Solar Electric Archives - Florida Solar LLC

Key Questions to Ask a Solar Company When Considering Solar for Your House

Jenn Wolff on September 12, 2023

When considering solar energy for your home, choosing the right solar company is paramount. Asking the right questions can help you gain valuable insights and make an informed decision. To ensure a successful solar installation, we have compiled a list of essential questions to ask prospective solar companies.

What experience and certifications do you have?

Start by assessing the solar company’s experience and expertise. Inquire about their years in the industry, the number of installations completed, and any relevant certifications. A well-established company with a proven track record is more likely to deliver quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.

Can you provide references or testimonials from previous customers?

Request references or testimonials from past customers. Contacting homeowners who have already installed solar panels can offer valuable insights into the company’s professionalism, installation process, and customer service. Positive feedback and happy customers are indicators of a reputable solar provider.

How do you determine the right system size for my home?

Ask the solar company about their methodology for sizing a solar system. They should conduct a thorough assessment of your energy needs, roof space, and sun exposure. The company should be able to provide a detailed analysis, including projected energy production, cost savings, and return on investment. A reputable company will customize the system to suit your specific requirements.

What financing options are available?

Discuss financing options with the solar company. Inquire about purchase options, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), or any available incentives or rebates. A reliable company will guide you through the financing process, explaining the pros and cons of each option. They should be transparent about costs, payback periods, and potential long-term savings.

What warranties do you offer?

Understanding the warranties provided is crucial. Inquire about the warranties for the solar panels, inverters, and workmanship. A reputable company will offer comprehensive warranties that cover manufacturing defects, performance guarantees, and installation issues. Ensure the warranties align with industry standards and provide sufficient coverage to protect your investment.

Do you handle the permitting and paperwork?

Navigating the permitting and paperwork process can be complex. Ask the solar company if they handle all the necessary permits, applications, and paperwork on your behalf. A reputable company will have experience dealing with local authorities and utility companies, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free installation process.

Choosing the right solar company is crucial when considering solar for your home. By asking these key questions, you can assess their experience, customer satisfaction, system sizing approach, financing options, warranties, and their ability to handle permits and paperwork. Armed with this information, you can make an informed decision and embark on a successful solar journey.

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Contact Florida Solar or receive a free estimate now. We’ll be happy to guide you through the process.

Is Your Solar Quote Too Good to Be True?

Jenn Wolff on November 20, 2022

You’ve probably gotten the knock on your door. A salesperson is going from house to house in your neighborhood, eager to tell residents about the benefits of solar power for your home. On that point, they are correct. You invite them in to discuss, and they’re ready to sell you a system. The price quote seems more than reasonable, so how can you say no?

Below, we offer some advice for spotting signs that a low quote is not going to yield the results you want or should expect.

How to tell if a quote is too low

Here are some issues to consider if a quote seems too good to be true:

Is the installer reputable? A salesperson can talk a good game; that doesn’t mean the company he or she represents does quality work. Ask to see reviews from their customers. Also insist on seeing proof that the company is licensed, bonded, and insured. You should also insist on talking to the team who will do the installation so that you can ask detailed questions.
Is the sales rep or the installer pushy? A very low price is likely a red flag, one that should alert you that the company does fast, shoddy work. Also be aware of pressure to sign a contract immediately. That’s a sign that they are desperate for customers and will do anything to separate you from your money.
Ask what brand of equipment they install. Just a little bit of research will reveal the highest quality solar brands, and which ones are one or two levels below that. Besides solar panels, companies install inverters, rack systems, and batteries. If they don’t deal in top brands, you know why the quote is low. Look elsewhere.
Ask to see the price per watt. When you’re comparing installers, their proposals should include the price of the system and its size in watts. The lowest price per watt is the one to stay away from.
Beware of unrealistic power production estimates. If a salesperson promises the moon, it’s likely they’re hiding something. Ask about all the factors – like shade, changes in weather – they can negatively affect the output of your system.
Look at the system design. This will show you where the installer intends to place the equipment and where they will run the wires. When you compare with other companies, you’ll know whether any of them are cutting corners with the installation in order to get the price down and finish the job sooner.
Pay attention to the financing. Some finance companies that work with solar installers will charge you a high fee – often called “points” – just so you can get the loan. Consider it your cost to get the credit.

