Storm season isn’t something we can ignore here in Jacksonville. The weather this time of year can go from calm to chaotic in a matter of hours. Heavy rain, strong winds, and power outages often follow winter storms that hit Northeast Florida. Living in this area means we need to be ready for those surprises. We are a veteran-owned solar contractor founded in Jacksonville and serving homeowners across Northeast Florida who want their homes to be better prepared for that kind of weather.
Solar power gets a lot of attention here in Florida, and it’s easy to see why. We get plenty of sunshine year-round, making it a good match for homes that want to use cleaner energy. But not every roof is ready for panels, even in a place like Jacksonville. We have installed solar on more than 1,500 homes in the local area, so we have a clear sense of what works well on Jacksonville roofs.
Late December in Florida feels a little different. The days are cooler, the air feels less heavy, and the sun slips down earlier than it did in summer. Still, we get plenty of bright light most days, which surprises people who think winter must mean weak solar power.
Electric vehicles are showing up more and more around Jacksonville. With more drivers going electric, the need to charge these cars at home is growing too. It’s easy to see why. Home charging is convenient, saves time, and keeps everything close to home. And since Florida has mild winters and few weather delays, setting up new home charging stations is rarely a problem. A1A Solar & Air installs home EV charging stations for drivers throughout Northeast Florida, so charging at home can match the way you actually use your vehicle.
While most people know what solar panels look like, they might not know their exact purpose. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This process happens when panels absorb photons, which creates an electric current. When photons hit the crystalline photovoltaic cells, it generates DC energy. Below is a diagram that shows how the panels absorb sunlight and how it becomes energy.
Installing a solar energy system helps save the environment. Did you know it also saves you money on your federal taxes? Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, you can claim a tax credit for up to 30 percent of the cost to install a solar energy system. However, the amount you claim depends on when you installed your system.