Teco solar incentives. What are the advantages of going solar in Tampa?

TAMPA, FL, GOES SOLAR WITH SUNPOWER ®

Tampa, FL, is a mecca for tourists thanks to its stunning beaches, thrilling amusement parks, and year-round sunshine. The city gets an average of 246 days of sunshine a year, which is one of the reasons why a growing number of homes and businesses are getting solar systems.

Tampa Electric plans to install a total of six million solar panels by 2023, which will make it one of the most solar-friendly cities in the state.

How much solar energy does Tampa produce?

According to the Environment Florida Research Policy Center, as of December 2019, Tampa ranks 29th in the U.S. for both solar capacity per capita and total installed solar capacity, with 42 Watts per person and 16.5 MW, respectfully. The city was also honored as a Solar Leader, a city showing strong solar energy generation growth. Tampa increased its per capita rank by four spots between 2019 and 2020.

Going solar offers a wide range of benefits, from reducing your carbon footprint to increasing your property value and protecting yourself from rising energy costs. For many home and business owners considering solar, the financial advantages are a major deciding factor.

A 5 kW system could offer nearly 450,000 in electricity cost savings per year, adding up to 20,000 to 40,000 over the system’s useful life.

With year-round sunshine and falling solar panel system costs, there is no reason not to take advantage of solar energy in Tampa. Rapidly increasing demand for solar panel systems is also increasing jobs in the solar industry, providing employment opportunities and strengthening the economy, which benefits our community.

How much does solar cost in Tampa?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include things like:

• Where the system will be located (on a flat or sloping roof or the ground)
• The quality of solar panels you choose
• The power of the solar panels you choose
• The brand of equipment your installer uses
• System size and complexity
• Whether your system includes battery storage

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we’ve analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country. In Tampa, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from 12,850 to 16,200, or in other words, from 5000.57 to 3.24 per watt. And that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

One of the best-known solar incentives in the United States is the Federal Solar Tax Credit. This credit allows eligible property owners to claim solar panel system installation costs on their taxes for a 26% credit.

This credit goes a long way towards making solar solutions accessible to a larger percentage of Tampa residents, offsetting much of the initial cost and moving the average break-even point forward.

Florida’s net metering program is an added bonus you may be able to take advantage of. With this program, your solar system will do more to reduce your energy bills. If your system generates more energy than you need, you can transfer it to the power grid for credit towards your electricity bills from any grid energy usage.

What’s the best way to go solar in Tampa?

Keep in mind that the right solar PV system for your home or business will vary depending on your specific needs. The solar provider you choose will have a lot to do with your system’s appearance, efficiency, and durability.

You’ll also need to consider your energy needs and the amount of unshaded roof space you have available. For example, if your priorities center around keeping costs low and maintaining your home’s aesthetic appeal, you might opt for a smaller setup that utilizes high-efficiency panels.

On the other hand, if you have ample roof space and don’t mind paying a little more upfront, it might be worth considering a larger system from the start. That will allow you to generate surplus power that you can transfer to your utility company, which could have more long-term financial benefits.

At SunPower, we make it easy to go solar with online consultations, all-in-one solar storage solutions, and the most efficient solar panels available. We’ll assess your needs and recommend an installation that best meets your energy and savings goals.

Get started today by requesting your consultation. We’ll contact you to find a time that works best with your schedule. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.

• . BestPlaces.net. “Tampa, Florida.” April 2021.
• . Tampa Electric (TECO). “Tampa Electric Significantly Expanding Use of Solar Power.” September 2017.
• . Tampa Electric (TECO). “Solar Calculator.” April 2021.
• . Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020
• . Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.
• . The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

TAMPA, FL, GOES SOLAR WITH SUNPOWER ®

Tampa, FL, is a mecca for tourists thanks to its stunning beaches, thrilling amusement parks, and year-round sunshine. The city gets an average of 246 days of sunshine a year, which is one of the reasons why a growing number of homes and businesses are getting solar systems.

