Frequently Asked Questions

Your solar system is carefully designed based on historical weather data, including information from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and our extensive experience with thousands of installations across Florida. This ensures your system meets your annual energy needs, understanding that production will naturally be higher in sunny summer months and lower in winter. While dust and pollen can slightly reduce efficiency, the hardened glass surfaces of solar panels are generally self-cleaning with typical rainfall, making manual cleaning rarely necessary.

While solar panels have a long lifespan, you don’t need to stay in your home that long to benefit. A solar system starts saving you money immediately and can often pay for itself within 5 to 7 years. Even if you move before then, studies show that solar increases your home’s value and makes it more attractive to buyers, often allowing you to recoup your investment and potentially sell faster. A home with significantly lower or even zero electric bills is a major selling point!

No! FL statute 164.03 states: A deed restriction, covenant, declaration, or similar binding agreement may  not prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting solar panels or other energy devices based on renewable re sources from being installed on buildings erected on the lots or parcels covered by the deed restriction, covenant, declaration, or binding agreement. A property owner may not be denied permission to install solar collectors or other energy devices by any entity granted the power or right in any deed restriction, covenant,  declaration, or similar binding agreement to approve, forbid, control, or direct alteration of property with respect to residential dwellings and within the boundaries of a condominium unit. Such entity may determine the specific location where solar collectors may be installed on the roof within an orientation to the south or  within 45° east or west of due south if such determination does not impair the effective operation of the solar  collectors.

While standard solar electric panels don’t directly heat a pool, they can significantly offset the electricity used by your pool’s electric heat pump, leading to substantial savings on pool heating costs.

Yes, it’s technically possible to go “off-grid” by installing a sufficiently large solar system coupled with a robust battery storage system backed up by a traditional generator. However, this is not typically recommended for most Florida homeowners. Staying connected to the grid provides a reliable backup and allows you to benefit from selling excess energy via net metering.

For the safety of utility workers, standard grid-tied solar systems are designed to automatically shut down during power outages. To ensure power during blackouts, we highly recommend considering battery backup systems or traditional generators, especially for areas in Florida prone to outages.

When installed correctly using industry best practices and a certified licensed solar installer such as Region Solar + Electric, your roof’s integrity should be fully maintained. We use professional-grade mounting systems, and our installers are rigorously trained to ensure secure and watertight installations. For asphalt roofs, each mounting point is carefully sealed with a long-lasting sealant. Metal roofs often utilize non-penetrating clamp systems. We stand behind our roof work with a guarantee against leaks. The weight of a typical solar array is also minimal, less than 5 pounds per square foot.

Yes, under Florida’s net metering policies, when your solar energy system generates electricity, it reduces the energy you buy from the utility company. If your system produces more energy than you need, the excess power goes back to the grid. This energy is deducted from your monthly bill or credited toward a future bill within the same calendar year.

Yes, under Florida’s net metering policies, when your solar energy system generates electricity, it reduces the energy you buy from the utility company. If your system produces more energy than you need, the excess power goes back to the grid. This energy is deducted from your monthly bill or credited toward a future bill within the same calendar year.

One of the great advantages of solar PV systems is their low maintenance requirements. With no moving parts and a robust design, they generally require very little upkeep.

In some cases, yes! If your solar system is sized to produce more electricity than you consume on average, your net electricity costs can be very close to $0. However, most utilities have a minimal base connection fee to remain connected to the grid.

The cost of a solar system varies depending on factors like system size, your specific energy needs, and available incentives. A good rule of thumb is to consider what you anticipate spending on electricity over the next 6-8 years – this can often be a reasonable estimate for the base cost of a system.

In most cases, Florida’s rainfall is sufficient to keep your panels clean. However, if you notice significant dust or pollen buildup, you can safely rinse them with water from a garden hose or use soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Cleaning once or twice a year can help maintain optimal performance and at Region Solar + Electric we’re happy to help with this if you require assistance.

High-quality “Premium” solar panels are built to last, typically far exceeding their standard 25-year warranty. Expect decades of clean energy production from your investment.

Yes! Modern solar systems come equipped with monitoring capabilities, often accessible through a user-friendly smartphone app. This allows you to track your energy production in real-time and over specific timeframes.

The solar panel market offers various options. We focus on “Premium” panels that are designed to look great on your roof and maintain optimal production even in Florida’s heat, with minimal degradation over their expected lifespan (often 25 years or more).

Choosing high-quality equipment is essential for the long-term performance and reliability of your solar system. We prioritize components that meet stringent standards for performance, aesthetics, reliability, and value, all backed by comprehensive manufacturer warranties.

Yes! Currently, there’s a 30% federal tax credit (ITC) available for homeowners and businesses that install solar systems. This can substantially reduce the overall cost of your investment. It’s crucial to confirm the current credit amount and eligibility requirements with your tax advisor.

Solar loans offer a pathway to ownership without significant upfront costs. These loans are often structured with renewable energy in mind, making clean energy more accessible. Partnering with specialized lenders like we do at Region Solar + Electric can streamline the process.