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Solar Tax Credit

2024 Solar Tax Credit end 12/31 - Don't Miss It

Benefits of Purchasing Solar at the End of the Year to Collect the 2024 30% ITC
As 2024 comes to a close, many homeowners and business owners in Florida are making the strategic decision to invest in solar energy before the year ends. One of the key motivators driving this rush is the opportunity to take advantage of the federal 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This credit significantly reduces the cost of a solar installation, and purchasing solar panels before the end of the year ensures eligibility to claim it for the current tax year. Let’s explore the benefits of installing solar power in Orlando and throughout Florida before December 31st, 2024.

1. Maximizing the 2024 30% ITC Before It’s Too Late
The ITC allows you to claim 30% of the cost of your solar installation as a credit on your federal tax return. If you install your solar energy system before the year ends, you can claim the ITC on your 2024 tax return, potentially lowering your tax liability significantly. For example, if your solar panels cost $25,000, you would be eligible for a $7,500 tax credit, reducing the overall financial burden of going solar.

In Florida, this credit can be a game-changer for both homeowners and businesses. The important thing to remember is that you only qualify for the credit if your system is fully installed and operational by the end of the calendar year. Waiting until next year means delaying your ability to claim the credit, potentially missing out on a faster return on investment.

2. Combatting High End-of-Year Electricity Bills in Florida
Residents of Orlando and across Florida experience high electricity consumption throughout the year, especially during the hot summer months. For homeowners and businesses, this means higher energy bills as they battle to keep their spaces cool. Investing in solar energy toward the end of the year can immediately offset these high utility costs.

Once your solar power system is installed, you begin generating your own electricity from day one. Instead of paying your utility company, your energy costs are offset by the solar energy produced. With solar financing options in Orlando, you could be paying less each month than you were for electricity, making it a smart way to stabilize your energy budget heading into the new year.

3. Qualifying for 2024 Tax Returns
One of the biggest advantages of going solar before the year ends is that you don’t have to wait long to see the financial benefits. Filing your 2024 taxes means you can claim the 30% ITC and immediately reduce your tax liability or even increase your tax refund. By waiting until 2025 to install solar panels, you delay these benefits by a full year.

Additionally, if you anticipate having a large tax burden for 2024, using the ITC can substantially lower the amount you owe. This is especially beneficial for business owners in Florida, who might face significant tax payments, as the ITC can help alleviate some of the financial pressure.

4. Avoiding Potential Future Changes in the ITC
While the federal government has committed to maintaining the ITC at 30% for solar energy systems completed between 2022 and 2032, economic or political shifts can sometimes lead to changes in policy. By purchasing your system in Orlando before the end of 2024, you lock in the maximum ITC percentage available today. If any changes were to occur in the future, you would already have claimed the full 30%, ensuring your investment remains as cost-effective as possible.

5. Beating Rising Material and Installation Costs
As demand for solar energy grows in Florida, material and labor costs are expected to increase. Waiting until 2025 could mean paying more for the same solar installation simply due to rising prices or supply chain constraints. By securing your solar power system now, you lock in the current rates and avoid paying higher prices in the future.

Additionally, some local utilities and municipalities in Florida offer additional rebates or incentives for solar installations, which may change or expire in the new year. Purchasing your system before the end of 2024 ensures you don’t miss out on local financial incentives that may not be available later.

6. Capitalizing on Florida-Specific Incentives
While the ITC is a substantial financial incentive, residents in Orlando and across Florida have access to additional rebates, credits, or incentives for solar energy installations. These programs may have end-of-year deadlines, meaning that if you wait until next year, you could miss out on stacking multiple incentives.

In Florida, for example, utility companies such as Duke Energy and Florida Power & Light (FPL) offer rebates or energy credits for homeowners and businesses that go solar. The earlier you install your solar panels, the sooner you can start benefiting from these programs, further reducing your overall costs.

7. Starting 2025 with Energy Independence
Investing in solar power at the end of the year allows you to begin 2025 with energy independence. By reducing or eliminating your reliance on the grid, you’re protecting yourself from future energy price hikes. Utility companies in Florida have historically increased their rates, with recent years seeing substantial spikes.

A solar installation locks in your energy costs, allowing you to avoid these unpredictable rate hikes. This energy independence becomes even more valuable in times of inflation or global energy crises, giving you peace of mind that your electricity costs remain stable.

