Solar Energy 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 Solar Energy Worth Installing in Your Florida Home?

Jenn Wolff on August 21, 2023

Florida’s abundant sunshine makes it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. However, before making the decision to install solar panels on your home, it’s important to assess whether solar energy is truly worth it in the context of Florida’s unique characteristics and circumstances.

High Solar Potential:

Florida enjoys a high solar potential due to its geographical location. The state receives ample sunshine throughout the year, making solar energy a viable and sustainable option for homeowners. With an average of 237 sunny days annually, residents can maximize the benefits of solar power generation, reducing their reliance on traditional energy sources and potentially lowering their electricity bills significantly.

Financial Incentives:

Florida offers several financial incentives to promote solar energy adoption. The state’s net metering policy allows homeowners to sell excess electricity back to the grid, earning credits on their utility bills. Additionally, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides a tax benefit of up to 30% of the total system cost. These incentives can help offset the upfront expenses and improve the return on investment for solar installations in Florida.

Environmental Benefits:

Choosing solar energy for your home in Florida contributes to a cleaner and greener environment. By utilizing renewable energy, you reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and dependence on fossil fuels. Solar power helps combat climate change and supports the transition to a more sustainable energy future, benefiting both present and future generations.

Long-Term Cost Savings:

While the upfront cost of installing solar panels can be significant, the long-term cost savings can make it worthwhile. Florida’s high electricity rates, combined with the potential for reduced or eliminated monthly electricity bills, can result in substantial savings over the system’s lifespan. Additionally, as utility rates continue to rise, your solar investment becomes even more valuable, providing a stable and predictable source of energy.

Considering Florida’s abundant sunshine, financial incentives, environmental benefits, and long-term cost savings, solar energy is indeed worth installing in your home. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can reduce your carbon footprint, take control of your energy consumption, and potentially save money in the process. It’s an investment that offers both economic and environmental rewards for Florida homeowners.

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In the St Pete area? Get a free solar install estimate from Florida Solar today.

Solar Tax Credit Changes — What You Need To Know

Jenn Wolff on April 4, 2023

If you’re a Florida homeowner who recently purchased a solar system for your home, you may be wondering about the solar tax credit changes and what they mean for you.

What is the Solar Tax Credit?

A tax credit is a one-for-one dollar amount reduction from income tax that you would have paid without the credit.

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) reduces your income tax in exchange for going solar.

This tax credit allows homeowners to deduct a portion of the cost of installing a solar system from their federal taxes. Since 2006, the ITC has been a key driver of the solar industry’s growth in recent years and will continue to do so thanks to new changes.

Here’s what you need to know.

What’s New in 2023?

First, the good news: the solar tax credit is still available, and it remains a powerful tool for homeowners looking to install solar systems.

The tax credit was set to phase out in 2023, but in August of 2022, the Federal Government signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 into law. Among numerous climate-conscious consumer and industry incentives, the most impactful is the increase, expansion and extension of the Residential Clean Energy Credit—also known as the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

Solar Benefits Have Increased: The biggest update to the solar credit is the amount of credit you can apply against your income tax has been raised from 26% up to 30%.

Solar Benefits Have Been Expanded: The new law expands the covered expenses to include the cost of the solar panels and their components, sales tax, permits and other fees, essential wiring, inverter systems, hardware, site prep and installation charges.

Solar Benefits Have Been Extended: The solar tax credit has also been extended until 2032 before it begins to phase out in 2033. At that time, the credit amount steps down to 26%. In 2034 it will be reduced even further down to 22% and eliminated for the tax year 2035.

How Do I Claim the Solar Tax Credit?

If you installed a solar energy system in the 2022 tax year, the good news is the tax credit is retroactive and can be used towards your upcoming taxes.

Eligibility requirements to receive the Solar Tax Credit include:

The solar power system is an original, new installation or is operational for the first time.
You own the solar power system outright or have financed the parts and installation with a loan.
You aren’t leasing the solar power system or paying anyone for the energy created by the system.
You’re claiming the credit based on the cost of the solar power system, its components, installation and fees. Items and appliances that operate on the created energy aren’t included in this tax credit.

Consult your tax accountant to ensure your eligibility and for exception information. You’ll need to complete and include Form 5695 with your federal tax return for the tax period in which the solar power system is first installed and made operational.

