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Solar Orlando Company

Why Solar Power is Perfect for Orlando Homeowners

Orlando homeowners have a unique opportunity to benefit from solar power thanks to abundant sunshine, favorable incentives, and rising electricity costs. Solar energy systems can significantly lower utility bills, increase home value, and support a cleaner environment, making them a smart investment for Florida residents.

This article explores the key reasons why solar power is the perfect choice for Solar Orlando homeowners, addressing financial benefits, local incentives, and environmental impact.

1. Abundant Sunshine: Florida’s Natural Advantage

As the Sunshine State, Florida offers ideal conditions for solar energy:

  • High Solar Irradiance: Orlando experiences over 230 sunny days annually, maximizing energy production from solar panels.
  • Year-Round Savings: Unlike states with seasonal limitations, Florida homeowners can generate solar power throughout the year, reducing dependence on the grid.

2. Significant Financial Savings

Installing a solar energy system can dramatically reduce energy costs for Solar Orlando homeowners:

  • Lower Monthly Utility Bills: Solar systems allow homeowners to produce their electricity, leading to immediate savings. With average utility rates in Florida increasing, solar power provides long-term price stability.
  • Net Metering Benefits: Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) and other providers offer net metering programs, enabling homeowners to earn credits for excess energy sent back to the grid.

3. Local and Federal Incentives

Several incentives make solar energy more affordable for Residential Solar Orlando installations:

  • Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC): Homeowners can claim 30% of the system's cost as a tax credit, significantly lowering upfront expenses.
  • Property Tax Exemptions: In Florida, the increased property value from solar installations is exempt from property taxes.
  • Sales Tax Exemptions: Solar panels and related equipment are exempt from Florida’s state sales tax, reducing the overall system cost.

These incentives make solar power a financially viable option for most Orlando homeowners.

4. Increased Home Value

Installing solar panels can increase the resale value of a home in Orlando:

  • Studies show that solar-equipped homes sell faster and for higher prices compared to non-solar homes.
  • Buyers are attracted to homes with lower energy costs and sustainable energy sources.

5. Environmental Benefits

Switching to solar energy helps Orlando homeowners reduce their carbon footprint:

  • Solar power produces clean, renewable energy without emitting greenhouse gases.
  • Adopting solar supports Florida’s efforts to transition to more sustainable energy sources and combat climate change.

6. Reliable Energy During Storms

Florida’s frequent storms and hurricanes make energy reliability a priority. Solar systems paired with battery storage provide:

  • Backup Power: Battery storage systems like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase Encharge allow homeowners to store excess energy for use during outages.
  • Energy Independence: Reduce reliance on the grid, especially during emergencies.

7. Tailored Solutions for Orlando Homes

Professional Solar Companies in Orlando can design solar systems that maximize efficiency for local conditions:

  • Custom Designs: Systems are tailored to fit specific roof orientations, shading, and energy needs.
  • Advanced Monitoring: Homeowners can track energy production and consumption through monitoring apps, ensuring optimal performance.

Why Act Now?

  • Rising Electricity Costs: Florida’s utility rates are projected to continue increasing, making now the best time to lock in savings with solar.
  • Incentives Are Time-Sensitive: Federal tax credits are available through 2032, but acting sooner ensures homeowners benefit from current rates and incentives.
  • Sustainability Goals: Adopting solar power now contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable future for Orlando and beyond.

Conclusion

Solar power is the perfect solution for Orlando homeowners seeking to save money, increase home value, and support the environment. With abundant sunshine, favorable incentives, and reliable energy options, solar energy provides unmatched benefits for Florida residents. To learn more or to get started with a customized solar solution, contact a trusted Solar Company in Orlando today.

References

  1. https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-power-in-florida
  2. https://www.ouc.com/environment-community/solar-energy
  3. https://www.dsireusa.org
Solar Orlando - 12/09/2024
Megawatt exemption

Commercial Solar - Domestic Content Bonus's Hidden Gem Every Business Should Know About

Review of the Domestic Content Bonus: Megawatt Exemption, Safe Harbor, and Apprenticeship Requirements for 2024 and 2025

The Domestic Content Bonus under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides additional tax incentives for commercial solar projects that incorporate U.S.-manufactured components. For businesses investing in commercial solar installation, understanding the requirements of the Domestic Content Bonus can be crucial to maximizing tax credits. This article will review the key aspects of the bonus, including the megawatt exemption, safe harbor provisions, and the apprenticeship program requirements for large commercial projects in 2024 and 2025.