Beware of predatory practices that use this to substantially increase the cost of your new solar panel system. At Florida Solar, we have access to financing terms that are available to only the most highly qualified solar panel installers. We can bring you special financing that no one else can.

Bottom line: Do your due diligence when it comes to spending your hard-earned money. Hire the company that works with the top brands, has the credentials and experience to do the job, and the endorsement of many customers.

Call Florida Solar for a free quote

Solar is an excellent investment in your home and your finances. Florida Solar will give you reliable, trustworthy advice on the solar installation that is right for your home and how much you can expect to save on your electricity bills each year. Since 1984, we’ve been designing and installing high-quality solar systems for the residential and commercial markets. See what our customers think about us.

How to Choose the Right Solar Energy Company

Jenn Wolff on August 3, 2022

When it comes to choosing a company that installs solar energy systems, there are a few common mistakes that people make.

Going cheap. The cheapest option does not guarantee a quality product. It’s a way for a company to make a quick sale and then move on. You’ll likely never hear from them again when you need your system serviced.
Trusting a friendly door-to-door salesman. Some companies will hire a sales force on the cheap to find customers. If someone knocks on your door to sell you on anything, a big red flag should go up.Sure, it may seem like a convenience to not have to do any research on your own and just trust a smiling face. However, we recommend avoiding salesmen who knock on your door and don’t have any facts to back up their claims (like “solar is free” or some other such nonsense).These door knockers may be very friendly, but that doesn’t mean the product or company they represent is high quality. You’ll usually know who you’re dealing with because they don’t have in-depth knowledge of solar energy systems.Instead, they will set up an appointment for you to speak to the company’s high-pressure salesmen, who try to force you into making a quick decision.
Saying yes because of high-pressure tactics. If someone says “sign this contract now to get this great deal,” run. While there may be tax advantages to installing a system in 2022, you shouldn’t feel obligated by a solar energy company to agree right now to an installation.

How to Select the Right Solar Company

Research is essential when selecting a solar company. You don’t have to spend hours on end; just a few minutes for a few days should work as long as you know what to look for:

Do they have an office? Companies without an office or website can be crossed off your list of candidates.
Are they skilled in the details of quality solar installation? One common problem we see all the time is a lack of quality. New customers will complain that it is costing them more utility bills than prior to installing solar. Typically, this is due to the fact that the “knock on your door” salesman is not an expert in the field, and they quoted the customer the wrong-sized system.

But once the panels are attached to your roof, the system is yours. If the system doesn’t work properly or isn’t the right size for your home, you have to deal with it.

However, it will be almost impossible to have the installer return to the job to make it right because most of the “companies/installers” would have already left town to move onto the next set of customers. The only solution at that point is to call another solar company to fix their problem.

Do they fully understand your utility’s rates and how you are to be credited for the solar energy you generate? Ask every candidate to show you examples of installations similar to yours, along with proof of lower utility bills. Electricity providers like Duke Energy and Tampa Electric offer net-metering programs.
Do they get good reviews? Look for testimonials on their website, as well as customer feedback on Google and sites like Yelp.
Are they licensed and insured? Ask each candidate to show you their qualifications in writing. You can then verify their license on the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation website.

Also, be sure to get a handful of quotes in writing, including a detailed description of the work being proposed.

Learn More About Florida Solar

For over 40 years, Florida Solar has installed and stood behind high-quality residential and commercial solar panels and pool systems. If you are interested in adding a solar energy system to your home, contact us for a free quote or call us at 727-300-1515.

Want to learn more about the benefits of solar and working with Florida Solar? Contact us and we’ll answer your questions.

How to Confidently Add Solar Electric to Your Home

Jenn Wolff on July 7, 2022

Solar energy systems continue to rise in popularity, and it’s easy to see why once you understand how they work and their benefits.

These systems work by converting the power of the sun into usable electrical power for your appliances and electronics. You’re probably familiar with the solar panels that people install on their roofs. Within these panels are photovoltaic cells – also knowns as PVs – that absorb the sun’s radiation and convert it to usable electricity for your home.