Tampa Electric plans to install a total of six million solar panels by 2023, which will make it one of the most solar-friendly cities in the state.

How much solar energy does Tampa produce?

According to the Environment Florida Research Policy Center, as of December 2019, Tampa ranks 29th in the U.S. for both solar capacity per capita and total installed solar capacity, with 42 Watts per person and 16.5 MW, respectfully. The city was also honored as a Solar Leader, a city showing strong solar energy generation growth. Tampa increased its per capita rank by four spots between 2019 and 2020.

Going solar offers a wide range of benefits, from reducing your carbon footprint to increasing your property value and protecting yourself from rising energy costs. For many home and business owners considering solar, the financial advantages are a major deciding factor.

A 5 kW system could offer nearly 450,000 in electricity cost savings per year, adding up to 20,000 to 40,000 over the system’s useful life.

With year-round sunshine and falling solar panel system costs, there is no reason not to take advantage of solar energy in Tampa. Rapidly increasing demand for solar panel systems is also increasing jobs in the solar industry, providing employment opportunities and strengthening the economy, which benefits our community.

How much does solar cost in Tampa?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include things like:

• Where the system will be located (on a flat or sloping roof or the ground)
• The quality of solar panels you choose
• The power of the solar panels you choose
• The brand of equipment your installer uses
• System size and complexity
• Whether your system includes battery storage

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we’ve analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country. In Tampa, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from 12,850 to 16,200, or in other words, from 5000.57 to 3.24 per watt. And that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

One of the best-known solar incentives in the United States is the Federal Solar Tax Credit. This credit allows eligible property owners to claim solar panel system installation costs on their taxes for a 26% credit.

This credit goes a long way towards making solar solutions accessible to a larger percentage of Tampa residents, offsetting much of the initial cost and moving the average break-even point forward.

Florida’s net metering program is an added bonus you may be able to take advantage of. With this program, your solar system will do more to reduce your energy bills. If your system generates more energy than you need, you can transfer it to the power grid for credit towards your electricity bills from any grid energy usage.

What’s the best way to go solar in Tampa?

Keep in mind that the right solar PV system for your home or business will vary depending on your specific needs. The solar provider you choose will have a lot to do with your system’s appearance, efficiency, and durability.

You’ll also need to consider your energy needs and the amount of unshaded roof space you have available. For example, if your priorities center around keeping costs low and maintaining your home’s aesthetic appeal, you might opt for a smaller setup that utilizes high-efficiency panels.

On the other hand, if you have ample roof space and don’t mind paying a little more upfront, it might be worth considering a larger system from the start. That will allow you to generate surplus power that you can transfer to your utility company, which could have more long-term financial benefits.

At SunPower, we make it easy to go solar with online consultations, all-in-one solar storage solutions, and the most efficient solar panels available. We’ll assess your needs and recommend an installation that best meets your energy and savings goals.

Get started today by requesting your consultation. We’ll contact you to find a time that works best with your schedule. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.

• . BestPlaces.net. “Tampa, Florida.” April 2021.
• . Tampa Electric (TECO). “Tampa Electric Significantly Expanding Use of Solar Power.” September 2017.
• . Tampa Electric (TECO). “Solar Calculator.” April 2021.
• . Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020
• . Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.
• . The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

Notable Solar Installations in Florida

• Manatee Solar Energy in Parrish was developed by Florida Power Light and came online in 2016, and in 2021 it added 900 MW of battery storage. This 114.7 MW project produces enough electricity to power 13,961 homes. 5
• Walmart, Target and IKEA have all gone solar in Florida. Walmart’s 200 MW Florida Power Light project is one of the largest in the state. 6
• At 114 MW, Wildflower Solar Energy Center in Arcadia is among the largest solar installations in Florida. Completed by Lightsource bp in 2018, this solar project has enough electric capacity to power more than 13,876 homes. 7

Check out our Major Solar Projects List for more notable installations.