What is the Domestic Content Bonus?

The Domestic Content Bonus offers an extra tax credit on top of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for commercial solar projects using a specific percentage of U.S.-sourced materials. For commercial solar energy systems, this bonus can increase the ITC from 30% to as much as 40% if the system meets the domestic content standards.

To qualify, projects must use steel, iron, and manufactured products predominantly made in the U.S., as outlined by the Department of Treasury. This bonus credit incentivizes commercial solar developers to source materials domestically, creating a positive economic impact and supporting American manufacturing.

Understanding the Megawatt Exemption

The megawatt exemption is an essential factor in determining compliance requirements based on project size:

  1. Projects under 1 Megawatt (MW):
    • Small-scale commercial solar systems below 1 MW are generally exempt from strict domestic content requirements.
    • These projects can still pursue the bonus credit but aren’t obligated to meet all requirements, making it easier for small and mid-sized commercial solar companies to access the bonus without added regulatory burdens.
  2. Projects 1 MW and Above:
    • Commercial solar projects with a capacity of 1 MW or more must fully comply with domestic content requirements to receive the bonus.
    • These large-scale commercial solar installations need a specific percentage of U.S.-sourced steel, iron, and other components, with percentages set by the Department of Treasury for 2024 and 2025.
    • Additionally, projects over 1 MW must meet an apprenticeship program requirement to qualify for the full credit.

Apprenticeship Program Requirement for Projects Over 1 MW

For commercial solar projects exceeding 1 MW, there’s an apprenticeship requirement that contributes to workforce development within the solar industry:

  1. Employment of Apprentices:
    • The project must employ a certain percentage of labor from registered apprenticeship programs, which is set by the Department of Labor and ensures a portion of the workforce is in training to build skills in commercial solar energy.
  2. Labor Hours Requirement:
    • Projects over 1 MW must allocate a percentage of total labor hours to apprentices. In 2024, this requirement is set at 12.5% and will increase to 15% in 2025. This applies across a range of roles within the commercial solar installation process, from assembly to technical operations.
  3. Qualified Apprenticeship Programs:
    • Only apprentices from certified programs are eligible under this requirement. This ensures that the workforce is trained to meet industry standards and requirements.
  4. Good Faith Efforts:
    • If a commercial solar contractor cannot meet the apprenticeship requirement despite good faith efforts, they may still qualify by demonstrating an effort to hire apprentices. This provision requires documentation of outreach to apprenticeship programs and the reason for any shortfalls in meeting the threshold.

The apprenticeship requirement supports job creation in the commercial solar sector and provides an opportunity for emerging professionals to gain hands-on experience in renewable energy.

Safe Harbor Requirements for 2024 and 2025

Safe harbor provisions offer commercial developers a means to lock in the current incentive rates and eligibility criteria, even if changes occur after project commencement. For projects starting in 2024 and 2025, safe harbor is critical to securing the Domestic Content Bonus:

  1. Commencement of Construction:
    • Commercial solar projects must begin construction by meeting IRS guidelines, such as incurring at least 5% of the project cost or demonstrating physical work. Starting construction in 2024 or 2025 allows projects to “safe harbor” under the current rules, even if requirements change later.
  2. Procurement of Domestic Content Components:
    • Projects that secure U.S.-made components in 2024 or 2025 may qualify under safe harbor, which locks in compliance with current domestic content requirements.
  3. Ongoing Compliance Tracking:
    • Large commercial projects need detailed records of domestic sourcing and apprenticeship compliance. Documentation of vendor contracts, invoices, and apprenticeship certifications is essential for verification by the IRS or Treasury Department.

Safe harbor provisions provide stability for commercial solar projects, ensuring that qualifying projects can access the full bonus without uncertainty from regulatory changes.

Conclusion

The Domestic Content Bonus offers a powerful incentive for commercial solar projects that incorporate U.S.-manufactured components and support workforce development through apprenticeships. For projects over 1 MW, the apprenticeship requirement plays a crucial role in qualifying for the tax credit. Safe harbor provisions for 2024 and 2025 offer developers security in compliance planning, helping the commercial solar industry grow while contributing to U.S. job creation and manufacturing. By understanding these requirements, commercial solar companies can strategically plan projects that maximize federal incentives.

