7 Common Misconceptions about Solar
Solar technology has been around for decades. It wasn’t until in institution of the 30% Federal Tax Credit in 2006 when Solar became affordable to most homeowners. The initial wave started in Southern California due to the omnipresent abundance of sunlight. However, at that time it was like the wild west - leaving homeowners, solar providers, local municipalities, and utility companies to figure out best practices while rolling out the infrastructure for solar.
The result, lots of confusion which has crystalized into misconceptions.
Below are common misconceptions we have run into over the years around solar, accompanied with insight on how it really works.
Solar panels can only produce power on sunny days: This is a common misconception. While it's true that solar panels perform best in direct sunlight, they can still generate electricity even on cloudy days or in indirect sunlight.
Solar power is only for off-grid use: Many people believe that solar power is only suitable for off-grid applications. However, in the majority of systems are integrated into the grid, which is known as grid-tied solar power. This allows excess energy to be sold back to the grid, making it a viable option for homeowners and businesses alike.
Solar panels are too expensive: There are associated costs to installing a solar panel system, but the long-term benefits of solar power can outweigh those cost. Solar panels have a long lifespan and can provide significant savings on energy bills over time. Many utility companies and municipalities participate in programs where your solar production off-sets your dependence on the utility grid. Essentially, using what you used to be paying via an electric bill to pay for your panels through a special fixed rate energy loan.
Solar panels require a lot of maintenance: Solar panels are designed to be low-maintenance, and they require little upkeep over their lifespan. They do not have moving parts, which means they are not as subject to regular wear and tear. Additionally, they can be cleaned easily with a garden hose or pressure washer.
Solar panels are not reliable: Some people believe that solar power is not a reliable source of energy. However, advancements in technology have made solar panels more efficient and reliable than ever before. Solar panels are also designed to last for decades, making them a reliable investment for the future.
Solar power is only for warm, sunny climates: While solar panels perform best in sunny climates, they can still generate power in colder, cloudier regions. In fact, some of the world's leading solar power producers, such as Germany and China, have relatively cool and cloudy climates.
Solar panels are not aesthetically pleasing: Some people may be put off by the appearance of solar panels on their roof. However, modern solar panels are designed to be sleek and unobtrusive, and there are even options for solar shingles and tiles that can blend in with traditional roofing materials (example: GAF Energy Solar Shingles by Clean Initaitive)
