GOING SOLAR IN THE SUNSHINE STATE
Why go solar in Florida
There is a reason why Florida is dubbed the “Sunshine State.” With so many sunny days each year, it only makes sense to take advantage of the beautiful sun! With net metering, you can earn credits for extra power you don’t use during the month. Imagine your utility company paying you, instead of you paying them!
Save on energy
Florida homes tend to see higher than average energy bills. Larger homes will see even larger bills, especially during warmer months. Florida utilities have different rates according to time of use (TOU). By going solar you can avoid these rates altogether and run on the sun. You will be covered at peak and super-peak. If you install batteries, you may only have to pay the minimum payment each month.
Be prepared for outages
Florida has higher than average power outages a year, ranging between 51-100.* Some are planned, others are not. However, with solar and the right batteries, you will have enough backup power to get you through most outages. You can keep your air conditioner on even if the grid is down. Talk to your authorized dealer about the batteries that best fit your lifestyle needs.
Preserve Florida’s outdoors
Florida is lined with movie-worthy beaches and beautiful national parks. Homeowners may be going solar to save money, but also to preserve their surroundings. By going solar you are contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy systems help reduce your home’s carbon footprint and its reliance on fossil fuels.
Have predictable payments
Florida can be warm and humid for the majority of the year. This means you may be using a lot of electricity to keep cool. With time of use (TOU) rates it is hard to predict your monthly energy bill. By going solar you can avoid bill changes every month. You may be able to just pay the minimum bill to your utility provider. This can help you budget each month.
Invest in your home
Your home is your biggest asset, and you probably want to continue to invest in it. Installing a solar system may increase your home’s value and help it sell faster in the future. Florida homes are currently valued at an average $270,560, a 8.6%* increase over the past year. Keep up with rising home values by investing in your home.**
Solar incentives in Florida*
Florida’s net metering programs mean that residential solar homeowners earn credits from participating utility companies for kilowatt-hours of electricity they supply to the grid. These credits build up over the course of 12 months, eventually resulting in direct payments from the utilities. Florida also offers a property tax exemption, which prevents you from paying property taxes on the added home value from your solar system. The sales tax exemption also makes sure you don’t have to pay sales tax on your new system.
Florida homeowners are also eligible for the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).*** The ITC allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes.
Solar panels perform in all kinds of weather
Going solar is a big decision, and although there are many factors you should consider, local weather shouldn’t be a deterrent. Solar panels are designed to work in almost any type of weather… even snow and clouds!
Sunny
There are sunny days ahead for solar. The more sun you have access to, the longer your panels work during the day. Your panels work best at converting energy when sun rays shine directly at them. The more energy you produce, the more excess you may be able to send back to the grid. Take advantage of the excess through net metering and other incentive programs.
Rainy
As the rain pours down, your panels will continue to be hard at work. Solar panels will work with reflected or partially blocked sun rays to keep your home powered. Your production is linked to the amount of clouds. Rain will have some effect on your production, but the rays will still penetrate through the rain. It may actually help keep your panels working efficiently as they wash away any dust or dirt.
Cloudy
It is a misconception that panels don’t work on cloudy days. The best way to know how much the clouds affect your system’s performance is to monitor your system on sunny days and compare. Your system may actually be more efficient without the excess heat. This is because solar systems prefer the cold! The sun’s rays are still able to penetrate through cloudy skies and keep your system running.
Snowy
Amazingly enough, even when covered in snow a solar system can still produce power! Scattered light filters through snow and reaches solar panels even when the snow cover is fairly heavy. Your solar panels may actual be more efficient in light snow. Cold weather helps them perform better, and usually snow slides right off. Power production may be reduced with heavier snowfall, but your system can still produce.
Windy
Solar panels are highly reliable and sturdy, they hardly notice your average winds. In most cases, damage from wind will be due to weakened roofs, not solar panels. This is why we assess your roof condition and reccomend any repairs prior to installing your system. In the event that higher winds cause an outage in the grid, you will still have power if you have batteries with your system.
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*This information is current as of May 5, 2021 and figures are approximated. Customers are encouraged to check with their local utility providers for the most up to date and accurate information.
**We advise you to consult with the appropriate professionals (including, but not limited to, your solicitor or attorney, accountant, CPA, CGA, or any other financial or legal advisor) for the implications of any information contained in our website and in any link you access through our website.
***You should contact a qualified tax expert and consult with them. Neither Freedom Forever’s family of independent authorized dealers nor Freedom Forever itself can give you tax advice. A qualified tax professional will understand your situation and be able to give you the most relevant advice.