References:

  1. https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/articles/solar-power-america - U.S. Department of Energy: Solar Power in America
  2. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf - IRS Form 5695: Residential Energy Credits (for reference on tax credits)
  3. https://www.seia.org/initiatives/domestic-content-bonus - Solar Energy Industries Association: Domestic Content Bonus Overview
  4. https://www.treasury.gov/initiatives/domestic-content - U.S. Department of Treasury: Domestic Content Bonus Guidelines
  5. https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/training/apprenticeship - U.S. Department of Labor: Apprenticeship Programs
commercial solar - 11/05/2024
Solar Orlando Tax Credit

The 5 Most Important Variables When Shopping for Solar for Your Home in Florida

When shopping for Solar Orlando energy systems in Florida, it’s essential to consider several key factors that will impact your long-term savings and the performance of your system. This guide covers the five most important variables homeowners should focus on when selecting a solar energy solution, optimized for the Florida market.

1. System Size and Energy Needs

  • Why It’s Important: The size of the solar system should be based on your home’s specific energy requirements. In Florida, where sunshine is abundant, optimizing your system size can lead to maximum savings.
  • How to Evaluate: Review your past energy bills to calculate your average monthly electricity usage. This will help determine the kilowatt capacity your system should have. You may also want to account for future energy needs if you plan to add new appliances or an electric vehicle.
  • Tip for Florida: Florida’s high energy consumption due to air conditioning makes it even more important to choose a system that offsets a large portion of your electricity use.

2. Solar Panel Efficiency

  • Why It’s Important: Higher efficiency panels produce more electricity from the same amount of sunlight, which is especially beneficial for homes with limited roof space.
  • How to Evaluate: Look for panels with efficiency ratings above 19%. High-efficiency panels, like those from SunPower and Panasonic, are ideal for Florida homes with high electricity consumption and space constraints.
  • Tip for Florida: Consider panels that perform well in hot climates, as Florida’s heat can reduce the efficiency of some solar panels.

3. Roof Condition and Orientation

  • Why It’s Important: Your roof’s condition and its exposure to sunlight are critical factors in the effectiveness of your solar installation. Florida homes typically have more roof space and favorable sun exposure, making them prime candidates for solar.
  • How to Evaluate: Ideally, your roof should face south to capture the most sunlight, but east or west-facing roofs can also work with some efficiency loss. In Florida, roofs should be able to withstand the high winds of hurricane season, so make sure they’re in good condition.
  • Tip for Florida: Make sure your solar installer evaluates your roof’s ability to handle both the solar system’s weight and the potential impact of hurricane-force winds.

4. Financial Incentives and Solar Financing

  • Why It’s Important: Florida offers various solar incentives, and choosing the right financing option can maximize your return on investment.
  • How to Evaluate: Take advantage of the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct 30% of the system cost from your federal taxes. Additionally, Florida has property tax exemptions and net metering policies that can further reduce your long-term costs.
  • Tip for Florida: Net metering policies in Florida allow you to sell excess electricity back to the grid, providing an additional financial benefit. Be sure to explore solar financing options such as solar loans, which can spread out the costs over time.
  • References:
    1. Florida Solar Incentives - Energy.gov
    2. Solar Investment Tax Credit - SEIA
    3. Net Metering in Florida - Solar United Neighbors

5. Warranties and Company Reputation

  • Why It’s Important: Solar is a long-term investment, so working with a reputable solar company in Florida and ensuring your panels come with solid warranties is crucial for protecting your investment.
  • How to Evaluate: Look for panels with at least a 25-year warranty. Additionally, ensure that your installer offers a workmanship warranty to cover any issues that may arise during installation.
  • Tip for Florida: Florida’s climate can be tough on solar systems, so choose companies that have extensive experience installing solar panels in the state’s unique weather conditions.

Conclusion

When shopping for Solar Orlando or in Florida, carefully considering your energy needs, solar panel efficiency, roof condition, financial incentives, and warranties will help you make the best investment. Florida’s abundant sunshine, combined with strong incentives, makes it an ideal state for going solar. By optimizing your decision around these key factors, you can maximize your savings and ensure your solar system performs effectively for decades to come.

