• Maximizing the Potential of Your Solar Pool Heater

    When you install solar pool heating in Clermont or North Central Florida , you have the opportunity to take advantage of all of the benefits of solar energy. Swimming pools can dramatically increase your utility bills, particularly your electricity or gas bills if you have a hot tub or heated pool. Solar pool heaters will reduce your energy bills, and extend the amount of time that you have to enjoy your pool.

    Solar pool heaters use renewable energy to maintain a comfortable water temperature year-round. When you maintain your solar pool heating system, you will ensure that it lasts as long as possible. It will also add value to your home if you decide to sell.

    To maximize the solar power of your solar pool heater, you should cover your pool at night during the winter months with an insulating cover. This will hold the pool’s heat in and make your solar pool heater even more energy efficient. During the hottest months of the year and the sunniest parts of the day, you can run your solar pool heater to cool your pool down if needed, and enjoy year-round comfort in your pool.

    Pool and solar collectors for water heating

  • What Are the Benefits of Going Solar?

    Switching to solar power can make a major difference for you and your community alike. Solar energy is the cleanest and most environmentally friendly energy source on Earth, and it’s also one of the most cost-effective ways to obtain your energy. However, the advantages of solar power go beyond saving money. Here are a few of the potential benefits of getting your power from solar-powered clean energy in The Villages.

    Lower environmental impact. solar
    Unlike fossil fuels, the energy from solar panels does not create emissions that can harm the environment. With an ever-growing number of Americans becoming concerned about the importance of reducing their carbon footprints and working towards a healthier, more sustainable future, there has never been a more appropriate time to make the switch to all-solar energy.

    Greater energy independence.
    The United States imports a significant amount of the oil we use for energy; in 2014 alone, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, we imported as much as 9 million barrels of oil every day. By helping to reduce our country’s reliance on foreign oil, going solar stands to benefit all of us.

    Fixed utility rates.
    When people make the decision to retire, something they may not take into consideration is the fact that their utility rates continue to go up—while their income stays at the same level. If you are on a fixed income, switching to solar power means that your utility rates will stay the same. Instead of worrying about the rising cost of powering your home, you can simply focus on enjoying your retirement.

    Potential tax incentives.
    The federal government is rewarding the initiative of citizens who are making the switch to solar power. If you decide to install solar for your home, you may be eligible for federal tax credits that cover 30 percent of the cost.

  • Understanding the Process of Mounting Solar Panels

    If you’re investigating the possibility of using solar panels for your home in The Villages, you may be curious about how the installation process works. You will need to hire a state-certified solar contractor for your solar panel installation, as it is a delicate and complicated procedure. Here is a look at the process of mounting solar panels on your home.

    Determining the Best Place for Solar Panel Installation
    The person who installs solar panels in your home will first need to determine the best place for installation. This primarily depends upon the type of roof that your home has. Shingles work best for solar panel installation, but roofs with uneven surfaces, such as tile roofs, are more challenging. You can also choose to have your solar panels installed on stand-alone racks. This is beneficial because you will retain unrestricted access to your roof to make repairs or to install other necessities. Whether you choose to have the panels installed on your roof or on racks, your installer will make sure that they are placed in an area that gets the most sun throughout the day.

    Obtain the Necessary Permits Mounting Solar Panels
    Before you can pick a date for your solar panel installation, you will need to obtain the necessary permits. Your solar panel installer will obtain these permits from your local city or county building department. Your HOA cannot prevent you from installing a renewable energy system on your property. If you are the first person in your area to install a solar power system, you and your installer will need to work closely with your local building officials to ensure the project goes smoothly.

    Solar Panel Mounting and Installation
    Once you have obtained permits and decided on an installation location, your installer will begin mounting and installing your solar panels. The panels will be mounted at the proper angle and secured with stainless steel bolts. They will then be connected to each other and your home using junction boxes and wires. This must be done according to your local building codes.

  • Lowering Your Tax Bill with Solar

    Solar Tax Benefit in Ocala There are a number of tax incentives to switching to alternative energy in Ocala. Installing a solar power system allows you to take advantage of valuable federal and state tax credits the next time you file your taxes. The Federal Solar Tax Credit allows you to deduct 30% of the total cost of your solar power system from your federal tax bill. There are also a number of state and local solar panel rebates available.

    In Florida, the Solar and CHP Sales Tax Exemption offers a sales tax incentive on solar energy systems. Any solar energy system that is purchased must have been certified by the Florida Solar Energy Center. The state also offers a corporate tax credit called the Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit that offers rebates and tax deductions based upon the amount of solar energy that is produced by a corporation’s solar power system.

    The tax incentives that are available for renewable energy systems can help you afford to buy a bigger solar system for your home than you thought possible. In addition, you’ll save significantly on your energy bills, and increase your home’s overall resale value.