Solar Companies in Florida

Looking for a local installer? Use SolarReviews to get company reviews and estimates for solar in your area. You can also view the average costs for installing solar in Florida, based on real price data from installed systems and solar quotes.

If you’re looking for information about local solar companies, check out EnergySage’s list of solar companies in Florida, where you can check out information about each company and see real customer reviews.

Florida State Solar Policy Resources

Florida Public Service Commission. Learn about the governing body that regulates the electricity rates and services of Florida public utilities

Florida State Legislature. Track pending legislation affecting solar energy, locate and contact individual legislators, and stay up to date on current legislative issues in Florida

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Find a wide variety of information on state government energy programs, policy, projects, energy-saving strategies and energy-related statistics

Florida Energy Consortium. Assists the state in the development and implementation of an environmentally compatible, sustainable, and efficient energy strategic plan

Florida Solar Panels Overview. Learn about the history of solar policy in Florida, along with up-to-date pricing information on EnergySage

DSIRE Incentives Database Florida. Search a public clearinghouse for specific solar energy incentives in Florida and across the United States.

Solar Panel Cost in Florida. Learn about the history of solar policy in Florida, along with up-to-date pricing information on EnergySage

Solar Rebates Incentives in Florida. Check out EnergySage’s list of key solar incentives in Florida to see what programs you can benefit from

U.S. Energy Information Administration- Florida State Profile. Explore official energy statistics, including data on electricity supply and demand, from the U.S. government

Your system just isn’t working!

Although this tends to be the number one suspected reason for why the bill is so high, generally it isn’t the actual cause. Most systems are installed properly and are in operation. But every now and then we come across a system that simply isn’t working at all. That was the case with one man who was convinced that his system had never worked and that the company that installed it was simply out to cheat him. We didn’t see signs of that—the system had been installed and the overall workmanship was acceptable on the surface, so it wasn’t like someone just slapped the panels on the roof and ran away. But here’s the thing—this was an Enphase system so there should have been monitoring in place to answer the question of how well the system was working. Except that the installer had never bothered to complete the setup of the monitoring system!

When we came out we were able to access the Envoy directly, and while it could see the microinverters, it was clear that they had never produced any power—in over a year!

So how can a solar system owner prevent this? Simple—when your system goes live, make sure that the installer walks you through the operation of the system so that you can see with your own two eyes that the system is actually producing power. (This could be a readout on the inverter/monitoring system, or a spinning performance meter, or an indication that utility meter is going backwards.) Better yet, ask them up-front how will you be able to know that your system is working, and then when it goes live, make them prove it to you!

If you believe that your system isn’t working, and you live in the greater Pasadena area, give us a call at 626-793-6025, or email us to set up a service call!

Your system is working, but…

This second case is actually far more likely: the system is performing, but it is not meeting your savings expectations. In our experience there are two main reasons for this: hype and over use.

Beware the hype

One reason for this disconnect is that a dishonest sales person over-hyped the savings to be had from the system installed. For example, we have seen “savings” projections based just on the size of the system, without regard for how shaded the system was, or its orientation. to say nothing of the actual rate structure that is being used by the utility.

Shaded systems produce less energy. Systems aligned away from South will produce less energy. A utility customer on a time-of-use rate structure may well save less than one on a tiered rate structure (depending on how those rates are designed).

The point is to beware of overly simplistic savings projections. A proper analysis will factor in all of these issues to provide the best possible estimate of savings.

Solar is not a silver bullet

Even the best savings projection is predicated on future energy usage being consistent with the historical data that the solar company was given (unless increases are specifically discussed and included). While many people with solar power systems become vigilant about reducing their overall energy consumption, others go in exactly the opposite direction. Indeed, it is not uncommon to hear people say that part of why they want to “go solar” is so they can afford to run their air conditioning “more” during the summer.

Solar power systems are finite resources—they can only produce so much energy consistent with the size of the system, and most utilities limit system size to the historical energy usage average at the site. If you install solar, but then triple how much energy you use during the year, you shouldn’t be surprised if you are not saving any money!