References:

  1. https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/articles/solar-power-florida
  2. https://www.seia.org/initiatives/solar-investment-tax-credit-itc
  3. https://www.solarunitedneighbors.org/florida/go-solar-in-florida/net-metering-florida/
  4. https://www.floridasolarenergy.org
  5. https://www.dsireusa.org

Solar Orlando - 10/28/2024

Can I Really Get Solar Energy for $0 Down & $0 Out of Pocket

You Can Get Solar Energy For No Money Down and No Money Out of Pocket, but it’s not free.

In this article, we are going to dive into what exactly $0 Down $0 Out of Pocket means in regards to adding solar panels to your home.  If you are shopping for solar panels in Orlando or Florida then you have inevitably have heard the Phrase “Get Solar Energy for $0 Down and $0 Out of Pocket”.  This claim is designed to get you excited about adding an energy efficient product without any money involved. That might be where there begin to be some confusions. Here are some simple explanations to this statement as well as some guidelines to follow to get your best deal on solar panels.

Check out other great videos to help you understand more about solar energy and Solar Companies Youtube – Emerald Sun Energy Channel

What does $0 Down (NO Money Down) mean? First off it is NOT FREE.  You are buying something. However, if you are able to qualify for available financing then there is No Money Down as the entire purchase can be funded because many of the financing options available for solar companies do not require any money down.  Hence the entire solar project will be funded by the financing company.

What does $0 Out oF Pocket (No Money Out of Pocket) mean? This statement may be the one that causes the most confusion because it often leads people to believe that it is free.  Again it is NOT FREE, you are buying something. However, if you qualify for available funding it is true that you will have $0 Out of Pocket. The easiest way to understand this is to look at the example below.  What it points out is purchasing a solar panel system for your home will not affect your budget. Meaning you can use the money you already are paying the power company to instead pay for your solar power system that will improve your home’s value and convert a variable expense (power bill) into a profitable asset (solar panel system).  In most cases, you will actually be cash positive depending on which financing option you choose. So you can purchase your system with the money you already spend because your solar panel financing payment will be less than the amount of money you save on your power bill by switching to solar.

What do I need to do to qualify for this solar program?  Simply call Emerald Sun Energy a local Florida Solar Company located in Orlando and serving all of Central Florida, We will first do a customized energy consumption analysis to determine the size of the solar panels system you need.  We will then draw out a solar panel spec drawing so you can see how the panels will look on your roof. Then you can choose the financing option that best meets your needs and fill out the online instant approval application, we will have a decision within minutes of application.  The basic qualifiers are you will need a 680 credit score or greater to qualify. The financing company will also be looking at your debt to income ratio to determine if you are a good candidate for a solar energy system. Usually, a debt to income below 45% with a household income of $50,000 is able to be approved.

Example of how $0 Down $0 Out of pocket looks like:

With the advanced additions of Solar Energy Financing Florida Homeowners can get solar for No Money Down and No Money Out of Pocket

With the advanced additions of Solar Energy Financing Florida Homeowners can get solar for No Money Down and No Money Out of Pocket

First, we must figure out the amount of money you will be saving on your power bill every month to find out how much money you have available on a monthly basis to pay for the system.  In the above example of an actual solar customer, before they started using solar there power bill was $231 per month and after they switched to solar energy their power bill dropped to $29 per month.  Which is a monthly savings of $202 per month? So that means so long as we have a financing option that requires less than a $202 a month payment then we will be able to provide solar for $0 Out of Pocket because we are just redistributing money you are already spending to convert an expense into an asset.

Next, we will examine the financing options offered by the above Orlando Solar Company.

In the above example, you can see the available financing options for the customer where a 12 Year or 144 payments of $199 which is $3 less then they would pay the power company.  Or a 20 year (240 payment) option would be $162 per month essentially saving customer on average $40 over what they would have paid the power company. That is a yearly positive cash flow of nearly $500 plus they improved the value of their home and reduced their carbon footprint.  WOW!!