When Should You Go Solar?

So what does this mean for Florida homeowners who want to install solar systems? Simply put, it means that solar is a great investment right now. If you’re thinking about installing a solar system, it’s in your best interest to do so sooner rather than later, while the tax credit is still available at a high rate. The credit can help you take advantage of the many benefits of going solar.

Benefits of going Solar

Overall, the solar tax credit changes are an important consideration for any Florida homeowner who is interested in saving money on their home energy bill by going solar. As energy bills continue to skyrocket, understanding the changes and acting quickly to take advantage of the tax credit will make living in your Florida home more affordable for you and your family.

Call Florida Solar for a Free Quote

For over 40 years, Florida Solar has installed residential and commercial solar panels and pool systems. We are the area’s premier solar installation company because we will:

Schedule a free solar savings consultation
Develop your custom solar design
Handle the permitting
Install your system

We’ve helped people like you throughout the Tampa Bay area enjoy the benefits of lower energy costs. Read the great things they have to say about working with Florida Solar.

If you’re interested in adding a solar energy system to your home, contact us for a free quote or call us at 727-513-3873.

Comparing Solar Loan Options

Jenn Wolff on January 15, 2023

When you integrate solar panels into your home, you can greatly reduce your annual spending on electricity. In fact, many homeowners are able to recoup the total investment in savings after about 7-8 years.

Because the cost of buying and installing a solar energy system is often between $15,000 and $25,000, most homeowners choose to finance the expense. You can do this by taking out a loan, which you then pay back over a pre-determined amount of time. However, there are some loan terms you need to factor and considerations to keep in mind as you seek solar financing options.

In this article, we’ll explore your options for solar loans, and offer some advice on how to get the most value for your money.

Solar Tax Credit & Solar Loan Considerations

Solar loans allow a homeowner to borrow money and then pay it back with interest through monthly installments. This helps offset upfront costs while financing an asset that can generate significant financial value.

Apart from paying cash, a solar loan is the only other option that allows you to own your solar panel system outright and benefit from any rebates and financial incentives. This year’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has considerably increased your tax savings. You can now take 30% of your total project costs off of your federal tax return. The previous tax credit was 26%. It’s a cliché to say, “There’s never been a better time to buy,” but in this case it’s true.

Let’s say you’ve made the decision to install solar panels to your home. In doing so, you’re helping the environment, reducing your electric bill, AND you’re going to increase the value of your home. But take your time before rushing to sign any loan agreement. Many lenders offer some pretty undesirable terms. Here are a few tips for protecting your bottom line:

Shop for a low-interest rate. You did the same thing when you purchased your home and your car(s). A low-interest rate will mean saving thousands of dollars over the loan period.
Consider the loan period. Are you the type to make higher monthly payments in order to quickly complete the terms of the loan? Or would lower payments over an extended period of time make more financial sense for you? Factor in your current monthly expenses to arrive at a scenario that works for you and your family’s budget.
Look for low fees. Some lenders will charge you fees – often called “points” – before they will loan you the money. Think of this charge – expressed as a percentage of the loan amount you’re requesting — as the cost to get the loan. The higher the points, the more you have to borrow to pay for the cost of your solar energy system.
Mind the down payment. The more you put down on a purchase upfront, the lower the amount you need to repay (and finance). If the interest rate terms are also favorable, you may choose a down payment that hits the financial sweet spot for your budget. However, you should know that if you would prefer to skip the down payment, Florida Solar offers a zero-down option.

Popular Solar Loan Options

Solar loans can typically be acquired through local and national banks, specialty lenders, manufacturers, and credit unions. It’s important to consider as many lenders as possible, keeping the considerations we’ve shared in mind. This way you can find the best loan solution for your needs.

