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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
How To Make Money With Solar Power Panels

How To Make Money With Solar Power Panels?

Our current sources of generating energy such as coal, petroleum gas, which are different types of fossil fuels, are gradually on the verge of eradication. In recent times, people all over the globe have realized the significant necessity of establishing renewable sources to generate energy, that not only are possibly staying with humankind for a long time but will also positively contribute to conventional energy generation footprints. That being said, solar power panels have gained mass recognition as they allow us to transform sunlight into usable energy via portable inverters. 

The sheer benefits of solar panels make them ideal for households as well as extensive building structures like corporate offices, malls, and so on. A solar panel company ensures that the solar panel owner benefits from the natural sunlight and together they contribute to the ecosystem. 

Over the years, solar panels have been majorly installed in extensive shapes, oftentimes on rooftops so they can absorb the maximum amount of sunlight. However, with advanced technology, many solar panel companies have come up with portable solar panels that can even be installed adjacently on home walls or can be put on the ground, vertically. 

This way more people who might not be getting optimum rooftop sunlight can get access to other types of solar panels and make the most of them! 

How Do Solar Panels Work? 

Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells that are shoved into the solar panel sheet and are responsible for transforming solar radiation into disposable energy. The basic concept behind a solar panel’s functionality is that when the rays of the sun hit the photovoltaic sheet, direct current is generated which then is converted into alternating current via an inverter that is placed inside the homeowner’s premise. That piece of equipment converts the alternating current into usable electricity which frees people from relying just on paid electricity supply.

Often, solar power inverters generate a quantum of energy (alternating current) which usually goes in excess. This excess quantity is further reversed to utility meters and electric grids which allows your home premise to be awarded for energy generation. Scientifically speaking, a solar panel sheet includes silicon cells. When photons from the sun rays meet with silicon cells, it sets the electrons into motion and this movement creates electricity. This succinctly describes the working of a solar panel. 

How Do They Generate Income? 

As we have talked about the excess energy which is generated from solar panels, it is highly profitable to earn from that excess lot, thus making your every penny count in the long run! Solar panel companies are the emerging option for convenience and generating profit for homeowners as well as businesses. Firstly, you get a basic subsidy from the government upon the successful installation of a solar panel. This price-relief is given especially to encourage people to switch to renewable energy resources over the prolonged fossil fuels consumption.

How Do They Generate Income

Next up, if you have a big roof that can account for multiple solar panel sheets, then it is feasible for you to generate power as well as money from them. The process requires you to obtain a verified license from the local power board to install them. Once you get the signed agreement, you can go on to generate and sell electricity. The rate per unit of electricity is priced by the electricity board and is usually enough to suffice your return on investment in a short time.

Are Solar Panels Profitable? 

Fortunately, yes! Solar power panels are extremely profitable and productive in providing cost benefits. Let’s explore a few of the benefits that you get after installing a solar panel in your home:

  • Cost-saving option - Installation of a solar panel in a commercial place is pocket-friendly, as opposed to installing it in an industrial space. In addition, selling electricity through solar panels offers maximum returns in the hot summers as the excess energy generated which is apart from the self-consumption lot is traded with electricity boards at fair prices. Thus, you can have a steady earning that continues to run throughout the year, with minimum maintenance requirements.
  • Tax credits - Filing taxes could be a tough job, but not when you get a feasible rebate on it. Homeowners who have solar panels installed are rewarded with a special annual tax rebate from the state government. Plus, additional credit is earned by trading electricity with local power boards. This cuts the overall investment in half and renders an amazing return rate.
  • Help the ecosystem - One of the major necessities of the present time is to do every possible bit to save the environment. Speaking of which, solar panels are an ideal approach to fight uncontrollable greenhouse gas emissions from industries and vehicles. It also discontinues most of your reliability on fossil fuels and eases your transformation to renewable resources.

Conclusion

With the current coal energy consumption of the world which soars high as 151.42 EJ, a transition to renewable resources like solar energy has become the need of the hour! They are a great contributing factor to our ecosystem as well as our income. We have seen how they affect our routine lives by encouraging us with cost-saving ways, tax rebates, etc, it is our inescapable duty to be a responsible citizen and create a convenient atmosphere for our upcoming generation. Solar power is and will be one of the most profitable, renewable resources that mankind can benefit from, so why not start today and support Mother Earth from the very moment!

