Solar Energy Archives - Page 2 of 3

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.

Why Aren’t My Solar Panels Working Right?

Jenn Wolff on January 20, 2022

If you already have solar power feeding your home, congratulations. You’ve invested in a resource that, over the long-term, will likely save on your electric bills. You’ll also be doing your part as we all try to help the environment by relying more on clean sources of energy like the sun.

However, there may be times when your panels aren’t delivering as expected. Maybe your panels are newly installed but aren’t performing as well as promised. Perhaps you’ve had the system for a while and now you’ve noticed a drop-off.

How to know your solar panels aren’t working

Many homeowners will decide they have a problem after looking at their electric bill. However, this is unreliable. For one thing, your photovoltaic system may be working fine, but a combination of weather and your energy usage will factor into how much excess energy you are given credit for by your electric company. Also keep in mind that your bill won’t tell you how much your system generated for use in your home.

Some more accurate signs of a faulty system include:

An orange or red light on your inverter
The kilowatt hours on your solar meter aren’t increasing
Cracks in the solar panels. This will negatively impact their ability to generate power.

What causes solar panels to stop working effectively?

Besides panels that have been physically damaged, here are some factors that may cause panels to underperform:

Dirty panels. In Florida, we got a lot of rain to wash away the dirt and grime that can build up on panels. But there are those dry spells we go through now and then, especially during the winter months. In a short amount of time, things like pollen, leaves, pine needles, and sap can cover the panels and prevent them from working effectively.
Cloudy days. If the sun’s rays are being partially blocked, don’t expect your system to work at peak performance.
The angle of your panels. A professional should have installed your panels so that they receive maximum sunlight throughout the day. Poor installation may explain the lack of power.

If you suspect one or more of these to be an issue, or you think your system’s performance has fallen well below what it had been generating, please let us now.

Call Florida Solar for a free inspection of your system

Your solar energy system will never be 100% efficient. But if it’s performing well below what you were promised or should reasonably expect, it’s time for an inspection.

If you can tell that your solar panels are dirty, don’t try to clean them yourself. This is a delicate process and you may end up causing more damage.

Also, if you’re not sure your inverter if working right, contact us now at Florida Solar to discuss your repair options. We can provide you a full inspection of your system to put your mind at ease. We’ll also clean your panels and restore them to proper operating condition.

For those of you who are current Florida Solar customers, have you had your yearly checkup? Even if your system is working perfectly – and we expect it will be! – an annual inspection is the best way to ensure it stays that way.

Contact us online or call us at 727-877-3175. Our experts are available to listen to your concerns and schedule a time to inspect your system and put your mind at ease.

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 Solar Panels Lower Your Energy Bills

Jenn Wolff on April 21, 2021

Few places have as much to offer as Florida: the beaches, the sunshine, and the warm weather among them. When the rest of the country is shoveling snow, we’re often wearing shorts and enjoying one of our many iconic theme parks or spending time outdoors. But there’s a tradeoff to living in this tropical paradise.In Florida, power bills can be very costly. It takes a lot of energy to cool your home, and not just in the hot summer season. Our warm weather lasts much longer than in many other parts of the U.S., and so we run our air conditioners constantly.And we have more than the heat to contend with. Florida has the second-highest level of humidity in the nation. It takes a lot of AC to bring those numbers down to a comfortable level indoors.Florida residents like you pay the price. Our energy costs are among the highest in the nation. Fortunately, we also live in a state where we can take all that sunshine and use it to keep more of our money.The benefits of solar panelsWith solar panels, you convert the energy of the sun into electricity that powers your home, appliances, and devices. Solar panels also bring financial and environmental benefits. When you go solar, you’re reducing your bills. And you’re reducing your carbon footprint by relying on clean, renewable energy. Some of the benefits of solar panels include:

Lower electric bills
Protection against rising electricity rates
Increase in your property’s value
Less use of electricity, which reduces the greenhouse gases that pollute the air and promote higher temperatures

Five steps to going solarThe solar panels we install are durable, making them a great long-term investment. Florida Solar has over 40 years of experience installing residential and commercial solar panels. And because we can also service your system, you can rely on us for everything you need. In five steps, we’ll help you go solar:

Schedule a free solar savings consultation
Florida Solar develops your custom solar design
We handle the permitting
We install your system
Enjoy solar energy that works for you

Call us at 727-300-1515 or click here for a quote. Our experts are available to explain the assessment and installation processes, so you can get started on a path to lower energy bills.GET A CUSTOM QUOTE

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.

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?

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.

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!