Conclusion
Purchasing solar panels at the end of 2024 is not just about taking advantage of the 30% ITC, although that is a major benefit. It’s also about combating rising energy costs in Florida, qualifying for tax benefits sooner, and protecting yourself from future rate increases. If you’re considering going solar in Orlando or anywhere in Florida, there’s no better time than now to act and take full advantage of the financial incentives and benefits available before the year is over.

Make sure to consult with a solar company in Florida to ensure your system is installed before the December 31st deadline to maximize your savings and enjoy all the benefits solar energy has to offer.

References:

Solar company Orlando - 09/25/2024
Solar Panels in Hurricane

How Do Solar Panels Hold Up in a Hurricane?

The state of Florida is at the most risk of damage from hurricanes in all of the United States. It also incurs the most cost in reconstruction after hurricane hits.

In many cases, hurricanes can cost Florida about 3 times as much as the second-most impacted state, Louisiana.

Hurricanes also leave a lasting impact. Besides the financial damage dealt, people are left without electricity for long periods of time. Electricity supply chains can even take months to get going.

Since Orlando is also a sunny city, the most logical solution to this problem is to invest in solar energy. 

Also, consider a study's findings that solar panels increase the value of a home by about $15,000.

There may still be many doubts before contacting a solar contractor in Orlando. We are here to clear them for you using real-world examples in the United States.

So, is a solar power investment safe in the state of Florida?

Solar panels installed by trusted solar energy companies in Orlando withstand elemental forces such as hurricanes astonishingly well. Contrary to intuitive thinking, solar panels from reliable solar power companies do not stop producing power in conditions such as hurricanes. They are also remarkably sturdy to the forces of nature.

A study finds that solar panels continue to generate power during hurricanes, even if direct sunlight is unavailable. Take the practical example of the VA hospital in San Juan, which continued to operate at 100 percent during a hurricane on solar power.

Solar power installation is vital as hurricanes, an uncontrollable force, leave large areas without power for extended periods. In many regions of the United States, cities hit by hurricanes go for months without power.

Does Wing Affect Solar Panels?

Since most solar panels are installed on rooftops to absorb unobstructed sunlight, one could conclude that they are also highly susceptible to wind.

So, how true is that assertion?

There is historic precedence for solar power in coastal regions to withstand strong winds. Solar power companies claim that their rooftop installations were unfazed by Hurricane Sandy. Hurricane Sandy, being a category-3 hurricane, had a maximum sustained wind speed of 110 mph!

What force puts the most pressure on rooftop-installed solar panels in the case of high winds? It is the Uplift Force.

However, if a reliable Solar contractor in Orlando has done your solar panel installation, there is little to fear. Uplift force is most damaging in cases of structural fragility, negligence or extreme hurricanes.

For most hurricane events, an excellent solar power company in Orlando would ensure that uplift forces have no effect.

So, the wind does not affect solar panels. The only worry might be of the wind tearing the panel from the very roof, but that can be minimized by only contacting a trusted solar contractor in Orlando.

Can Solar Panels Work During Raining?

The solar panels themselves are waterproof. Solar power companies take great care to test their products against heavy rain.

Solar energy continues to function in the rain as well as in any other weather condition – and is only concerned with the amount of horizontal irradiance, i.e., the amount of solar energy they can receive.

In fact, the rain may wash away dust and oil from the surface of the solar panels.

Solar energy companies ensure that solar panels are installed so that even heavy rainfall does not affect power production or the installation's life.

Can Hail Damage Solar Panels?

Hail is one of the most formidable forces of nature. Are solar panels well-equipped to deal with these conditions?

Take the example of a severe hailstorm in Denver. It completely shattered many car windows and left dents the size of golf balls.

However, there was an astonishing finding on the main campus of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. After the hail storm, only one out of more than 3,000 solar panels was destroyed.

Solar power companies in Orlando ensure that their products are guaranteed to withstand severe hailstorms. They are certified to stand up to even 1-inch hails falling at high speeds.

Can Solar Panels Withstand Hurricanes?

Hurricanes are extreme forces that put all man made structures to the test.

However, solar panels are wonderfully resistant. All tests that hurricane throw in their way, they pass astonishingly well.

When appropriately installed by great a good solar contractor in Orlando, solar panels withstand:

  • Uplift forces from severely strong winds
  • Unrelenting rainfall
  • Damage from small debris, such as hail

Your solar power company should also provide expert advice on where the solar panel installation must be done. An expert would look at your residence and advise you on topics such as:

  • Avoiding areas where a falling tree could destroy the solar panels
  • Selecting areas where the solar panels would provide the most energy output throughout the day

What Happens During a Hurricane?

