There are numerous sources online with wrong information regarding solar power. These myths center around solar energy problems and their disadvantages. Additionally, there are weird and wrong claims about solar panels being unreliable, toxic, or not doing much to reduce emissions.
The counter views began in the early 2000s when solar was new and expensive. Some of the claims about cost were true around that time. However, solar energy has advanced, and a lot has changed. We are going to look at top solar myths and facts. Let’s begin.
Solar Energy Myths and Facts
Over the last decade, solar costs have reduced remarkably, making solar power much more affordable. Their efficiency has also increased with more people getting jobs and skills in solar energy. As a result, most of the common misconceptions about solar are no longer valid.
1. Solar Panels Can’t Pay Back Initial Investment
The most significant misinformation about solar system is inability to pay for itself. This is false. Some homeowners who have installed solar panels have reported they reached a solar breakeven point within the first four years. Homeowners who install PV modules notice that the system can payback within the first nine years.
Additionally, homeowners with solar reduce electricity bills significantly, allowing them to have increased savings. Going solar also allows you to know how much energy your household uses and when it is used. As a result, you become more energy conscious and tend to use energy-intensive appliances during the day.
Furthermore, solar energy has a long lifespan. Most solar panels have 25-30 year warranties. Once homeowners repay the solar investment, they use solar energy for free for the rest of the functional years. For solar to pay back, you should avoid:
Poorly installed solar panels
Proper solar panel installation if you want to meet your energy needs. Consequently, you can reduce your electricity bills allowing you to allocate the amount to pay for solar. Choosing the best solar panel installation company is crucial as they can mount the panels from the correct angle and orientation..
Professionals understand that obstacles and shading reduce the output and potentially damage the solar panels. As such, they ensure they avoid such issues when installing the PV modules.
Poorly designed PV system
For a short payback period, it is crucial to have correct estimates of the number of PV modules you need. Remember, the electricity demands in most homes differ. A reputable company should size your system appropriately.
2. Solar Energy Is Costly for Widespread Use
The fact is, choosing solar is one of the best decisions for homeowners. Over the past few years, the cost of installing solar has declined by over 70%. This decline makes solar energy more affordable, unlike oil and gas, which are becoming expensive annually.
Additionally, during the day, traditional electricity prices are high. Using solar during these peak times can power your needs, and any excess electricity generated is fed into the grid. In fact, to encourage widespread solar energy adoption, the federal and state governments have tax rebates and incentives for homeowners who install solar.
3. PV Modules Can Damage Your Roof
Another misconception surrounding solar panels can damage your roof. Not when properly installed. In fact, installing solar panels on the roof is beneficial as they protect the roofing material that they cover.
Using professional solar panel installers ensures they are properly installed, avoiding damage. Besides, if there is some damage to the roof due to wear and tear, the installers can remove the solar panels to allow for repair. They can later reinstall the solar panels. Professional installers also check your roof for damage signs before mounting the solar panels.
4. It’s More Difficult to Resell a Home with Solar
This statement cannot be further from the truth. In fact, solar homeowners that install solar enjoy an increase in the property value as it is seen as an upgrade. Additionally, the home becomes more attractive to buyers making it easy to resell the home when it is listed.
5. Solar Panels Do Not Work in Certain Climates and Weather
Often, people think solar energy only works when it is hot. Solar panels only need sunshine to generate electricity. For this reason, solar panels can work during winter and cloudy days.
6. Solar Panels are Toxic
The thin-film or amorphous solar panels brought about the claim of solar panels toxicity. These older solar panels contain small amounts of cadmium, often considered toxic. However, the only way they would cause harm was if they could be broken up into very small fragments.
Currently, due to the advancement in silicon crystalline technology, solar cells are more efficient and safer. Manufacturers use silicon crystalline PV cells. The material is in use in about 96% of all solar panels globally. These cells are encased to enhance protection.
Most solar energy myths people hold are now obsolete. Solar has never been cheaper, safe, and efficient than it is today. There is an increase in solar panel professionals, including installers who can properly size your system to guarantee more output. Finally, solar panels have increased efficiency to generate more electricity in cold weather and climates as well as cloudy days.
