Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Florida
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), “solar energy is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy.” It is also the cleanest form of renewable energy, and the world’s most ubiquitous power source!
Unless you switch to a system that is completely off the electrical power grid, you will still receive an electric bill each month. The good thing about solar energy, however, is that it can radically REDUCE your current bill and save you thousands!
If you produce 100% of your own electricity, then you eliminate 100% of your electricity expense from your utility company. If you look at your billing details, you’ll see that the base charge/customer charge/meter fee is quite small – the rest is all electricity related!
Yes. The federal government has offered a long-standing Income Tax Credit (ITC) that returns 26% of your total investment in solar. State rebates/credits have largely been exhausted years ago, but there are some credits offered by specific utility companies for adding battery back-up to your solar system. They know this will further lighten your dependence on the grid, so they periodically offer rebates toward battery purchases. Speak to your local Solar Professional for more information.
While we typically do not measure how much solar will be needed based on square footage of a home, our experience installing solar panels tells us the following:
- A 1,500 sq ft home will require between an 8 and 11 kW solar system.
- A 2,000 sq ft home will require between a 10 and 13 kW solar system.
- A 2,500 sq ft home will require between a 12 and 15 kW solar system.
- A 3,000 sq ft home will require between a 14 and 17 kW solar system.
- A 3,500 sq ft home will requite between a 16 and 19 kW solar system.
- A 4,000 sq ft home will require between an 18 and 21 kW solar system.
- And so on…
By installing solar panels at your home or business, you have a huge impact on the environment. The truth is, installing solar panels is super BENEFICIAL for the environment! Switching to solar greatly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and benefits local air quality!
It benefits your local environment too by shading your roof, reducing wear on your shingles, and keeping your attic a little cooler so your AC works less!
Obviously, depending on the type of solar panel system you want installed, the size of your roof and the type of roof you have matters. In addition, having a roof that is free from all shade and obstructions is ideal (although not necessary). If you need a new roof before we install your solar system, we can help you choose a trustworthy roofing company to get the job done. After all, you will eventually need a roof change, especially if your current roof is already ten years old or more. Opting for a metal roof is an excellent idea because it can last for 40 to 50 years. A shingle roof is also a good option. This roof type only needs to be changed once or twice in the lifespan of your solar system.
This is one of the myths about solar installation in Florida that needs to be busted. In our state, there is a solar law that protects your right to go solar. No HOA, community, or entity can stop you from embracing renewable energy in your home. In fact, you don’t even need to get approval from your HOA if you want to install solar.
For all your Solar Needs, there is no better place to turn to than The Solar Professionals. We do everything from commercial to residential homes. We’d love to hear from you, contact us today.
