Merits of using renewable sources for energy have received global acceptance. The number of new solar photovoltaic (PV) installations continues to grow as organizations as well as individuals realize the many benefits of turning sunshine into energy savings. However, many myths surrounding the concept are massive hurdles contributing to the slow growth of solar.
Let us introduce some of these rumors and extract the truth.
Myth #1: Solar Energy is too expensive, and payback is far too long.
Fact: Going solar is one of the best investments any homeowner/business can ever make. A properly designed and installed solar electric system is equivalent to an investment with a guaranteed rate of return of 10 to 20% per year.
Solar installation does not require huge capital investments. With the prices of components continue to decline, going solar is now cheaper than ever.
In addition, businesses do not need large amounts of capital handy to go solar. A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a low-maintenance option for going solar and requires no capital outlay.
Myth #2: Solar PV systems do not perform when it is cloudy.
Yes, they do. When it comes to solar energy, direct sunlight is best (obviously), but even on the cloudiest days, solar panels will continue generating clean, efficient electricity.
If you are considering the cloudiest days, where the Sun is barely visible under a thick layer of clouds, you will still get 10 to 25 percent of the regular energy generation of your panels.
Myth #3: Rooftop solar installation can harm your roof.
Not when installed correctly. In fact, in many instances, solar panels can actually extend the life of a roof. Professional installers are trained to address almost any roof type with well-tested techniques, special materials, and tools designed to maintain roof integrity and prevent leaks. Choose Staten Solar as your solar installer and we make sure that your solar panels will not harm your roof.
Myth #4: Solar PV Systems are difficult to maintain.
Some people believe that for your solar panels to produce electricity, they need to be cleaned constantly, which can, in turn, be annoying and some people may say costly.
However, the solar energy fact is that solar panels require little maintenance over the year. These days, solar systems come with monitoring software that allows you to spot any drops in power generation right away. Therefore, it is not true that it is difficult to maintain solar PV systems.
Myth #5: After a power cut, your home is still powered by solar.
Fact: When the power goes out, grid-tied systems go out too. However, it is true for off-grid and hybrid solar PV systems as they are powered or backed with battery backups. An energy storage system allows you to store and manage your energy to power your home during blackouts or a power cut.
Myth #6: It is better to wait because technology is constantly evolving.
This is true for any technology, not just solar. You may be aware of the cost of solar installation is decreasing year by year. But please do not wait! Playing the waiting game might be more expensive in the long run, than the current prices of installing now.
Solar technology is built to last for decades – so the system you install today will still be performing years from now. Choosing solar for your home or business sooner rather than later is in your best interest. The best time to go solar is now.
Myth #7: Solar PV Installation will raise property taxes.
Fact: It is correct that after installing a solar PV system, the value of your property increases but there is legislation that prevents your property taxes from increasing. States and municipalities have redefined the solar energy systems and are no longer considered “newly constructed” for the purposes of property taxes. As a result, your property taxes will not go up!
Myth #8: Switching to Solar Energy is a tedious task.
A common misconception is that by switching to solar power it will be hard and problematic. One of the easiest of all the myths to dispel. Staten’s experienced team offers a customized service that delivers the very best in everything i.e. from designing to choosing the correct equipment, to maintaining and monitoring your system after it has been turned on.
Myth #9: Solar energy only powers your premises during the day and does not work at night.
Solar panels harness energy from the sun’s rays. So, technically, they do not work at night. However, that does not mean that you cannot use solar energy at night. The advancement in energy storage technology has empowered the consumers that they can generate and save solar energy during the day and use it during the night.
Myth #10: Solar Energy is Inefficient.
Solar energy can make huge cuts in your monthly electricity bills and is an investment that starts paying off the moment it is activated.
Myth #11: Solar Panels require tracker to work right.
Not necessarily. If solar panels are installed with an optimum angle/tilt, they can easily generate large amounts of energy without needing to change position. Opting for trackers will surely increase your energy yield; however, using them is not mandatory to get benefits from solar panels. With a tracker, 10 – 20% more energy can be harnessed based on geographic location.
Myth #12: Solar PV manufacturing causes more pollution than it is saved by its usage.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the United States Department of Energy conclusively demonstrates through research at the National Centre for Photovoltaics that Photovoltaic (PV) systems avoid far more carbon dioxide and other pollution through their clean energy production than are introduced by the manufacturing of PV systems.
Myth #13: Solar would not work because my property does not get enough sunshine.
Many businesses wrongly believe their properties do not receive enough sunshine or at least enough to make solar a worthwhile investment. Rest assured that Staten’s expert team maximizes available space for solar and custom-designed a system specific to your needs.
Myth #14: Solar PV systems are always better on the roof.
Rooftop installations, in fact, have some great advantages such as its location on a low access area, almost no shading (unless there is a chimney or tree), protect your roof from snow, hail, and other objects.
On the contrary ground mounting options are very nice choice for solar panel installation. They offer extra flexibility in the solar array design including size, tilt, and azimuth angles. Maintenance is also easy and solar panel cooling is much better in the ground mounting option. Always consider both options with your solar installer to make the best possible choice for your case.