Personal Loans – There are no shortage of lenders offering personal loans that you can use to finance your solar energy system. This allows you to quickly compare and shop around, putting you in control. Generally speaking, they often have higher interest rates, but shorter repayment periods. Approval for personal loans can be difficult because lenders see them as risky investments. We recommend asking lenders if they offer specialized solar panel loans, or if they offer a green discount.
Mortgage Loans – There are two types of mortgage loans that can help you simultaneously finance the purchase of a home and the installation of solar panels. These include FHA and Fannie Mae loans. These loans may be easier to qualify for and can also be used to refinance your existing mortgage and pay for your solar energy system too. Beware of higher interest rates, hidden fees, higher closing costs, and application red tape. This loan is also best when mortgage rates are low.
Home Equity Loan or HELOC – Home equity loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are another popular way to finance the purchase of solar panels. They’re essentially a second mortgage using your house as collateral, which means that the lender can offer incredibly low-interest rates. For example, if your home is worth $300,000 and you owe $200,000. You can borrow a percentage of the $100,000 you have in equity. Typically, that percentage is around 85%.
Government Programs – There are a couple of different government programs that will help you finance the installation of solar panels. The more popular programs include the PowerSaver program and the Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing (PACE) program. Check with your local government, as these programs are dependent upon where you live and what your energy-saving project entails.
In-House Financing – Solar companies are able to provide their own financing options or partner with lenders that offer solar loans. These loans are often secured, unlike personal loans, requiring you to provide some form of collateral that reduces the lender’s risk. In many cases, it’s either the solar panels themselves that are used as collateral or your home. These loans are designed with terms that fit the lifecycle of your solar energy system. They may have a longer term, and lower monthly payments than other loans. This could be a simple route if you’re already planning to buy panels from the company. Depending on the solar company you choose, you could get a good deal if you accept financing through the installer.

Save More Money with Florida Solar

A solar energy system is a wise investment that will save you money over time. However, you need to be wary of inexperienced vendors who sell you energy systems that are not compatible with your home. Their low quote may be tempting, but they will end up costing you more because you’ll have to fix their mistakes to see the returns you expected.

Two simple rules of thumb – if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. And beware of those who won’t give you specifics on how much you will save with the solar energy system they are proposing.

Here at Florida Solar, we’ve built a sterling reputation over the course of 40 years. We take pride in designing and installing the highest quality solar energy systems that deliver the savings our customers expect, and our client testimonials prove it.

Because your goal is to save money, we also offer in-house financing options with borrower-friendly loan terms that can save you money far beyond your other options – as much as 25% lower than our competition. We can deliver this value because we have access to financing terms that are available to only the most highly qualified solar panel installers.

Our preferred lender protects you by performing extensive research on the Contractor’s State License Board (CSLB) to ensure their business partners (like Florida Solar) are reputable companies that are licensed, bonded, and insured. They are also committed to the environment. 100% of your investment will fund clean energy technologies and infrastructure that combat the global climate crisis – a mission Florida Solar is passionate about as well.

Financing the purchase of solar panels can be complicated. We make the process as simple and cost-efficient as possible.

Contact us online or call us at 727-513-3873 to start the conversation about saving on your electric bill with financing that works for you.

You may even be able to eliminate your bill. (To understand how your electricity service provider credits you for the energy your system produces, see our article on net metering.)

Why Solar Is a Great Investment Right Now

Jenn Wolff on December 16, 2022

Times are tough when it comes to finances. Even if we’re making more, and working from home, we’re still paying more for just about everything: gas, food, and even electricity. We can help with that last point.

There is no better time than now to invest in solar for your home. That’s because even when prices rise and the stock market eats at our investments, solar energy saves us money in the long run.

The Benefits of Going Solar

There are a lot of benefits to going solar, including:

You’ll eliminate your electric bill. The more you use solar power, the less you have to pay to your electric company. You’ll start seeing benefits immediately in terms of lower costs. Talk to us about your break-even point in terms of the cost of the system and your annual energy usage. After that point, you’ll profit from your investment.
It’s clean and green. Solar power is clean, renewable, and plentiful.
Solar is renewable and sustainable. The sun is a reliable and practically endless source of power. Your solar energy system replenishes itself naturally and won’t run out.
You’ll increase your home’s value. Homes with solar panels sell for about four percent (4%) more in Florida than those without.
It keeps the electricity on. 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.

How the Solar Tax Credit Works

You can save considerably on your solar system by using the federal solar tax credit, which allows you to write down what you owe in taxes based on a percentage of what you spent on a solar photovoltaic system. This year’s Inflation Reduction Act increased the tax credit to 30% for any system installed between 2022 and through the end of 2032.

You can take advantage of the credit as long as:

You own the home and the system being installed.
The system is generating electricity.
You have an income tax liability. Work with your certified public accountant to verify your savings.