Incredibly, solar power companies create a functional product in weather conditions without visible sun, such as hurricanes. How is that possible?

A study creates a quantitative analysis of 18 hurricane events. It concludes that power generation continues during events where direct sunlight does not happen. In fact, it finds that there is solar power available to be absorbed during daytime hours even though the sky is cloudy and raining. This energy is quantified as Horizontal Irradiance.

Due to the light diffusion in the sky, the horizontal irradiance never becomes zero. Hence, we can witness incredible cases like an entire hospital staying 100% functional without 11 months of power after hurricanes.

So, if solar energy companies can provide a reliable piece of machinery in such extreme conditions, solar power companies in Orlando will definitely be able to provide you with equipment that withstands hurricanes.

During hurricanes, energy is cut off abruptly and for long periods. The hospital mentioned earlier was a part of the most prolonged blackout in US history. Most other cases are not very reassuring either. Hence, solar energy installation in Orlando is vital.

Energy Issues in Orlando After Hurricanes

Let’s take the specific case of the state of Florida since it is also the most vulnerable to hurricanes.

A study shows that energy generation in the state of Florida can decrease beyond an astonishing 70% in large regions during a category-4 hurricane. This statistic even includes undamaged solar energy infrastructure in Florida.

The electricity grid may become fully offline in some cases. Solar energy companies in Orlando are vital in sustaining infrastructure not only during a hurricane but also during post-hurricane periods.

Reliable solar power equipment stays fully functional during hurricanes!

As an example, during hurricanes Camille and Laurie, two solar panels were operating without any drop in performance.

Testing and Real World Performance

Solar energy companies must perform extensive tests on their products before putting them on the market. This is especially true for states that are susceptible to extreme weather.

Solar energy companies in Orlando conduct exhaustive tests.

Standardized industry quality tests ensure that solar energy companies only sell products that survive harsh environmental conditions. For example, the International Photovoltaic Quality Assurance Task Force conducts tests that only allow resilient solar panels to be produced.

These tests check for:

  • Physical strength to mechanical stress. Good solar equipment would not only survive facing hail storms but also being walked on, crashing with small debris, etc.
  • Survivability of solar panels in harsh environmental conditions
  • Resilience to extremely high and low temperatures, humid or arid environments, etc.
  • Strength against exposure to ultraviolet radiation
  • Ability to handle electrical stress in unnatural conditions.
  • Winds of up to 140 mph, equivalent to a category-4 hurricane such as Hurricane Laura

These ensure that even during hurricanes, solar energy companies in Orlando can provide reliable sources of power during conditions such as lasting blackouts.

Time after time, real-life examples appear which attest to the assurances given by solar energy companies in Orlando.

What Happens After a Hurricane?

Expect long periods where energy production does not perform at 100%.

Traditional sources of energy face several issues after hurricanes.

  • The facilities may have incurred damages resulting in delay.
  • There are usually a lot of faults in the supply line. Important transformers malfunctioning would give a problem to vast areas.
  • Wires may have problems where they either completely stop circulating electricity or short in such a way that it may be dangerous.

Shorts in electricity, especially in flooded regions, can be lethal. People must ensure that all wires are in good condition after a hurricane.

  • All electric points must have a good grounding
  • All wires must have proper insulation

Do solar panels need to be taken care of after a hurricane? No, because the panels themselves are highly resistant to extreme weather.

In many cases, solar energy can become more efficient after heavy rainfalls. This is because the solar panels are now clear of dust and oil.

Contact the customer service of your solar power company in Orlando for inspection and assistance.

How to Prepare for Hurricanes to Keep Your Solar Panels in Place?

The best thing to ensure the safety of your solar installation is to contact an expert. Expert assistance and advice should be available from the solar contractor near you.

The expert will consult you on the following:

  • What is your return on the solar panel investment?
  • What type of solar panel installation best suits your needs?
  • How the installation must be made in order to minimize damage, for example by large debris crashes or tree-falls.

Occasionally inspect your solar panels. Clean them with microfiber clothing or water. Contact your solar power company in Orlando in case of irregularities.

The most important thing to consider around solar installations is the manufacturer and installer. Solar energy installations are surprisingly resilient to the most extreme of forces in nature and continue to generate power during and after hurricanes. Orlando is also blessed with sunny weather on most days and is ideal for solar power investment.