As you consider whether to add a solar energy system to your home, there are two major factors to consider: the benefits of your investment, and who you choose to partner with.

We’ll address both of those issues in this article.

What are the Benefits of Switching to Solar Electric?

Going solar is popular, and that popularity is reflected in the record-setting growth of residential solar installations. Here are a few great reasons your neighbors and fellow Floridians are investing in solar energy systems for their homes:

Save money off your electric bill. The more you use solar power, the less you have to pay your electric company. Through net metering, your electricity provider will apply the excess energy your solar panels create as credits off your bill. Learn about the factors that affect how much you can save.
It’s clean. Solar power is green energy, which means it’s renewable and plentiful and does not pollute the environment. As we move away from fossil fuels, we emit fewer pollutants into the air.
It’s renewable and sustainable. The sun is a reliable source of power. A solar energy system replenishes itself naturally and will not run out.
It Increases your home’s value. Homes with solar panels sell for about four percent (4%) more in Florida than those without panels.
Keep the electricity flowing. A solar energy system will power the battery backups in your home so that you can keep the power on when there’s a blackout.

If you’re worried about the reliability of solar panels on your roof, we can assure you that the panels we install are durable. They can withstand the wet, stormy weather – including hurricanes — we frequently experience here in Florida. With proper maintenance, you can expect them to perform at a high level for up to 40-50 years.

There’s also an immediate financial incentive to adding solar power to your home this year: You can save up to 26% off your solar project costs on your 2022 tax return if you install your system this year.

How to Find a Reliable Solar Energy System Installer

When looking for a company to install your system, here are a few tips to follow:

Look at the customer ratings and testimonials. You judge a company by the quality of service they provide. Customer reviews will tell you what it’s like to work with a business and whether they are honest in their prices and processes. You’ll often see company ratings when you look them up on Google. Also, pay attention to reviews from the Better Business Bureau.
Ask questions. It’s your money, and you want to make sure you’re spending it wisely. Ask each candidate about their process and timeline for designing and installing a system, what kind of warranties they offer, who the main contact will be to straighten out any issues, and how responsive they are.
Make sure they are licensed and insured. Ask each candidate to show you proof that they are licensed for general electrical contracting and wiring. You’ll also want to see their general liability insurance.
Get price and service quotes from different providers. This will help you make apples-to-apples comparisons between the companies so you have a clear idea of the value you can expect from each one.

Florida Solar is a family-owned business led by Bill Park. Bill has been designing and installing residential and commercial solar systems since 1984. When you work with Bill, you are working with an industry veteran.

The quality of our work reveals itself in the performance of the systems we install, so we invite you to read what our customers say about us.

Learn More About Florida Solar

For over 40 years, Florida Solar has installed residential and commercial solar panels and pool systems. If you are interested in adding a solar energy system to your home, contact us for a free quote or call us at 727-300-1515.

Want to learn more about the benefits of solar and working with Florida Solar? Contact us and we’ll answer your questions.

How to Get the Solar Tax Credit for 2022

Jenn Wolff on March 8, 2022

As spring and summer get closer, so does the prospect of high bills to cool our homes. The average monthly electric bill in Florida is over $140. However, your bill will probably be much higher than that during the summer months, when you need to run your A/C system constantly to keep your house cool.

One way to beat the heat and the high bills is by switching to a solar electric system. When you use solar energy for your home, you reduce your reliance on your power company. That means you avoid high costs, and you do something great for the environment by going green.

If you’re concerned about the expense of installing a solar photovoltaic system because of the cost, you should consider the potential tax savings.

What is the solar tax credit?

The federal solar tax creditallows you to write down what you owe in taxes based on a percentage of what you spent on a solar photovoltaic system. In 2022, the solar tax credit is 26%, but it expires on December 31, 2022.

As long as your new system is installed by then in a single-family home that you own, you can take the credit when you file your taxes next year (please work with your certified public account to verify your savings). You’ll receive 26% of your total project costs (including equipment, permitting fees, and installation) as a credit on your federal tax return.