Emerald Sun Energy brings you pocket-friendly prices on solar power panels and functions as your one-stop shop to cater to all your queries about your solar journey. We dedicatedly offer a free consultation regarding the best solar panel size that your property can be qualified for. You may also acquire insights into the powerful benefits that you will annually earn from solar panels. For more information, contact our support team today!

Solar Companies - 11/20/2021
solar energy Oralndo

Why Should I Switch To Solar Energy?

It is estimated that at least one in seven homes in the United States will have solar panels by the year 2030. With the costs of panels decreasing and more people trying to be green, they are becoming steadily more popular. But what are the main advantages of using solar energy? And why should you consider using Emerald Sun Energy for your solar panel installation?

Keep reading to find out!

Help Out the Environment

Of the many benefits of solar energy, surely one of the most persuasive is the effect on the environment. Installing solar panels in your home is one of the best ways an individual can be environmentally friendly.

Swapping to renewable energy reduces your carbon footprint. Unlike coal, oil, and gas, the sun is renewable - its power isn't going away any time soon! What's more, there are no polluting steps in the energy production process. This means you're helping communities and ecosystems around the world.

Choosing solar power is a great way to sustain the earth's resources and ensure a safe planet for future generations.

Save on Electricity Bills

One of the biggest benefits of going solar is the reduction in electricity bills. With a big enough solar system installed, your electricity bills could effectively be reduced to zero. Most homeowners make savings worth the costs of their solar panel installation within eight years, at which point your energy is free!

Depending on where you live and how much energy you use, 20 to 30 solar panels are enough to completely replace your monthly electricity bill. For people living in sunny areas of the country like Florida, switching to solar power is a no-brainer.

While one of the cons of solar energy is the upfront cost of the panels, this is easily mitigated by incentive schemes and the value added to your home, as we'll cover in this article.

Incentive Schemes Available

When looking for solar energy companies, make sure you choose one which offers a financial incentive scheme. This is yet another great reason to choose solar power.

We offer multiple financing options at Emerald Sun Energy, as despite the long-term savings, we understand that the initial costs can be challenging for some households. One such incentive is $0 down financing with no sales tax.

For more details on how to get the best deal on your solar financing, click here. You can also reach out to our team who will be happy to help answer your questions.

Solar Panels Are Easily Maintained

If you're looking for an additional reason to go for solar energy, it's helpful to know that the panels are easily maintained. After the initial purchase, there are very few costs involved with solar panel upkeep.

Solar panels can benefit from an annual service and occasional cleaning but are typically very reliable. Make sure that a solar production guarantee is included when purchasing your panels. At Emerald Sun Energy, we guarantee that your solar panel system will produce a minimum of kWh (kilowatt-hours) per year. If it doesn't, we'll refund you the difference!

This guarantee allows for peace of mind about the efficiency of your solar power system.

Sell Power Back to the Grid

Next, switching to solar energy gives homeowners the opportunity to see their excess power back to the grid. Solar systems are connected to the mains electricity. This means that when more solar energy is generated than necessary, it can be sold at premium rates back to the energy supplier.

Often, this provides a valuable income that can be set off against energy bills. It is yet another way that solar panels enable people to make long-term savings. Different energy suppliers offer different sell-back schemes, so make sure you shop around when looking for the best deal alongside your solar panels.

If you have any further questions about this potentially lucrative source of income, our team is more than happy to answer your questions!

Gain Electrical Independence

Another reason to choose solar energy is to avoid the fluctuating prices of traditional electricity costs. Solar energy is a very stable market, especially in comparison to gas, oil, and coal.

The cost of these fossil fuels has been rising steadily for years. The growing difficulties in sourcing these finite materials means that costs will likely continue to increase.

Solar energy also means you don't have to be dependent upon power grids that can lose energy during storms. Residents in several states were affected by the raging storm in Texas in February 2021.

The solar energy system means that you no longer need to rely on a utility company, and you are no longer subject to their volatile prices.

Increase the Value of Your Home

Finally, one of the most significant pros of solar energy is that it adds value to your home. Some people might be wondering if it's worth investing in solar panels for a home that they might not stay in beyond five or ten years.

But, it's worth recognizing that solar panels increase the value of a property, often beyond the installation costs of solar panels. This would make switching to solar energy worth it, even if you moved home next year!

Buyers in today's market consider solar panels as an important home upgrade equivalent to a renovated basement or brand new kitchen. People are willing to pay more upfront, knowing that they will save hundreds if not thousands in energy bills year on year.