Click here to schedule an appointment with the most trusted solar power company in Orlando.

Solar Companies - 10/17/2022
How can solar panels increase your property value

How can solar panels increase your property value?

If you are a homeowner, you must have a mile-long list of fine-tuning and ameliorations you want to make to your house. But the one issue that everyone wants to solve while making changes to the house is to combat the high electricity bills. 

With time, switching on a light is turning out to be costlier, which is why people are searching for a renewable and economical source of energy. This hunt for a better source of electricity has brought people to solar energy. 

After the initial investment in solar panels, you sit back and enjoy a continuous electricity supply without spending a lot of dollars. But did you know that the same solar panel that you can use to bring the electricity bill under control can increase your property value too?

According to CNBC, it has been found that solar panels increase the value of properties by almost 4.1%. So, let's discuss all you need to know about solar panels and how it positively affects property value. 

Why is solar energy so vital?

When it comes to the importance of solar panels, many factors support the need for solar panels in every house. Apart from cost saving, solar panels are a greener source of energy, thus they have a positive effect on the environment. You won't be contributing towards the depletion of nature. 

In addition to this, solar panels are now being supported by the government, and thus you can use the solar panel installation in your house as a tax benefit. Even the maintenance cost of solar panels is less, and you won't be bogged down because of it. 

Moreover, by choosing a solar panel company for solar panel installation, you will be making a secure environment. It will start acting as the best form of reducing expenses in the long run since you won't have to pay high electricity bills. 

By what percentage does your property value increase after solar panel installation?

Many homeowners are flocking toward solar panels just for increasing the property value, and all the other benefits of solar panel installation come as an add-on for them. According to a study, it has been found that the use of solar panels can increase the resale value of the property by $5,911 for each kilowatt of solar panel installed. 

In terms of percentage, the overall property value can increase by up to 4.1% just by calling a solar panel company and getting the right type of solar panel installed in your house. This is now acting as a motivation for switching to solar panels instead of rehashing the source of electricity that is slowly becoming a burden for many people. 

Factors that influence the value of your property 

  • Location of your house

The house's location will play a prominent role in deciding how much worth will be added by switching to solar energy in Orlando. But there is no specific parameter that can be used for determining this factor. 

Purchasers, lenders, appraisers, and even brokers are aware of the perks of solar at the onset of the process, set up in those areas that have a more active solar marketplace like New Jersey or California. So, keep the location of your property in mind while analyzing the increase in property value by opting for solar energy in Orlando. 

  • Electricity costs in your area

The best way to analyze house value increase is to run a cost-benefit analysis. The current price of electricity in the area where you live will also affect the overall value of the solar system that you are planning to install. 

To begin on the right foot, take a look at the electricity bill and come up with the right cost of the residential solar system size you will need based on the number of kilowatts consumed. Then, you can know the number of solar panels required, and this is where the numbers obtained can be compared with the local average selling value. 

  • The magnitude of the installation

The more solar panels, the more the property value. This means if your roof can support more solar panels than what an average house can accommodate, then the property value will be better than the average rate. 

You can't just call a solar installation company,  install two solar panels that power a couple of bulbs in the house, and then expect the property value to increase by more than 4.1%. The number of solar panels should be directly proportional to the actual size of your house. 

  • Quality of solar panels

Suppose you are planning to increase the value of your property by installing solar panels through a solar installation company and trying to save money on installation by compromising on the quality. In that case, all your efforts will go in vain. 

Even the quality of the solar panel will play a crucial role in deciding by what percentage the value of your property will increase after solar panel installation. This is why you should always choose a reputed company for solar panel installation. 

A switch to solar panels makes perfect sense to people who want to save money and move to a more green power source. But do solar panels increase property value? Yes, in a nutshell. A broker will always consider the solar panels on a property as an addition to the overall value since it offers a long list of benefits. 

So, by working with an experienced and reputed company like Emerald Sun Energy that offers the best solar panel solution, and by using the right approach, you can increase your property worth and enjoy the wide array of benefits provided by solar panels.

Solar company Orlando - 12/09/2021
Solar Panel Installation

Solar Panel Installation: What to Expect

Even as the 17-year price drop of solar panels came to an end in 2021, it's still time to jump on these energy savers before federal tax incentives fall away forever.