Please keep in mind in the above example we are using Net Sales Price which is the price of the Solar Panel System after you received your 30% Federal Tax Credit.  If you somehow do not qualify for the tax credit you will still be able to get the system for no money out of pocket but it would be only on the 20-year option that would accomplish this.  Either way, you are purchasing an asset using someone else’s money to pay for it. This is one of the biggest ways wealthy people keep and grow their wealth. You can see more about that is this video “Solar Energy is a Better Investment Than The Stock Market”

As you can see from the explanation and example provided $0 Down $0 Out of Pocket isn’t free but it is a tremendous opportunity for homeowners to be able to add Solar Energy to there home without affecting their monthly budget.  Please keep in mind that the 30% Federal Tax Credit expires at the end of 2019 so your window for taking advantage of such a great opportunity is closing. There will be a couple of years of reduced tax credits but you will have missed out on the biggest one, while you can do it without affecting your budget.

Solar Companies - 09/20/2018

Questions you should ask your solar company – part 5

Questions you should ask your solar contractor – part 4

29. What happens during the solar power installation process?

The Solar power installation process consists of engineered drawing that is submitted for permit approval.  After permit approval and installation, a date is scheduled. Most installations for homes will take 1-2 days. After installation, it will be submitted for a final inspection.  After the inspection is completed your local power company is notified with an interconnection agreement which they will come out and swap out your meter for a bidirectional meter that will be able to monitor the power your solar power system will produce for the power company.  The total installation process takes 4-8 weeks depending on permitting, interconnection agreement and weather.

30. Should I ask for a solar monitoring system for my solar panels?

Yes.  Most solar contractors will not include the monitoring.  You would be advised to ask for it. You can always get your energy output readings from the inverter if it is a string inverter system.   However, you will have to go to the inverter and familiarize yourself with its report settings in order to get your solar energy production readings. It is a microinverter system you will need monitoring or you will just have to rely on the power companies tracking numbers.  If you have a string inverter system by SolarEdge w/ power optimizers you need to have the cellular chip upgrade to your system. Then you will be able to track the energy production from your solar panel system through an app you can download onto your phone. You will be able to see the day to day energy production, weekly, monthly and yearly solar energy output.

31. Do I need to install solar batteries with my solar power system?

In Orlando Florida, you are able to tie the system into the power companies grid nullifying the need for the solar batteries.  You might want to consider a Tesla Powerwall as a backup generator system. Keep in mind when you use a Tesla Powerwall it will not back up your entire system but rather provide power to critical energy sources during a power outage.  Mainly your main loads are what you are backing up. Refrigerator and stove with an outlet for a light and fan. If you wanted to back up for the entire house you would probably need 3 Tesla Powerwalls. I typically do not recommend battery backups where grid access is available.  There are a few reasons for this. First, off I feel a traditional generator is a better power outage backup then solar batteries, because when the power goes out it is usually accompanied by bad weather that will reduce the systems overall production and leave you with intermittent power outages.  Secondly, Solar battery solutions only last 7-10 years, meaning you will have to replace the batteries 3 times during the life of your solar panel systems life, more than doubling the cost of the system. Finally, solar batteries put off a strong magnetic field that I do not like putting near the home.  If you had a shed that was 100 feet from the home then I might put the batteries there. There are some great whole home generators that you can install for the same price that will actually give you enough power to power your entire home for a week.

32. Can the local Homeowners Association (HOA) stop me from installing a solar power system on my building?

It is illegal for an HOA to prevent you from installing solar panels on your home.  Some will have requirements such as they need to face the back of the house but even those are speculative.  Meaning if the performance of the system mandates that the solar panels need to face the front of the house for peak performance then they can not stop you from placing them there.  I do recommend checking with the HOA for any guidelines they request and whenever possible adhere to those requests. In cases when you cannot adhere to their guidelines then your solar company can send them a letter explaining why we must break there suggested guidelines.

34. How will Solar Panels be mounted?

Solar panels will be mounted to a racking system and it is that racking system that will be mounted to the roof.  More specifically to your homes truss system when available. That means no solar panels will be mounted directly to your roof.  This method reduces and potential leaking factors that may arise if the panels were installed directly to the roof.  Ironridge solar mounts are the most durable mounts on the market and graded to withstand 140 mph winds.

For more Questions you should ask your solar company check out our ongoing series:

Questions You Should Ask Your Solar Company – Part 1

Questions You Should Ask Your Solar Company – Part 2

Questions You Should Ask Your Solar Company – Part 3

Questions You Should Ask Your Solar Contractor – Part 4

Solar Companies / Solar Installation Orlando - 09/04/2018

Questions you should ask your solar company – part 4

Questions you should ask your solar company – part 4

22. Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar?

