With the amount of sunshine the state receives, Florida is the ideal location to harness solar energy. Solar panels give homeowners the potential for significant energy savings in a place where air conditioning is essential for most of the year. But what about solar panels for a second home? Keep reading to discover the benefits of installing panels on your vacation and rental properties.
Benefits of Solar Panels for Your Second Home
Florida is a solar energy powerhouse, and installing solar panels on your second home has just as many benefits as installing them on your main home.
Ecological Impact
Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power. Emission-free, it contributes to cleaner air and water quality in the surrounding environment. By decreasing reliance on fossil fuels to generate electricity, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, helping to combat climate change.
Solar panels reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner future.
Financial Impact
With energy rates increasing year over year, solar panels can offset a large portion of the costs related to using electricity. If you frequent your second home, you can greatly reduce your monthly bills by generating your own power. Savings can add up quickly to help you recoup installation costs.
If you only use your home occasionally, the payback period might be longer, but the savings will still be worth it. Remember that even when you are away from your second Florida home, you still need to keep it dehumidified by keeping the temperature stable. Solar makes that more affordable.
Tax Incentives
Florida and the federal government offer several generous tax advantages to encourage the adoption of solar.
- Federal Tax Credits: When installing solar panels, homeowners can receive a 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on the cost of a solar system.
- Property Tax Exemption: Homeowners receive a tax break on the increased value a solar system adds to a property.
- State Sales Tax Exemption: Solar panels are exempt from sales tax. This translates to an upfront cost savings on installation.
Net Metering
Solar panels harvest energy from the sun. When your solar panel system generates more energy than you consume, the excess feeds the grid, and the power company pays you for it. This is referred to as net metering, and it is one of the most attractive aspects of residential solar.
Earned energy credits generally roll over month-to-month to cover the electricity bill until the end of the year, when the homeowner is paid for leftover credits at wholesale rates. With net metering, your beach house in Florida can help pay for its own upkeep when you install solar panels!
Go Solar With Solar Optimum
It’s worth it to have a solar system installed on your second Florida home. Aside from saving energy and money, solar panels have a positive impact on the environment.
Download our Ultimate Guide to Going Solar today to learn more. When you’re ready to install solar panels on your vacation or rental home, contact the professionals at Solar Optimum.