When you install a solar photovoltaic system, you will benefit from:

Lowers your monthly electric bills
Do your part to reduce your carbon footprint
A reliable source of clean energy

There’s no maximum amount that can be claimed on your taxes. For more information but the federal tax credit, visit Energy.gov’s “Homeowners Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.”

Bring solar energy into your home

Florida Solar specializes in installing solar energy systems into the homes of residences throughout the Tampa Bay area. Contact Florida Solar to learn more about the solar tax credit at https://floridasolar.solar/contact/. You can also call us at 727-877-3175 for a free quote on a new solar energy system. Our experts are ready to answer your questions show you the financing options available to you.

What Goes Into a Custom Solar System Design?

Jenn Wolff on December 8, 2021

When you’re entertaining the idea of adding solar power to your home, keep this in mind: Each system design is based on a variety of factors. Those factors typically include:

Your home’s location
The physical design of the home
Your energy usage

This is why solar-energy systems are tailored to the home and those who live there. You may have energy needs that exceed those of your neighbors. You might also be planning to add on rooms to your home, in which case a consultant will need to factor that into the design of your home’s system.

Then there are budget considerations. You’ll want to know what a system at a certain level of capability would cost to design and install. Keep in mind that this is a great time take advantage of the federal solar tax credit of 26% through 2022.

Elements of a custom solar system design

After contacting a solar energy system installer, these are the steps you can expect them to take:

Assessment. During this early stage, a certified professional will perform their due diligence to see whether a solar-powered system is right for you. This is also where they will determine how it will best be installed.
Design of the system. This includes understanding how much power you use, the pitch of your roof, and its access to sunlight. These influence elements like the number of panels you need to provide the power for your energy usage. Whether you have other power sources will determine how many batteries you need for power storage and the best place to install them.

Think of a battery hub as a generator that powers your home. The solar charge controllers relay the power from the panels to the battery bank. The inverter will then convert direct current (DC) to alternative current (AC). The size of the battery is determined by the size of your house as well as the amount of electricity that you use (which will be affected by your light and appliance usage, and whether you have a pool/hot tub). Your custom designer will know the right type of each component for you to generate adequate power.

There are other elements that need to be planned for and installed, but this gives you an overview of the major parts of the design portion of your project.

Let’s discuss your solar energy system

Contact us now at Florida Solar so that we can provide you with a long-term investment that saves money and improves your quality of life. Some of the benefits of working with Florida Solar include:

Nearly 40 years of experience installing residential and commercial solar energy systems
We can sell, install, and service your system
We partner with various lenders, so you can find the financing that works for you
A commitment to outstanding customer service

If you have any questions about solar power or would like more information about 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.

Are You Maintaining Your Solar Systems?

Jenn Wolff on November 1, 2021

As with most things we own and care about, maintenance is key to a valuable asset that remains functioning in top condition for many years. You’ve invested in your solar energy system to save you money. Let’s take a look at the ways Florida Solar and its experts will help ensure your system is reliably delivering the benefits you expect.

Why solar maintenance is important

Residential and commercial solar systems require periodic inspections and routine solar maintenance to keep them operating at maximum efficiency. If wires fail, or if power surge has damaged some part of your system, you might or might not be aware of it.

Don’t leave the integrity of your investment to chance. We highly recommend a complete annual inspection to ensure your system is in top operating condition. From the solar panels – which can lose their efficiency as dirt and debris accumulates – to the wiring and sensors, there’s an array of components that need to work at high efficiency to maximize your energy independence.

Solar pool heat system tune-up

When you work with Florida Solar, you can expect a thorough inspection of your solar pool heat system. For this service package, our technicians will:

Check for leaks
Check all controller modes
Test both solar sensors
Check motor valve
Check roof mounts for sealant
Check VRV for air in system
Check panels for flow and hot spots
Check all low voltage wire
Check binding straps for panels
Check roof lags for rust
Check and tighten all stainless clamps
Check all threaded fittings into pump and filter

Solar electric system tune-up

If your solar electric system isn’t functioning as intended, you’re missing out on savings. During this service, our certified professionals will:

Check mounting hardware
Check inverter operation
Check all wiring
Check all connections

The saying goes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keep that in mind as you consider the benefits of a yearly maintenance checkup. For less than you would spend on a cup of coffee each day, you’ll have the peace of mind that your system has been carefully looked at and is ready to provide high value.