Depends.  If you are thinking about replacing the roof or you know it needs to be changed in the next 3 years I would seriously consider changing the roof before adding a rooftop solar panel system to your home.  The Solar Panels will actually help to extend the lifespan of your roof by protecting it from weather damage like wind and hail.  You should get a replacement roof option with your solar energy system.  Many Solar Companies will offer this for a small upsell that you can include in your system.  However, the downside of paying it upfront is if the solar company you contracted with goes out of business then you will have to pay someone else to reinstall your system.  Emerald Sun Energy includes a solar panel replacement if you utilize our recommended roofer to do the job.  This only applies to normal roof replacement.  If your roof is damaged during a storm then your insurance company can be billed for the additional charges incurred to reinstall your solar panel system.

23. How long will my solar power system last?

Your solar power system will come with a 25 year performance guarantee, it will actually last 40-50 years.  You will have to replace the inverter at 12 years but solaredge offers an extended warranty on their inverter up to 25 years.  It is a great investment to extend the life of the entire solar energy system to 25 years.

24. What happens if I sell my solar house?

This is one of the most important reasons why it is better to own the system over leasing a system.  When you sell your home you will sell it with the system and receive on average a $20,000 increase in the value of your home.  According to Forbes Magazine, the average home increases its value by over $20,000.  If you are leasing a system when you go to sell your home you will have to require the buyer to assume the lease as well as the leasing company will have to approve the buyer.

26. How do I compare solar quotes?

Comparing solar quotes is not an easy task.  There are many factors that you have to be able to weigh against one another.  Such as quality of Solar panels, inverter, racking systems and wiring used. You will also have to compare company performance, financing options offered by companies(unless you secure your own financing prior to shopping), then you will have to compare add ons like maintenance, roof replacements and others.  Using a third party solar consultant to compare quotes is a great investment. You can usually get someone to compare your quotes for under $400 not a bad investment to protect against a mistake in purchasing $20,000 – $30,000 solar investment.  To find out more on what to look out for when purchasing Solar Energy for your home, read “The Secret Guide to Buying Solar” the most comprehensive solar buying guide on the market.

27. What are the different types of solar panels?

There are many manufacturers of solar panels to choose from.  Make sure the solar manufacturer you are looking at offers at least a 10 year manufacturer warranty and a 25 year performance guarantee.

There are two types of solar panels.  Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.  Monocrystalline solar panels are more expensive but are more efficient and durable and worth the price difference.

28. What are the different types of power inverters?

There are three main types of inverter systems you can choose from.  First is a string inverter system, micro-inverter system and power optimizer systems.  String inverters are highly inefficient and require a perfect situation to utilize them.  However, they are the best option for large commercial jobs. Micro inverter systems for homeowners will increase the amount of efficiency the system can produce over a string inverter system.  There is a larger increase in maintenance with this system and for commercial use, this system is a virtual maintenance nightmare. The third system is the solaredge power optimizer system.  With this system, you can get the added efficiency of the micro inverter systems with a reduced long term maintenance on your system. This is the most prefered system to use for homes. For commercial it is also a good solution but in many cases, the straight string inverter is going to make the most sense.

For more Questions you should ask your solar company check out our ongoing series:

Questions You Should Ask Your Solar Company – Part 1

Questions You Should Ask Your Solar Company – Part 2

Questions You Should Ask Your Solar Company – Part 3

Commercial Solar Company - 08/27/2018

Questions you should ask your Solar Company – part 3

Questions you should ask your Solar Company – Part 3

16. Which is better – solar Energy loans or solar Energy leases?

Increased options available for solar energy loans have made them the optimal choice over a solar lease. Two distinct differences apply to solar energy financing, first you will receive a 30% federal tax credit and second it will increase the value of your home. Also, solar financing options now are available as low as 2.99% – 5.99%.  In Florida, Leasing a solar panel system is illegal and you have to tie the solar energy system to the electric companies electrical grid.  Leasing options are not as favorable because of the terms and that you do not receive tax credits or the increased value of your home. However, when leasing a solar panel system the leasing company is responsible for all of the maintenance of the system while when purchasing the homeowner is. Many solar companies will also include maintenance of the system but you will have to ask them to include it in most cases.

