Resources

Find detailed product information and view informational videos and downloadable PDFs here.

FAQs

What are the EV Tax Incentives?2024-03-15T00:13:29-05:00
Federal Investment Tax Credit

Electric Vehicle Chargers do will qualify for ITC credits when combined with a home residential solar system or storage installation. Make sure to include all your energy efficiency upgrades as part of your Mirasol Solar contract to receive the greatest value.

Local Utility Incentives

Florida does not have a statewide program to provide incentives for installing a home charging station, but some of the state’s utility companies offer incentives. The Kissimmee Utility Authority offers rebates of $100 for the purchase and installation of a home EV charging station. The Jacksonville Electric Authority offers customers with residential Level 2 EV charging stations an incentive of up to $7 per month to encourage charging during off-peak hours. Florida residents should also check with their local electric utility companies for any additional credits or incentives.

Manufacturers Discounts

For vehicles placed in service on or after April 18, 2023, the credit amount will depend on the vehicle meeting the critical minerals requirement ($3,750) and/or the battery components requirement ($3,750). A vehicle meeting neither requirement will not be eligible for a credit, a vehicle meeting only one requirement may be eligible for a $3,750 credit, and a vehicle meeting both requirements may be eligible forthe full $7,500 credit.

For vehicles placed in service before or on April 17, 2023, the credit is calculated as a $2,500 base amount plus, for a vehicle which draws propulsion energy from a battery with at least 7 kilowatt hours of capacity, $417, plus an additional $417 for each kilowatt hour of battery capacity in excess of 5 kilowatt hours, up to an additional $5,000 beyond the base amount. In general, the minimum credit amount will be $3,751 ($2,500 + 3 * $417), representing the credit amount for a vehicle with the required minimum of 7 kilowatt hours of battery capacity. Learn more. 

The credit is nonrefundable, so you can’t get back more on the credit than you owe in taxes. You can’t apply any excess credit to future tax years. Learn more.

For vehicles purchased in 2022 or before, credit eligibility was determined under different criteria.

 

*Ask your representative about which incentive you’re eligible to receive. Please consult a tax advisor on your ability to claim these nonrefundable tax credits.

 

How fast is Level 3 charging?2024-03-15T00:11:15-05:00

Level 3 Chargers

The cream of the crop! These are the leading-edge of the charging technology.

Pros

  • The fastest charge times available. Approximately 80% of the range was achieved in 40 minutes.
  • In the future: Bi-directional energy flow – allows direct DC connection between EV battery and the home in case of power outage. Your EV helps keep your home powered!
  • Plug-in models can share an outlet with a range or dryer.

 Cons 

  • Typically only available commercially.
  • Extremely expensive.
  • Very new technology — early adopter status for buyers.
  • Currently, AJH (City regulation) is unfamiliar – it delays installers’ plan approvals. (This will improve as technology matures.)
How fast is Level 2 charging?2024-03-15T00:10:22-05:00

Level 2 Chargers

The charging time is reduced by more than 60% and allows owners to charge at the speed of a public charger conveniently at their own homes.

Pros

  • Quality chargers will fully charge an EV in 3 – 4 hours.
  • Plug-in models can share an outlet with a range or dryer
  • Most have mobile apps to monitor or configuration charging
  • Ownership yields a lower cost of charging versus public charging station
  • Peace of mind allowing EV owners to maintain full capacity for the most range

 Cons 

  • Increased energy demand on your home
  • Require a 240v electrical outlet or hardwired, plus a dedicated. dual-pole breaker
  • Expense for installation – Licensed electrician needed to install new outlet or hardwiring
  • If demand charges are in place, the higher current draw may increase energy costs
How fast is a Level 1 charger?2024-03-15T00:09:16-05:00

Level 1 (trickle) charging typically takes 15 hours to fully charge an EV. That means that owners may need to charge during peak usage times or feel compelled to ‘top off’ using public charging stations to avoid range anxiety — expensive alternatives! But what if you could get a Level 2 charger installed at no charge when we install solar for your home?

Level 1 Chargers

These typically come with your car and are able to be used with your home electric outlets.

Pros

  • Easily adaptable, use with a standard 110 outlet
  • Easy to transport to allow remote charging

Cons

  • Typical charging time for a full charge is 15 hours
  • Most basic charge system with no interface
  • No ability to select charge cycle to avoid top peak usage
Solar Panel Bird and Pest Barrier2024-04-01T14:56:24-05:00

Your solar panels and roof are vulnerable to damage from birds, squirrels and other pests.

