With climate change frequently making the evening news, many people are considering alternatives to fossil fuels to power their homes. Solar power is a renewable energy source that can help homeowners saving money on their utility bills while helping the environment. However, persistent myths about solar energy leave some homeowners confused.
1. Solar Panels Are Expensive
Many people think switching to solar is impractical because of the upfront costs of purchasing the equipment. However, the price of solar panels has been steadily decreasing while the efficiency of the panels has been on the rise. Additionally, having solar installers Cary NC install solar panels in your home can save you money on your electricity bills by reducing the amount of power you need to purchase from the electric company.
2. Manufacturing Solar Panels Damages the Environment
One of the arguments proponents of fossil fuels often make against green energy is that manufacturing the equipment needed to produce it damages the environment. Studies by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory demonstrate that it takes less than four years for solar panels to produce enough energy to cover the production cost of manufacturing the units. Additionally, they found that over the lifespan of their solar panels, the average American household could reduce carbon dioxide emissions produced by power plants by 100 tons by switching to solar power.
3. Solar Panels Require a Lot of Maintenance
Many people think that solar panels require constant maintenance, but they are actually very durable and require less maintenance than many other types of power systems. The panels should be inspected once per year, but most manufacturers offer lengthy guarantees on their equipment.
4. Solar Panels Only Work in Warm, Sunny Weather
Solar panels work best on cold, sunny days. Therefore, there is no issue with the panels not working during the wintertime. The power production of solar panels is indeed less on cloudy days, but the panels do still produce power. Additionally, households can get the most out of their solar panels by adding a solar battery to store extra power on sunny days for use when the sun isn’t shining.
5. Solar Energy Can Not Be Produced on a Mass Scale
The sun produces enough energy in one hour to meet the entire world’s energy needs. It is harnessing that power that is the challenge. Fortunately, solar panel technology has been steadily improving. It now has the potential to meet widespread power needs.
6. You Should Wait for Prices To Go Down To Install Solar
While it may be true that solar technology will continue to get less expensive, the amount of money you can instantly start saving by installing solar panels outweighs the potential future cost savings. This is particularly true with utility prices continuing to rise as demand for fossil fuels increases and supply decreases. Additionally, with the climate crisis worsening, taking steps to reduce your environmental impact now is vitally important. You may also be able to take advantage of incentives offered by state and local governments before they expire.
7. Higher Efficiency Panels Are Always Better
The main advantage of high-efficiency panels is space-saving. If space is extremely limited, consider this factor. For most people warranty terms, reliability, safety and performance in low light or high heat conditions are more important to consider than efficiency.
8. Solar Panels Will Damage Your Roof
Professionally installed solar panels should not cause any damage to a roof that is in good condition. However, it is a good idea to fix any existing problems with your roof before installation.
Renewable energy sources are an invaluable tool in the fight against climate change. When deciding whether solar power is right for you, it is important to separate myth from reality and make an informed decision.
Author: Finnegan Pierson