17. What is the difference between secured solar loans and unsecured solar loans?

A secured solar loan would usually entail an equity position on the home where an unsecured solar loan would operate more as straight credit. The advantages of a secured solar loan would be getting to write off the interest paid from the loan as well as getting a low rate without additional financing fees. The advantage of the unsecured solar loans is that there is no additional equity position/lean put on the home. There are also very attractive low rates available but you will usually have to pay upfront financing charges to get them

18. How do I choose the best solar loan?

To get the best solar loan you have to compare the total cost of the loan. Most people make the mistake of looking at the price of the solar panel system over factoring in the monthly rate and the term on the loan.  So when you look at the actual total of the loan it will calculate the total amount of money you will pay for the solar energy system including the interest.  To figure out the total cost of the loan you need to multiply the monthly payment by the number of payments(term) of the solar loan. That will give you your true system cost and allow you to compare your best deal.  Most Orlando Solar Companies will try to show you a lower cost of the system but have a higher monthly payment then a more expensive system because they are charging you a higher interest rate.  To get a lower interest rate the financing company will charge an additional financing charge which will increase the sticker price of the solar panel system.  However, because of the lower interest rate, your actual total cost of the system will be less.  This is important to understand and to get more information on this and other sales practices used by solar companies you can read “The Secret Guide to Buying Solar”.

19. Can I afford to go solar?

The better question is can you afford not to… The price of solar is now very attractive with the lowest rates ever (70% less than in 2009) combined with the current 30% tax credit and low financing options it is usually at least $50 a month cheaper than paying the power company and as time goes by the amount you save only increases.  Consumer Reports came out in 2016 and said there has never been a better time to go solar and that remains to be true.

20. Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

If your roof is less than 10 years old your roof is probably a good fit for a solar panel system. The best pitch that works for solar is 30 – 45% which includes over 90% of home roof pitches. Solar Energy will work with other pitches but you might sacrifice some efficiency in the process.

21. What size should the solar energy system I get?

The average system size that is purchased in the US is a 7KW solar power system. However, this differs from what size system you need. To determine the actual size that is needed you will need to know your monthly average kWh. In Orlando, Florida if you have $190 a month power bill you would require a 10KW solar panel system to produce enough energy to offset your electric power bill.  Emerald Sun Energy is an Orlando Solar Company that services the entire central Florida region Including Daytona, Orlando, Melbourne, Tampa, Vero, Sebation, Kissimmee, Lake County, Seminal County, Brevard County, Polk County and everywhere in between.

For additional Questions you should ask your solar company please see related posts:

The 7 Most Important Question to Ask Your Solar Company – part 1

Questions you should ask your Solar Company – part 2

Solar Companies - 08/19/2018

Questions you should ask your Solar Company – part 2

Solar Energy In Orlando Florida is taking off & Here are some Questions you should ask your solar company – part 2

9. Can I go off grid with solar panels?

In the state of Florida, you are not legally able to go off-grid.  However, you can reduce your demand for electricity from the grid and offset all of the cost for electricity by producing electricity with solar energy.  In Orlando Florida as a Solar Company, we help homeowners go solar with no money down and no money out of pocket and they are able to reduce their power bill and energy consumption while improving the value of their home’s.

10. Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?

Yes.  You will still receive a power bill, however, your combined expense between power bill and solar will be less than what your current power bill is today.

11. Do solar panels work in a blackout?

Depends, there are two different ways to have power during a blackout.  First is to have an inverter that allows you to cut off the power to the electrical grid and will still power your home during daylight hours.  The second way is to blank your home with a battery backup system that your home will work off of during a blackout. It will provide power into the evenings until the batteries are drained.

12. How much will solar panel maintenance cost?

Very minimal, All of the equipment has long-term extended warranties so there is no production cost involved in maintenance.  Please make sure you know your warranties T & C’s. Many solar companies will include maintenance on warranty covered issues.

13. What solar energy rebates and incentives are available?

If Florida the biggest incentive is the Federal 30% Tax Credit that you are able to get in a dollar for dollar rebate from your upcoming tax seasons.  This rebate can range upwards of $10,000. It truly makes this the golden age of solar energy.  For a full list of all available rebates, you can visit DSIRE, it is a database that aggregates all available solar rebates for the entire country including state and local incentives.