They can create nests under the panels, gnaw on the cables, scratch the surface, and leave behind feces that lower efficiency and create health hazards. To avoid these issues, you need to install bird, pest and wildlife barriers that that keep them away from your solar system.

At Castaways Energy, we provide high-quality and long-lasting bird and pest barrier installations that safeguard your solar panels and roof from unwanted intruders. Our barriers are made of galvanized steel mesh that is tough against corrosion and weather. They are custom-fit to your solar system and roof, and they match the look of your home. Our barriers are also easy to remove and reinstall if you need to access your panels for maintenance or replacement.

Solar Panel Repair Near Me2024-04-01T14:56:54-05:00

Solar panels are durable and long-lasting, but they cannot be repaired if broken. If your solar panels are cracked, broken, or not working properly, you need to replace them with new ones. However, not all solar system issues are caused by damaged solar panels. Sometimes, the problem may lie with the inverters, wiring, or communication devices that connect your solar panels to your home and the grid.

At Castaways Energy, we can fix any inverter, wiring, or communication issue with your solar system. Our technicians are qualified and skilled to deal with any electrical or technical problem, big or small. We use only quality parts and materials that suit your solar system and warranty. With our solar panel system repair services, you can restore your solar system’s performance and efficiency.

Solar Removal and Reinstallation Services2024-04-01T14:55:48-05:00

Castaways Energy is a preferred partner for dozens of Florida roofing companies, as well as for homeowners, that need their solar energy system removed and reinstalled.

Our skilled technicians have experience in nearly every type of solar mounting products in today’s market and we will purchase new products as needed and provide a workmanship warranty on any systems that are removed and reinstalled by Castaways Energy. Give us a call for a quick estimate!

Solar Panel Replacement2024-04-01T14:56:06-05:00

Solar panels are built to last for 25 to 30 years, but sometimes they may need to be replaced sooner due to damage, degradation, or obsolescence. If your solar panels are beyond repair, or if you want to upgrade to newer and more efficient models, you need to get them replaced by a qualified and experienced installer.

At Castaways Energy, we offer hassle-free and cost-effective solar panel replacement services that help you get the most out of your solar investment. We can remove your old panels and install new ones that match your energy needs and budget. We can also help you dispose of your old panels in an environmentally responsible way. We work with the leading solar panel manufacturers and suppliers, and we offer the best warranties and guarantees in the industry.

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?2024-03-13T22:29:02-05:00

Solar panels are extremely durable and with no moving parts, they will generally require little to no maintenance. As of now, the average lifespan of solar panels for housing is about 25-30 years however, some systems can last for even 50!  We even go one step further for our customers.  We are one of only a handful of contractors that offer SOLAR INSURE!  It is a 3rd party insurance-backed warranty plan included in your system when you install with Castaways Energy! This is an additional 30-year warranty coverage for panels, inverters, optimizers, and roof penetrations.  Solar Insure will pay for any labor needed to service your system,  and has ownership transfers at NO FEE! When you have your system installed with Castaways Energy, you are not only saving money,  you are saving for years to come with a peace of mind like nowhere else!

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?2024-03-13T22:28:50-05:00

Every home, family, business, and electricity bill are unique!  Solar panels come in many different sizes and wattages. We choose solar panel products that will utilize the most space receiving the highest amount of sunlight on your roof.  For example, if your bill is $100, then your system size would be around a 5000 Watt system, or 5kW system.  If you receive 360 Watt solar panels, you would then need 14 panels (14 x 360 = 5040 Watts).  The first step is providing us with your utility bill and let us help guide you to a system that best suits your needs and gets you the highest return on your investment!

Does Solar Covert My Entire Electric Bill?2024-03-13T22:28:33-05:00

YES, it could!  Our design team works to utilize all your roof space to properly size your system to get you to net zero!  Your electric company still may have a small minimum bill requirement, like Duke Energy, which is $30 but your system will be designed to get the maximum offset of your bill, so that you can still purchase $30 of electricity from Duke, and not just pay a monthly minimum for no reason. We size the systems based on many factors, but the #1 most important factor is to get the most return out of your investment and save you the most money!

Is There Financing Available For Solar Systems?2024-04-01T14:44:58-05:00

Yes. We offer easy financing with low interest, zero down and low payment options! Our goal is to make your solar energy payments less than what your monthly electric bill is charging you. That way, you are putting more money into your pocket each month, while investing into your future and increasing your home value. When you purchase a solar energy system, your rates NEVER go up! You lock in the same monthly bill, for the life of the system, unlike utility companies that raise their rates every single year! Imagine how much electricity will cost 5, 10, and 20 years from now!

