Have you decided to install solar energy on your home in Florida? You likely understand that Florida has an ideal climate for efficient energy production, and you may want to help the environment and save some money on your electricity bill. However, for the best results, you need to maximize the benefits you receive from your system.
Florida
Florida not only has the perfect climate for solar energy production, with its 230-240 days of sunlight every year, but it also offers many incentives for those who adopt this technology, including grants and rebates from the state and municipalities. The state also offers property tax exemptions. Equipment and installation are also sales tax-free.
Panel Orientation and Angle
To optimize panel placement, consider the orientation and angle of your roof. The optimal angle is 30-45 degrees and the optimal orientation is south-facing. Solar panels also work well in indirect light or in positions that aren’t optimal, but you may need higher efficiency or more panels. You can even vary your tilt based on the season for the greatest production.
Assess Your Energy Needs
After you consider your roof’s orientation and angle, you need to calculate your energy needs. Consider the amount of energy you use on the days when you use the most. Review your bills from the last year or two to determine your load and usage, and consider how much of your energy you want to produce versus what you plan to pay for.
You should also consider the energy produced during the shortest days of the year. Also, consider the amount of sunlight your home receives and whether your roof receives direct or indirect light. Then, investigate different panels, particularly their efficiency levels and sizes.
Incorporate Battery Storage
During certain times of the year, Florida experiences a high electrical load due to increased use of air conditioners and power outages due to intense storms. However, you cannot use your solar power during this time if you hook into the grid alone because it is dangerous for the linemen who work to restore power.
Battery storage like Tesla Powerwall installation can prevent power outages to your home. You can disconnect from the grid and power your battery storage during the day and use the stored energy during the night.
Link Into the Grid
If you choose to link to the grid, Florida offers net metering. This means that you can share your excess energy with the grid during the day, and you can pull power from the grid during the night when your panels aren’t producing. In addition, you could get paid for the excess energy you produce and share.
Purse Federal Tax Credits
The federal government offers a 30% tax credit for homeowners who install alternative energy production on their properties. Therefore, you can take up to 30% of the cost of the equipment and installation off on your taxes. If you need to install a new roof to support the system and pay for it at the same time as your system, 30% of this cost may also be deductible. Ask your installer and a tax professional for the specifics about the credit.
As you continue your solar panels Florida research, contact local installers for information that is more specific to your area.