  1. What are my solar financing options?

Solar Financing options have come full circle.  There are many great offers available today. You can own a system for no money down, no money out of pocket and a low fixed rate apr of 2.99% for 12 or 20.  In Florida, purchasing is the only option available for homeowners. For certain businesses leasing may be an option as well. In many other states, PPA’s are available (power purchase agreement), with this agreement solar company owns the system and you are buying your power from them instead of the power company.  It gives you moderate savings over the power company but not as much savings as owning a system yourself.  In many areas of central Florida PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) is available, PACE is a program that allows you to use your property tax as a payment vehicle for Solar Energy.  You are able to finance the project through your property tax and extend payments out for 25 years which lowers your monthly power bill rates.  The biggest benefit of PACE is that it is transferable when you sell the property.  To find out if your property qualifies for PACE, you can run a search at Renew Finance.

15. Should I buy or lease my solar panel system?

See above.  Except for specific cases for homeowners buying the system is your better deal.  Before the financing options became more competitive it may have made sense to go with a leased system.  Owning vs leasing you receive all of the tax incentives plus it increases the value of your home. For businesses, there may be reasons to lease over buying depending on business structure but more often than not it is still better to buy.

For more Questions you should ask your solar company check out our ongoing series:

The 7 Most Important Questions to Ask Your Solar Company – part 1

Questions you should ask your Solar Company – part 3

For a comprehensive solar buyers guide visit “The Secret Guide to Buying Solar”

commercial solar - 08/06/2018

The 7 Most Important Questions to Ask Your Solar Company – part 1

Solar Energy In Orlando, Florida is on the rise and the 7 most Important Questions You Should Ask Your Orlando Solar Company

1. What are the financial benefits of solar energy?

The biggest financial benefit for solar energy in Orlando, Florida is it will continually lower your kWh rate over time. As your power company raises its rates, by 4% a year on average, you will be insulated from these rate increases. Over the life of the system, your savings can exceed $50,000 over the money you will already spend. The best part about the money you make on solar is that it is in savings of post-tax dollars which means the money you make is not taxable and makes your gross rate profit the same as your net rate profit. For example, if you were to earn this same money in the stock market then those earnings would be taxable under capital gains.

2. What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?

Solar Energy will reduce your carbon footprint. Solar Energy doesn’t need to be drilled, Doesn’t need to be processed at a facility, doesn’t need to be transported and most importantly doesn’t need to be burned. According to a recent article from CNN, they state that solar may be the one variable that can rescue us from global warming. See link in video description below

3. How do I find out how much I pay for electricity?

You can look at your power bill to determine your active kWh rate, but make sure you factor in many power company charge either increased rates over a designated monthly kWh usage or a premium rate for energy used during peak hours. The average kWh rate including taxes ranges from $.12 to $.16 per kWh in Orlando, Florida.

4. What is net metering?

Net Metering is the agreement in place with power companies that allow you to produce your own energy and sell your excess energy to the power company for energy credits to be used at a later time or date. During the day your solar power system will produce all of the energy you will need for the entire day and then at night, you will use your accumulated credits from the energy you produced during the day. The best part of net metering is that you are able to sell your power to the power company at the retail rate for the energy that you use.

5. How does solar impact my property values?

This is what makes solar energy the best investment in the market. According to Forbes Magazine, you recoup 97% of your investment the day you install the panels on your roof. This is what allows you to convert a variable expense into a profitable asset. Essentially you are converting your power bill into an asset that increases your property value as well as insulating yourself from future power rate hikes.

6. How do solar photovoltaic (PV) solar panels work?

Solar panels generate electricity through the photovoltaic process. This is where the silicon solar panels separate the electrons from the protons. The electrons are then funneled down into the inverter that will convert the dc electricity into ac electricity which is what your home and the grid work off of.

7. Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?

It will generate some electricity but it will be less than when it is clear weather and sunny.
Here in Orlando, there is a lot of Sun but there is also a lot of clouds, hence getting a solar power system with SolarEdge power optimizers maximizes your solar panel system energy production.

For More Questions you should ask your solar company visit our ongoing series:

Questions you should ask your Solar Company – part 2

Questions you should ask your Solar Company – part 3

For a comprehensive solar buyers guide visit “The Secret Guide to Buying Solar”

Solar Orlando - 08/01/2018

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