You’ll receive 30% of your total project costs (including equipment, permitting fees, and installation) as a credit on your federal tax return.

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

Call Florida Solar for a Free Quote

For over 40 years, Florida Solar has installed residential and commercial solar panels and pool systems. We are the area’s premier solar installation company because we will:

Schedule a free solar savings consultation
Develop your custom solar design
Handle the permitting
Install your system

We’ve helped people like you throughout the Tampa Bay area enjoy the benefits of lower energy costs. Read the great things they have to say about working with Florida Solar.

If you’re interested in adding a solar energy system to your home, contact us for a free quote or call us at 727-513-3873.

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.

Converting Your Pool to a Salt Water System: How it Works and the Benefits

Jenn Wolff on June 15, 2022

You already know that Florida Solar installs the best pool heating systems. These solar-powered systems can save you hundreds of dollars a year over electric, gas, and high-efficiency heat pumps.

But did you know that we can also convert your chlorine pool to a saltwater pool? What are the benefits to this switch? Read on to learn the benefits and why you can rely on Florida Solar as your source and partner.

Benefits of Saltwater Pools

Common table salt can safely and effectively produce all the chlorine a pool needs, whether it’s in your back yard or a commercial pool. A pool salt system has a lot of advantages over the conventional type. Here are just a few reasons why a pool salt system in the right choice for perfect pool water:

No more chlorine to buy. No chlorine means no more red eyes or damaged hair after swimming.
Easy to use. Systems like the Pool Pilot® Digital Nano+ do nearly all the work for you.
Soft, great-feeling water. Because it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, a saltwater pool leaves your skin feeling silky to the touch.

Saltwater is also gentler on your swimsuits and pool toys. The salinity in a saltwater pool is less than a tenth of that found in ocean water. Pool salt systems are also much less expensive to maintain than your chlorinated pool.

Perfect Pool Water, without the Chlorine

To find the right salt system for your pool, we assess a number of areas, including:

The size of your pool. The larger your pool, the more cleaning it requires.
How often you use your pool. Do you use your pool year-round on a daily basis – or would you like to? Do you like to host fun pool parties during birthdays? We’ll make sure your pool is always ready for every event – whether you have friends over, or you just want to relax and enjoy the water with family.

To give you crystal clear pool water, we install the Pool Pilot® Digital Nano+, which includes microprocessor controls with a digital read-out of your pool water temperature, its current salt level, purifier production level, and more.

It also tells you how much salt to add if it runs low. The Nano+ will maintain pools up to 32,000 gallons with its PPC2 patented manifold. And it’s just a simple installation away.

Maintaining Your Saltwater Pool

The great news is that pools cleaned with salt systems are easy to maintain. No more constantly shocking your pool with chlorine. They require a fraction of the maintenance of a chlorine system, and you only need to clean it a couple of times every few months.

Florida Solar can inspect your pool and let you know when the salt chlorinator cell needs to be replaced. After installation, we’ll also share our tips for keeping your filter and pump working in top condition so you can enjoy a clean pool all year long. Through our training, you’ll understand how to use pool test strips to test your water for salinity, pH balance, alkalinity, and hardness. By checking these on just a monthly basis, you’ll know your pool is always ready and safe to enjoy.

Switch to a Saltwater Pool with Florida Solar

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

How Much You Save When You Install Solar Panels

Jenn Wolff on May 10, 2022

You’re interested in bringing solar power into your home. But before you commit, you want to understand the process of adding solar panels as well as your options for financing.

In this article, we’ll go over the savings you can enjoy on the cost of installation, as well as the savings you’ll see on your electricity costs.

Benefits of installing solar panels

People install solar panels for different reasons, but one of the main ones is lower electricity bills. This is especially important here in Florida, where our hot weather lasts beyond summer, and we need to run our air conditioning almost non-stop. Some of the benefits of solar panels include:

Higher property values. As we noted in our article on solar panels and home values, homes with solar panels sell for 4% more than those without.
Protection against rising electricity rates. Florida homeowners pay among the highest energy costs in the nation.
Reduction of your carbon footprint. Going green is another major factor that influences people to move to solar power. Installing panels reduces the greenhouse gases that pollute the air and lead to higher temperatures.

How much do you save when you install solar panels?

