you can have peace of mind in investing in your solar system. You will save on your electric bills, help the environment, and the tax credit is a huge benefit.

The solar tax credit savings will decrease at the end of this year. If you are thinking about going solar, now if the time to save big. Call Florida Solar today to schedule your free consultation!

The Future of Pool Heat is Here – Omni-Swim Hybrid-Solar Heat Pump

Jenn Wolff on November 4, 2019

The world’s first pool heat pump designed with solar in mind is here, and it is changing the pool heating industry, and it is the Omni-Swim. Traditional solar panels are great, but they are only able to heat your pool for two-thirds of the year, leaving four entire months where you can’t fully enjoy your pool. Sure you could use a traditional heat pump, but they are substantially more costly to run. That’s where Omni-Swim comes in and combines the best of both worlds.

How Does Omni-Swim Work?

Omni-Swim works by making your pool heat pump and solar work together. When solar has enough energy, that is the primary source of heat for your pool. However, when solar doesn’t provide enough energy to keep your pool warm, Omni-Swim steps up to the plate and heats your pool the rest of the way!

Where Does Omni-Swim Get its Energy?

Omni-Swim harvests the endless energy the sun provides in three unique ways. First is through direct solar thermal energy, taking the energy from the sunlight. Secondly through indirect solar thermal, meaning Omni-Swim can take energy from the solar-heated air to help heat your pool. Last but not least is through Solar Electric, meaning if you have a photo-voltaic solar electric system, Omni-Swim can work as a 100% solar-fueled heater for your pool.

What Benefits does Omni-Swim Provide?

Omni-Swim is the first of its kind, that’s is why Bill Park of Florida Solar stated confidently, “Omni-Swim will change the future of pool heating.” With a statement like that, you just know Omni Swim is something special.

Less equipment and less plumbing. Omni-Swim is pre-plumbed with two sets of water in and out ports allow installation on either side of the equipment without needing to plumb around the unit.
Omni Swim cuts costs. Your electrical costs for pool heat will decrease by about 75%!
High quality and efficiency. Omni Swim is hydraulically-efficient compatible with two-speed and variable speed and flow pumps. The unit also utilizes a titanium shell and top of the line tube heat exchanger technology.

In short Omni-Swim, the world’s first Hybrid-Solar heat pump allows you to enjoy your pool or spa year-round while being energy and cost efficient. This makes Omni-Swim an optimal choice for homeowners, vacation property owners, and commercial properties. You can’t go wrong with Omni-Swim.

Where Can You Get Omni-Swim Hybrid-Solar Heat Pump?

The Omni-Swim unit is sold in the state of Florida exclusively by Florida Solar. If you are interested or would like to learn more about how a hybrid-solar heat pump can benefit you, contact Florida Solar anytime at sales@floridasolar.solar or (727) 300-1515.