There is a lot of information about solar energy floating out there. While opinions vary from person to person, the fact is that solar is a green energy solution that every homeowner should look to invest in. It’s good for the finances and the environment. Since it is not as widely used as a conventional source of energy, here are 6 solar energy myths debunked, to help you feel more confident about your decision to transition to solar power.
Myth: Solar Energy is Expensive
The cost of solar energy has decreased by over 20% in the last 5 years, making solar energy more economical than it has ever been. In the U.S., the average cost of solar panels is around $20,000 after tax credits, which equates to around $2.81/Watt for a 10KW capacity. Having a solar power system can help users protect themselves from power interruptions. Once your solar power system pays itself off, all the energy harnessed from then on can be regarded as free. In fact, the average break-even point for homeowners in the U.S. is as short as 8 years.
Myth: Solar Power is Inefficient
Over the last decade, the efficiency of solar power and more specifically, of solar photovoltaics, has improved greatly. The efficiency of a solar panel is essentially measured by how much sunlight the panel converts into energy. While solar panels had an average efficiency of only 15% in the past, this number has since grown to over 20% in 2021. This means that you can recover any investment made in solar energy quicker than ever before. On top of that, having more efficient solar panels would reduce the number of solar panels needed to cater to your energy needs.
Myth: Solar Panels Do Not Work in Colder Climates
Although the relation of sunlight and heat and the amount of solar power generated is understandable, the amount of power generated is actually dependent on the efficiency of the solar panels used, which is independent of heat. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, solar panels work more efficiently in low temperatures, because high temperatures can cause a decrease in the voltage produced.
Myth: Solar Panels are Difficult to Maintain
The average lifetime of solar panels is well over 30 years, and they are fairly low-maintenance. A majority of homeowners’ insurance policies in the U.S. cover solar panels since they are installed directly on the roof of the house, making them a part of the house. Another reason why insurance providers generally cover solar panels is that they are stable and safe. If you reside in an area where natural disasters are prevalent, you may need to contact their insurance provider to include the solar energy add-ons in their policy, but providers generally tend to offer steep discounts because of how eco-friendly the panels are.
Myth: Solar Panels will Damage the Roof
Solar panels, if installed by a qualified professional, will not damage your roof. On the contrary, having solar panels on your roof can actually protect it from long-term weathering by acting as a buffer between the roof and the external environment during extreme weather conditions. Modern solar panels are installed using a clamp system without drilling holes into the roof. A study done by UC San Diego suggests that having solar panels installed on the roof can reduce the internal temperature of buildings.
Myth: Solar Powered Houses are Harder to Sell
On the contrary, people are paying more for solar-powered houses because they provide a sustainable, energy-efficient, and long-term solution for their power needs while saving money on electricity bills. According to Zillow, solar-powered homes typically sell for 4.1% more than houses with conventional power sources.
Solar energy is, therefore, an incredibly cost-efficient and reliable source of power for home businesses. As a property owner, you should feel confident about the potential impact of solar on your house.