The amount you save on your electricity bill when you install a solar photovoltaic system depends on a few factors, including:

How much electricity you use. If you have high bills, expect to see a greater reward when you switch to solar.
The hours of direct sunlight your home receives.
The retail rate charged by your electricity provider for the surplus energy your solar panels generate. Learn more about net metering.

During our free consultation, Florida Solar’s experts can help determine how much you will save on your electricity bill. For more insight into the factors we look at, read our article “How to Estimate Your Savings When Switching to Solar.”

Installing solar panels onto a home

Some homeowners worry about the process of placing solar panels on the roofs. They’re concerned it will take too long and cause too much of a disturbance. A few are concerned they have an unusual house that will make installation difficult.

We’ve seen it all, and we’ve been able to put all of our customers’ minds at ease while meeting their demands.

That’s why you want to work with Florida Solar.

We let you know upfront how long the process will take from start to finish. We also take care of the entire design and installation process so that it is headache-free and doesn’t disturb your daily routine. Need to delay the install because of circumstances beyond your control? No problem. Our professional team is flexible and will work with you so that the process is fast, high quality, and stress-free.

Here’s how, in just a few steps, we help you go solar:

You schedule a free solar savings consultation
We design your custom solar system
We obtain all the needed permits to move forward with the work
We install your system.

Now you can enjoy solar energy that works for you and saves you money.

Solar financing – what are my options?

Adding solar to your home doesn’t have to be a big out-of-pocket expense. In fact, there are resources that can lower your cost of installation.

We partner with home improvement lenders that make it easy to afford your solar system. The financing process is quick and easy, and you don’t need to put any money down.

Another resource for lowering your cost is the Federal Solar Tax Credit. This is where you’ll receive 26% of your total project costs (including equipment, permitting, and installation) as a credit on your federal tax return.

Let’s say you owe money on your federal taxes. You can claim 26% of your project expenses and deduct that from what you owe to the IRS. Just be aware that the tax credit of 26% expires on December 31, 2022, and falls to 22% in 2023. If you want to maximize your savings, now is the time to act!

To learn more, read our article “How to Get the Solar Tax Credit for 2022.”

Go solar with Florida Solar

For over 40 years, Florida Solar has been installing residential and commercial solar panels. We also service your system, so you can rely on us for the ongoing maintenance that keeps your system performing at a high level for years to come.

Call us at 727-300-1515 or click here for a free quote. Our experts are available to come out to your home and explain the assessment and installation processes. Current Florida Solar customers compliment us on how thoroughly we explain the entire solar installation process and answer all of their questions. We look forward to providing that same high level of service to you.

What Is Net Metering?

Jenn Wolff on April 11, 2022

Net-metering is a process by which homeowners who have solar energy systems can get “credits” from their utility provider for any energy their solar panels create but isn’t used to power their home.

Homeowners can then use this credit to help pay for the energy they use through their traditional electric company. Your provider will deduct the total amount of surplus energy and subtract it as a credit from your monthly bill. This is sometimes described as “selling” the extra energy your panels produce to your utility company (like TECO and Duke Energy).

How can net metering help me?

If you already have a solar energy system installed in your home, you can get credit for the excess energy your system produces at the retail rate charged by your utility. Then you can take those credits and use them to pay for your electric bills during the winter months when you generate less solar power.

If you don’t yet have a system installed but you’re thinking about it, there’s a good reason to start now so you can get the current net-metering benefits.

New bill would lower net-metering credits for Florida homeowners

A new bill passed by the Florida Legislature and that awaits the governor’s signature will reduce the amount of solar credits for those who install solar panels after January 2024 (with decreasing percentages of the retail charge being applied in subsequent years).

However, those who install their solar energy systems by January 2024 will be grandfathered in and receive full retail rates for their surplus energy for the next 20 years.

Bring solar energy into your home

Another great reason to install solar now: the federal solar tax credit, which lets you take 26% of the cost of your system as a tax deduction as long as it’s installed by Dec. 31, 2022. The credit falls two 22% for systems installed in 2023.

Florida Solar specializes in installing solar energy systems into homes throughout the Tampa Bay area. Call Florida Solar at 727-877-3175 (or fill out the contact form) to get a complimentary quote to bring the green energy and money-saving power of solar into your home.