That's Why Solar Energy Is a Great Option

We've now seen how solar energy offers advantages on many different fronts: both economically and environmentally. It's time to make a long-term investment that will help your finances as well as the planet, by switching to solar energy.

For more information about our solar panel services at Emerald Sun Energy, or about our financial incentives, get in touch today.

Solar Company - 06/01/2021

Federal Solar Tax Credit Beyond 2019?…

Won’t be completely gone until 2022 but will be reduced!

2019 is the last year for the 30% Federal Tax Credit!  The tax credit allows you to write off 30% of the cost of your solar panel system from your annual Federal Income tax return.  An important distinction to understand is that tax credit if better than a tax deduction. A deduction lowers your annual income that is going to be taxed.  A Tax Credit goes against the amount of tax responsibility you have for the given year. It is dollar for dollar against what you owed or paid on your w2. Where a tax deduction you really only recognize a percentage of the reduction in actual dollars usually to the percentage of your tax bracket.  So if you are in a 25% tax bracket and you have a $4,000 deduction that will translate into a $1,000 of actual tax responsibility. Where with a tax credit, if it is $4,000 tax credit it will translate into a deduction $4,000 of your actual tax responsibility.

That makes this the absolute best year to incorporate solar into your energy portfolio.  However, if you have a circumstance that will preclude you from taking advantage of the Solar Tax Credit you will not be left out in the rain.  The Solar Tax Credit will have a two year deceleration period. In 2020 the Solar Federal Tax Credit will be lowered from 30% down to 26%. So it will still be a good deal but you will be leaving money on the table.  For example, If you purchased a solar panel system in 2019 for $28,000 your 30% tax credit will be $8,400 and your net system price will be $19,600. However, If you purchase the same system in 2020 for $28,000 your tax credit will be $7,280 and your net system cost will be $20,720.  So if you are able to make your purchase in 2019 you will save an additional $1,120.

The Federal Solar Tax Credit for 2021 will 22% which is an additional 4% reduction in the tax credit.  As for our above example, if you paid $28,000 your 30% Federal Tax Credit will be $6,160 and your net system cost will be $21,840.  Which means it will cost you $2,240 more than it would in 2019 and $1,120 more than it would in 2021. That is still a great deal when you consider if you wait until 2022 there will be no Residential Solar tax credit which means your $28,000 system will cost you $28,000 or $6,160 more than if you purchased the system in 2021.

Not to worry even without the tax credit solar is a tremendous value for long term energy savings over what you would have paid the power company without it.  As the Power Company as an industry raises there rates between 3-4% on average per year. Once you have solar you will have isolated yourself from those increases and essentially creating an annual return on investment that increases its yield be 3-4% a year.  However, taking advantage of the tax credit will allow you to make the most return on investment as you will not be leaving any money on the table.

For Commercial Businesses the Federal Tax Credit is a little different.  Like the residential tax credit in 2019, there will be a 30% Federal Tax Credit.  In 2020 just like the residential tax credit the commercial tax credit will be 26% and in 2021 it will be 22%.  However, in 2022 when the residential tax credit goes away the commercial tax credit will be 10%. There is no current expiration date for the 10% tax credit but that doesn’t mean it won’t go away on short notice.

The future for solar energy is bright!  Even as the sun begins to set on the 30% Federal Tax Credit the growth of solar is predicted to continue to be one of the fastest growing industries.  If you are considering solar energy then now will be the most profitable it will be so the time to act is now.

Solar Companies - 02/12/2019

End of Year Super Solar Smart Home Upgrade

End Of Year Super Solar Special

Get Solar For No Money Down & No Money Out of Pocket

W/ Smart Home Upgrade Included

Henery-After

This is a limited time offer! Ends on Cyber Monday!

Act Now and Recieve these Smart Home Upgrades

To receive this offer simply mention it to your solar consultant

Included:

Nest Thermostat – Ring Central Door Bell – Alexa Echo – IPad

Over $1000 of Free Upgrades

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Emerald Sun Energy is a Solar Company located in Orlando Florida serving all of Central Florida from coast to coast. We are the most complete service in the market offering reliable solar energy solutions that take your unique needs into account. We look out for your interest as if they were our own. This is highlighted by our Production Guarantee, Subprime rate financing options, and 5 stars rated on Google. You will be happy that you chose Emerald Sun Energy as your solar power company.

Solar Company - 10/23/2018

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

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