Ready to revolutionize and future-proof your home? Buying solar panels in Tampa is the answer!
Installing solar panels in Tampa is a wise idea, with few other areas of the country able to provide the 244 days of sun each year we get here!
In this guide, we’ll explain what solar panels you need, net metering, solar incentives, finances, solar batteries, how to find a reputable solar company and more!
What Solar Panels Do I Need?
There are dozens of new manufacturers of solar panels arriving every month. So it’s wise to trust your solar installer’s opinion on which is best for your home. However, you do get to generally choose the color. Black cells are typically more expensive than the standard blue. Florida Power Services ‘The Solar Power Company’ recommends the following solar panels:- Q Cells (U.S.)
- Canadian Solar (Canadian)
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
We welcome you to use our Tampa solar panel sizing calculator to determine what system size you need. You’ll need to know your utility company and average monthly energy usage (or cost).How Do I Buy Solar Panels in Tampa?
Buying solar panels in Tampa is best done through a dedicated Tampa solar installation company.- Find a reputable Tampa solar panel installer.
- Ask for a quote, based on your solar panel demands.
- Get the system designed by Tampa solar panel installer.
- Get your solar installation company to fill out a permit application with the local Tampa county or city office (you need this for approval!)
- Consider financing.
- Sign a contract with your installer, detailing the costs and payment details.
- Utilize Solar Federal Tax Credits to save 30% on your solar installation.
Do I Need Solar Batteries in Tampa?
The installation of solar batteries is very much a personal preference. We advise them, but they are not essential. Solar batteries can store excess solar energy, making them perfect for times of need (such as when the grid is down, on cloudy days, at night or during storms). We recommend Enphase Encharge batteries, as its seamless communication between batteries and solar panels makes life a breeze. Note that you’ll need to carefully size your battery bank if you want off-grid battery performance. That means having enough kWh in your batteries to make it through the night. Feel free to use our solar battery bank sizing chart.What Other Solar Components Do I Need?
Tampa solar panel installations require a bunch of other components and tech to work properly. Your Tamps solar panel installer will take care of this for you.- Solar inverters
- Solar racking
- Solar mounting
- Solar batteries (optional)
Are Solar Panels Worth It In Tampa, Florida?
Regardless of where you live, you should consider the following questions before investing in solar (we’ve provided the answers. Read on to find out more!)How Many Days of Sun Are There in Tampa?
Tampa gets an average of 244 days of sun per year, higher than the U.S. average of 205 days. This is more than enough to reap the benefits of solar on your property. With 66% of the year providing good days of sun, you’ll potentially have nearly 3/4 of your year without the need for grid electricity. And if you use a solar battery, you can even guarantee energy on those cloudier days. It’s also important to know that you can get solar energy even on some cloudy days, if the sun is shining bright enough.Can Solar Panels in Tampa Boost Property Value?
Yes. Reports say that solar panels on median-valued homes in Florida are on average sold for 4% more than homes without. That’s around $9,454. Homes that have pre-installed solar panels in Tampa are more appealing, as the buyer doesn’t have to worry about doing the steps you’re doing now. We also believe the market value of solar homes is going to continue to rise, as the need for clean energy homes continues to increase in the face of the climate crisis.How Much Can You Save on Utility Bills per Month?
We welcome you to use our solar-saving calculator to determine how much you could potentially save with solar panels in Tampa. Over the past 20 years, electricity costs have risen over around $100 per month. According to the U.S. Bureau, electricity prices were 65.74% higher in 2018 versus 2000. If your average monthly power bill is $200, then you could be paying over $121,450 to the power company over the next 25 years if we factor in the average inflation rate of 4% Solar systems from Florida Power Services can bring your power bill to the monthly utility charge of $11! Which can bring you massive savings over the next 25 years.What Financing Options Are Available?
The most common financing option for buying solar panels in Tampa is to take a loan from a bank or credit union. Florida Power Services ‘The Solar Power Company’ has partnered with a local Solar Financing Company, offering 3 financial plans to make things easier. With a low, fixed monthly payment and competitive interest rate, you can own a solar system for no money out of pocket.What Solar Incentives Are There in Tampa?
Federal Solar Tax Credits
The clean-energy bills allow you to reduce the costs of your Tampa solar panel installation by 30%! That’s thanks to Federal Solar Tax Credits (ITC). This country-wide incentive reduces your federal income tax bill, by subtracting 30% of your solar installation costs from your income tax bill. There is no maximum amount you can claim for, and it can be rolled over to the next year! This 30% rate will expire in 2032. If 30% of your solar installation is $10,000, you’d get a $10,000 reduction on your income tax bill! Read related: Florida Solar Tax Credits GuideTax Exemptions
Sales Tax Exemption
Florida’s Solar and CHP Sales Tax Exemption also allows Tampa residents an exemption from paying the 6% sales tax on their new solar panels.Property Tax Exemption
Tampa solar panel owners can also potentially boost their property value with the 100% property tax exemption. So you won’t need to pay additional property taxes caused by solar when your property value increases!Is There Net Metering in Tampa?
Yes. Despite being at risk of removal in recent years, Florida’s solar community fought hard for the much-loved Net Metering system to remain.What is Net Metering?
Net metering allows owners of solar panels in Tampa to send their excess energy generation back to the grid, in exchange for payment from the local energy provider. For example, if you install $20,000 of solar equipment on your Tampa home you can now actually make money from the sun’s rays every day! This is common, as many homeowners are out-working in the day when solar energy is being generated. That extra energy doesn’t need to go to waste. Instead, you’re rewarded for your sharing of clean energy. This can significantly reduce how long it takes to make a return on your investment!How Do I Find a Reputable Tampa Solar Installer?
Be careful who you hire as your Tampa solar panel installer, as there have been some disastrous stories in recent years of scams and bankrupt companies leaving customers in a mess. We highly recommend checking that your solar panel installer ticks the following:- They have considerable experience: Florida Power Services has 20 years.
- They’re local to Tampa: Florida Power Services has an office here.
- They’re fully certified and qualified: Florida Power Services has all these.
- Certified Solar PV Installer by “The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners”
- Florida State Certified Solar Contractor
- Approved by the American National Standards Institute
- Certified Engineers
- They have great reviews: We have 4.5 stars on Google from 75 reviews.
- They provide long warranties: We do!