What we have here is a failure to communicate!

Which leads us to the most likely culprit—there has been a failure to communicate between installer and consumer. At the root of this is Net Metering and the complexities of most energy bills. (A big part of the blame here goes to the utilities who seem determined to make their bills as complicated as possible!) Let’s provide an overview of this issue and then illustrate with a specific example.

How Net Metering Works

Solar system owners. at least here in SoCal. operate under utility rules known as Net Energy Metering, or just Net Metering for short. Here is how this works: on the day when your solar power system is given “Permission to Operate” (or PTO) by the utility, your billing will shift to Net Metering (often the utility will change your meter to allow for that switch). Every day, as your system operates, you will either be exporting (selling) energy back onto the grid, or importing (purchasing) energy from the grid.

Think of it this way: you get up at 6 a.m. and it’s dark outside. You turn on some lights, the radio, coffee maker, etc. Your solar system isn’t producing anything (it’s dark outside, remember?) so you are purchasing energy from the grid. You go off to work as the sun comes up, and your system turns on. All day long, your solar system is producing energy, but there is no one there to use it—the A/C is off, the TV is off, the house is dark—so all of that excess energy is sold back to the utility. Your fancy new meter keeps track of all of that energy coming and going.

Every billing cycle the utility will look at those readings—how much energy did you sell compared to how much did you purchase—and “net” out the difference. If you were a net seller of energy, you will have a credit. If you were a net purchaser of energy you will have a balance due. But here is where some people get confused—your bill won’t ask you to pay for the energy you used that month. Typically you will only be charged for whatever “customer charge” there may be along with taxes and other fees. The bill for your energy usage (or credit, if you are so lucky) is carried forward to the next billing cycle, and the next, and the next, until you get to the anniversary of your PTO date. Now your usage will be “trued up” and you will either get a bill to pay (assuming that for the year you were a net energy purchaser) or a check (assuming you were a net energy seller, but don’t get too excited because that payment is really tiny).

Here’s the thing, depending on how much of a net energy purchaser you were, that bill could be pretty significant, in some cases well over a thousand dollars or more!

Of course, you would have been receiving bills every cycle that showed what you were accumulating (either a balance due or a credit) but since there is no related payment required, it is easy for some to overlook those bills, and if this process has never been explained—or even if it was but the consumer simply didn’t “get it” at the time—this can lead to a nasty surprise.

Bottom line. solar companies need to do a better job here in explaining how this works. (Hence this post!)

A real-life example

Consider a hypothetical solar system owner, let’s call him Bob. Now Bob is a Smart guy, but this is the first solar power system he has ever owned. His installer explained everything to him when the system went live, but Bob was distracted by the excitement of a potentially zero bill. His system has Enphase microinverters so he has been receiving energy production emails from Enphase every month, and that looked cool, but he never attempted to reconcile his Enphase report with his utility bill (Bob’s not so big on balancing his checkbook, either). But to be fair to Bob, the Enphase report that he receives is for each calendar month, but his billing is every two months, and they aren’t calendar months; rather, they run from meter read date to meter read date (e.g., 7/28/2016 to 9/26/2016).

The good news is that Enphase has a reporting feature that allows you to enter any two dates since the system went live and receive day-by-day energy production, with the total at the end. Let’s see what we can learn when we put Bob’s billing data next to his production data from the Enphase reporting feature:

Ten months of Bob’s usage versus production

The first two columns show the start and end dates for each meter reading/billing cycle. The bought column is the amount of energy that Bob purchased from his utility. (Whoa, what happened during the latest billing cycle. ) The sold column is the amount of energy that Bob sold back to his utility during that period, as reported by the utility. The next column is the amount of energy that Bob’s system produced during the dates in the billing cycle, according to the Enphase website. But wait, how can this be? In that first period, the utility says that Bob only sold 774 kWh of energy, but Enphase says his system produced nearly twice as much, 1,338 kWh!