Keep your solar energy system at peak performance

You may not be seeing any issues with your solar-powered system. Let’s keep it that way. If you haven’t had your solar energy or pool heat system looked at, it’s never too early for a professional inspection. Learn more about our solar maintenance packages.

How to Estimate Your Savings When Switching to Solar

Jenn Wolff on August 2, 2021

When we invest in something – a home, a car, a new appliance — we expect a return that we can quantify in financial and intangible terms. With that in mind, for this article we think it appropriate to offer a clear explanation of one of the homeowner investments that can deliver big returns: solar energy systems. After helping you understand what they are, we’ll look at their benefits and the financial savings you can expect when you add solar power to your home.

What are solar energy systems?

Residential solar energy systems collect sunlight and convert it into usable energy through photovoltaic panels – the ones you see on roofs. That energy can then be converted to create the electricity you need to power your home, including appliances, electronics, devices, and heating and cooling systems. The energy that isn’t used immediately can be stored in batteries. And because solar energy has the sun as its source, it is endlessly renewable.

The benefits of installing a solar system

Back to this idea of a return on investment. Just on these accounts, solar energy has many benefits for the homeowner, including:

Cost savings. The more you use solar power, the less you have to pay the rates for consuming electricity from your electric company.
It’s clean. It reduces the amount of air pollution. The more we move away from fossil fuels, the fewer pollutants we expel into the air. When we go solar, we are going “green.”
It’s renewable and sustainable. While fossil fuels are nonrenewable, a solar energy system replenishes itself naturally and will not run out.
It Increases your home’s value. As we’ve noted before, research shows that homes with solar panels sell for about four percent (4%) more in Florida than those without.

Discover your solar savings with Florida Solar

Our experts at Florida Solar are ready to talk about your energy goals. We will help you determine your estimated savings when you make the move to solar power. Factors that influence your savings include:

Hours of direct sunlight
Angle and size of your roof
Size of the system
Amount of power you need in your home
Number of solar panels

Call us at 727-300-1515 for a consultation about how much you can save on your current electric bill when you make the move to solar power. Our experts are available to assess your needs and answer your questions about energy savings, operating costs, and installation costs. We’ll help you determine the best solar panels for your home and how many you need. With Florida Solar on your side, you’ll have right solution for your family.

Upgrade to a Battery Hub Today

Jenn Wolff on March 12, 2021

Here at Florida Solar, we want our customers to understand the full range of benefits that come with using solar electric to help power their homes. Some of those benefits include:

Eliminate your electric bill
Green power that is better for the environment because you’re using clean, renewable energy
An increase in your home’s value

There’s another great benefit we’d like to highlight. For a limited time, when you add solar electric to your home through Florida Solar, you’ll also get a free upgrade of a battery hub.Why a battery hub?Your battery hub acts as a generator, bypassing the electric grid. It allows electricity to flow straight into your home through the battery and supply the electricity you need during power outages. The battery hub we’re offering is a flexible energy inverter that will meet the wide variety of your energy needs:

It’s a storage solution that will back up your entire home
Charges your battery and electric vehicle
Includes built-in energy monitoring so you can track usage and reduce your bills

This inverter is also a breakthrough in battery backup power. It includes a high level of system efficiency. And through its superior combination of technology systems, it will provide the energy needed to power any size home.Get your battery hub todayFor a limited time, when you add solar electric to your home through Florida Solar, we’ll include a complimentary upgrade with this battery hub, which is valued at $3,000.Don’t miss out! This offer to add solar electric to your home AND get the free battery hub expires April 15, 2021.Rely on Florida Solar for your battery hub Contact us now at Florida Solar so that we can provide you with a long-term investment that saves money and improves your quality of life. We have over 40 years of experience installing residential and commercial solar energy systems. And because we can install and service your system, you can rely on us for everything you need when it comes to solar.This offer expires soon, so contact us today. To redeem this offer, call us at 727-300-1515. Our experts are available to explain the benefits and get you started on a path to peace of mind and energy savings.

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.