All across the country, Americans are turning to rooftop or yard solar panel installation to reduce their electric bills. In some cases, in sunshine states where net metering is enforced, some homeowners are coming away with hefty credits.

Furthermore, solar technology has improved in efficiency and cost over the years. The panels are thinner, lighter, and generate more energy.

So, now that you've decided on a solar panel home installation, you're asking: What can I expect to happen next?

That depends on several factors. With none more important than the solar panel installation companies you're considering and the shape of your roof. In the following article, we'll examine how to install solar panels and what you can expect next.

Buy, Don't Lease

A solar panel installation is likely to increase the value of your home by about 3.5%. The U.S. Department of Energy also found that solar panels added about $15,000 to the value of your home.  But these figures on based on owning the system outright.

If you lease the panels, you may reap some short-term financial gain, but you'll likely have to make accommodations with the solar contractor for the 20- to 30-year term of the lease.

This can include arranging for repairs and removal due to roof issues and ensuring that a technician is available to check that the system is working properly.

In most cases, the solar provider has no problem letting a potential buyer take over your lease. They'll just need to meet the minimum credit requirements. However, anyone buying your home might balk at getting into a contract that could stretch longer than the life of your roof.

Credits Are Important

If it is at all possible, consider finding the estimated $40,000 either in cash or through a home improvement loan to buy the system outright. If you play your cards right, you'll likely only pay $12,000 out of pocket for the installation after tax incentives.

Worst of all, with a lease, you won't enjoy the lowest price of energy available from the panels, and the term of the lease could change, leading to higher costs later on.

Check Your Roof Before Solar Panel Installation

When eyeballing your roof before installing solar panels, try to calculate how much life your roof has left in it. As a rule of thumb, if you replaced your roof within the last 10 years or have 10 years or more of life left in it, go ahead with the solar installation without hesitation.

If you don't know or can't tell how much life is left in your shingles and roof, then consult either a roofer or your prospective solar installer.

This is a serious consideration since a roof replacement can cost close to $10,000 on average.

Then take a look at the shape, slopes, and direction your roof faces. You'll need about 200 square feet for a suitable solar panel system. Also, you'll want to have a moderate pitch so that the panels collect the maximum amount of sun. Ideally, you'd like your home to face south or west to maximize your exposure to the sun.

Lastly, you need to make certain that your roof can handle the additional weight. Again, a certified panel installer can help you determine the proper load-bearing requirements.

What Are Your Power Requirements?

After you've examined the limitations of your roof, if there are any, you should estimate your system requirements.

To do this, you should identify your annual energy usage by looking at your utility bill. Then calculate how many hours of sunlight you can expect where you live. When you have these numbers, compare them to the total output of the system you are looking to purchase.

How Do You Connect to the Grid?

The power that your new photovoltaic cells produce is direct current, or DC power. To turn that power into usable energy for your home, you'll need to convert that power into alternating current or AC.

This conversion used to take place with a standard inverter box, but now most panels come with individual inverters. In many cases, this power is then sent through a battery to store some of the power and then into a meter and back into the power grid.

Expect to have some equipment installed near your meter and fuse box that power can move from the panels to your home and onto the grid.

Get the Correct Approvals

Before you set up your appointment with your panel installer, make sure you are aware of any local ordinances. For example, many subdivisions and condominiums have rules about if and when solar panels can be installed and how many.

A good rule of thumb is that if you are paying HOA fees, you need to check with the association about any solar panel ordinances.

Insist on a Final Inspection

Before the solar panel installer walks off the grounds and on to the next job, ask them for a complete tour of the system and allow them to help you inspect the panels on top of your roof.

Even if you are unfamiliar with the equipment, you'll be able to inspect the wiring and your roof. If you have any concerns, make sure you raise them when the contractor is on the job site.

Solar Panel Maintenance

Now that the panels are up, make sure you know how to maintain them properly. This will help the panels retain their value and help you get the most out of their energy-producing capability.

In general, you should clean your panels twice a year. To do this, spray them down with clean water and give them a gentle brushing with a light solution of soap and water. When you feel you've removed any dirt and build-up, rinse them off with more clean water.

Watch the Meter Spin Backward

Now that your solar panel installation is finished, you can enjoy the power of the sun and watch that credit from the power company grow.

In many parts of the country, you can save anywhere from $400 to $3,500 yearly, depending on the number of sunny days you receive and the price of your current energy bills.

Are you ready to go solar? Contact us today to talk to start your estimate.

Solar company Orlando - 06/05/2021

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