Let’s Go Solar

Despite global supply chain issues and logistical challenges, the installation of solar panels in the US has already reached record-breaking numbers this year. And when you live in a place known as “the sunshine state,” the option to go solar becomes all the more viable.

Cutler Bay Solar is South Florida’s largest solar installer, serving everyone from The Keys to Orlando. With nearly a decade of experience, we’ve asked them to let us in on the reality of installing solar panels, the misconceptions, and what it’s really like to own your own energy.

What are the main reasons people decide to go solar?

People go solar for one or sometimes a combination of these reasons:

Money: Going solar can save money. The monthly cost of a solar installation can cost less than the existing electric bill for homeowners. The average electric bill with a solar system is the utility minimum fee. The homeowner is also protected from future price increases on power from the utility. Carbon Footprint Reduction: Some people feel strongly about reducing their carbon footprint and want their homes powered by renewable energy. Solar is clean, green energy that is reliable and a seamless transition from the existing home power experience. Energy Independence: Many homeowners are looking to produce their own power and not rely on the grid or the utility for consistent power without interruption. Solar and battery backup can provide a whole home power with seamless backup that is not subject to the volatility of grid interruptions or storm season.

What are some unknown benefits?

Homeowners are always pleasantly surprised when they find out that solar panels structurally strengthen your roof. Solar panels also act as a barrier between the sun and your roof actually keeping your house cooler. Solar will increase the value of your home and will expand the potential pool of qualified buyers as the cost of utilities is counted when qualifying a potential buyer for a mortgage.

What are some considerations before installing solar panels on your property?

The main challenges we come across are the direction the house faces (if the roof is in a heavily shaded area, panels may not produce enough to be an effective option), complying with local ordinances, the age of the roof (it should be under 10 years old for a successful solar installation.) Additionally, you must have the available roof space to place the number of panels needed to offset electrical costs in the home.

What does going “off-grid” completely entail?

Going off-grid in Florida is not actually an option. Residential systems are tied to the grid under net metering agreements with local utility companies. Solar panels work in conjunction with the utility company to maximize the savings for the homeowner. The connection to the grid saves the homeowner from expensive storage solutions.

How do solar panels help prepare for natural disasters?

Solar panels prepare our homes to withstand natural disasters by keeping the power on. But they also protect the actual structure of the home due to their reinforced structure that meets Miami-Dade’s high wind codes of up to 195mph solar.

What manufacturers do you work with and why?

REC is the leading solar panel on the market. High efficiency, high performance, an industry-leading warranty, and a reinforced structure perfect for Miami-Dade high wind codes. All for a great price. We also love Enphase’s microinverters and batteries for reliable backup power. The batteries are cobalt-free to eliminate the risk of fire and the microinverters are industry leaders in power performance and reliability.

MYTHBUSTERS

We’re shining a light on the truth behind solar energy’s biggest misconceptions.

Solar will damage my roof. Solar will not damage Your roof when installed correctly. It will make your roof stronger!

Solar will lower my property value. Solar increases property value by about 4%.

My HOA will not allow solar panels. In Florida, it is illegal for an HOA to deny solar panels based on appearance. The Florida solar rights statute prevents this.

Solar panels require a lot of maintenance. All the panels we install work at high effi ciency even 25 years after installation. None of our panels lose more than 15 percent of their maximum production. Panels also continue to work well past the 25-year mark. Even at a slightly reduced effi ciency, panels can continue to perform well. Solar is designed to last.

To contact Cutler Bay Solar and learn more about their services, visit their website cbsolar.miami