Florida is basically a haven with lots of hazards, and it's these hazards that encourage homeowners to prepare for the next hurricane and make their homes more resilient.
However, as solar energy becomes more popular, some homeowners worry that installing roof panels will make their home more expensive to insure or, worse, become uninsurable.
Many of them have recently lost coverage, apparently without explanation. In fact, the Florida insurance industry is struggling for a number of reasons, which has prompted many home insurance companies to tighten their underwriting regulations. Results? Some people may be less interested in insuring a solar home.
Citizens don't have to choose between insurance and investing in solar panels. Philip Fairey, associate director of the Florida Solar Energy Center at the University of Central Florida, said concern about storm damage to panels was "overblown" and "beneficial, not harmful". In addition, installing solar panels and batteries to store excess electricity generated can be a good investment for providing power after a hurricane, as well as saving the lives of aging Florida residents or those with medical needs.
Solar United Neighbors of Florida, a nonprofit, and Kin Insurance have teamed up to educate consumers about the benefits of solar energy and assist homeowners with insurance choices.
Homeowners install solar panels for many reasons. One of the most famous? To combat historically high energy costs, people are turning to rooftop solar panels. This and a 30% federal tax credit make solar energy attractive.
One way to save money with solar energy is through net metering. It is a billing method that rewards solar homeowners for the excess energy generated, which is fed back to the grid and shared with neighbors. This policy makes rooftop solar systems an easy and affordable way for most families to reduce their electricity bills.
An innovative and technologically savvy insurance company that puts people first and provides solar insurance. In general, solar panels can extend the life of your roof by protecting it from rain, dirt, wind, and long periods of exposure to the sun. They also make your property more energy efficient in summer because the sun's heat doesn't hit the roof directly, the panels absorb it keeping the interior cool.
To be clear, there's nothing to say that rooftop solar panels are another windbreak replacement that Florida homeowners should consider. When solar energy is installed by licensed professionals and coupled with energy efficiency, homeowners can enjoy lower energy bills and better home insurance.
With the increasing frequency and severity of hurricanes, it is important for Florida residents to find adequate protection for their homes. As the fastest growing state in the country, Florida needs insurance coverage to keep home ownership attractive and affordable.
Fortunately, there are still many home insurance options, including insurance companies that are proud to welcome solar owners with open arms.
Our future depends on encouraging more home and business owners to switch to solar power. Together we can connect more communities to solar power and build more sustainable energy systems.
Haven Campbell is the Florida Program Director for Solar United Neighbors. Angel Conlin, Insurance Director, Kin Insurance.
Ocean of invasion
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