When it comes to solar there are a lot of misconceptions out there that should be addressed to prevent misinformation. This can cause homeowners and potential customers to be hesitant to purchase solar due to what they’ve read or heard through others or the Internet. We live in a technology age, where unless we check our sources, this can prohibit us from living good lives.
Today I will share five solar myths that I felt were necessary to debunk because they are frequently inquired about. So let’s begin, shall we?
Myth 1: Solar only works when the sun is shining
In reality, solar technology can be used in any condition, including bad weather days like snow and rain, this is because some form of sunlight is still reaching the earth. Solar panels happen to work best in cold and sunny conditions because the heat interferes with the sunlight conversion into electricity. Alongside that, battery storage can be connected to solar panels.
Myth 2: Solar is too expensive and is not economically viable
Solar has changed from 10 to 15 years ago and the cost of installing solar panels has fallen increasingly in the last couple of years, making it affordable to many compared to before. Although it does vary based on location, most residential systems have a payback of 5-10 years from electricity bill savings. Where the design life of a solar system is about 30 years, which means that solar system owners essentially own many years of “free” electricity.
Myth 3: Solar requires a lot of maintenance and is difficult to install
This is mostly untrue and varies by the solar equipment. Most parts of the solar setup (panels, systems and inverters) are durable. But those without lead acid batteries and moving parts are the ones that require very little maintenance from homeowners. The key takeaway here is that lead-acid batteries require ongoing maintenance versus lithium ion batteries that have a much longer lifespan and don’t require huge maintenance. Although, to note, they do cost more, so that should be considered here.
Myth 4: Reselling your home will be harder with solar panels installed.
In fact, solar panels actually increase the property value of your home. There was a 2019 study conducted by Zillow where solar homes sold for an average of 4.1% more than their non-solar counterparts.
Another study from 2015 by the US Dept. of Energy shows that solar systems increased home sale prices by an average of $15,000 for a 3.6kW system.
This data can help prospective buyers see that solar panels can be more convenient and profitable in the long run.
Myth 5: Solar will cause roof damage
Actually, in most cases solar panels will really protect the roof as they guard the shingles against hail and UV damage from the sun. Knowing this, it is vital to pick a qualified solar installation company to ensure that installation runs accurately and smoothly. When possible, solar shoppers should use a contractor that has Board Certified certified installers and licensed electricians. It is best to choose a solar company with a solid reputation for customer service and expertise.
Now you know some more about solar, you can make informed decisions about the products and services you are interested in.
Thank you for reading!