I Have An HOA – Can I Still Install Solar?2024-03-13T22:21:07-05:00

Florida Statute 163.04 forbids any binding agreement (between HOAs or otherwise) to prohibit a property owner from installing solar. An HOA may restrict where you place your solar panels, but not if the system’s performance suffers as a result.

You can find more information here:

https://www.solarunitedneighbors.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Florida-Solar-Rights.pdf

Solar Technology Videos

REC: Manufacturing Excellence

REC: Alpha Pure Series Solar Panels

Maxeon: Solar For Life

Maxeon: Powering Positive Change

Mission Solar Energy: Process Video

Qcells: It’s Today

Mission Solar Energy: Quality Solar Modules

Storage & EV Charging

We Are Wallbox

Tesla Wall Connector

FranklinWH Storage

Tesla Powerwall

Enphase Energy System

Find Out If Solar Is Right For You.

Pick an assessment type & enter your name

Icon

Quick

Icon

More thorough

Thank You !

What best describes you? (please choose one)

I want solar for my primary residence

I want solar for my business

Hi ,
Besides saving money on your utility bill, what else motivates you to go solar?
(please choose one)

Icon

Be more Green

Icon

Use more Power
Guilt Free
(i.e. AC/Devices)

Icon

Fear of Outages
(i.e. Grid Down)

Icon

Cash in on 'Going
Solar' Incentives

What best describes you?

Icon

I’m retired or dreaming of retirement

Icon

I just bought my first home

Icon

I’m ready to start my career/family

Icon

My kids are in college

Fill in the blank. "When picking a solar partner, getting the best            is most important to me."
(please choose one)

Icon

Warranty

Icon

Value

Icon

Technology

Icon

Company

I'm interested in (select one)...

Icon

Solar only

Icon

Solar

Icon

+ Storage

Icon

Solar

Icon

+ EV

Icon

Solar

Icon

+ Storage

Icon

+ EV

What best describes you?

Icon

I have an EV

Icon

I want an EV

Thank You !
We're building your solar persona.

Now, it's time to calculate the perfect system size for your house and find out how much you can save when you go solar.

Solar Wizard

is calculating your system size

Here are your results!

Panel


Environmental Impact ( years)

Icon

metric tons

Icon

car miles driven

Icon

Number of Trees Planted


# of Panels:

System size:

Battery:

How do you plan on aquiring your system?

# of Panels:

System size:

Battery:

Environmental Impact
( years)

Icon

metric tons

Icon

car miles driven

Icon

Number of Trees Planted


# of Panels:

System size:

Battery:

Thank You !

Please schedule your no-obligation ‘going solar’ consultant so we can provide a detailed quote for your home. If possible, upload a copy of your utility bill so we can better assess your possibilities.

All personal information is confidential.

Following file types allowed: jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, pdf, gif.
File size must be less than 3MB.

Wizard Logo

Thank you for using Solar Wizard. Data submitted successfully.

Thank You

Our representative will contact you soon.

Step 1/

Thank You !

What best describes you? (please choose one)

I want solar for my primary residence

I want solar for my business

I'm interested in (select one)...

Icon

Solar only

Icon

Solar

Icon

+ Storage

Icon

Solar

Icon

+ EV

Icon

Solar

Icon

+ Storage

Icon

+ EV

What best describes you?

Icon

I have an EV

Icon

I want an EV

Thank You !
We're building your solar persona.

Now, it's time to calculate the perfect system size for your house and find out how much you can save when you go solar.

Solar Wizard

is calculating your system size

Here are your results!

Panel


Environmental Impact ( years)

Icon

metric tons

Icon

car miles driven

Icon

Number of Trees Planted


# of Panels:

System size:

Battery:

How do you plan on aquiring your system?

# of Panels:

System size:

Battery:

Environmental Impact
( years)

Icon

metric tons

Icon

car miles driven

Icon

Number of Trees Planted


# of Panels:

System size:

Battery:

Thank You !

Please schedule your no-obligation ‘going solar’ consultant so we can provide a detailed quote for your home. If possible, upload a copy of your utility bill so we can better assess your possibilities.

All personal information is confidential.

Following file types allowed: jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, pdf, gif.
File size must be less than 3MB.

Wizard Logo

Thank you for using Solar Wizard. Data submitted successfully.

Thank You

Our representative will contact you soon.

Step 1/

How much will solar cost you?
Find out. It’s FREE!

Go to Top