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Solar energy is one of the most efficient and renewable energy sources available. It can also save home and business owners a significant amount on their energy bills.
However, there are still many misconceptions about solar energy. In this blog post, we’ll debunk the top 8 solar myths.
Solar Myth #1: Solar panels are too expensive.
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The initial cost of solar panels is really high, but many people should realize that solar panels save money in the long run. Over time, the money you save on your electric bill will more than make up for the initial cost of installing solar panels.
Not to mention, there are many government incentives available to help offset the costs of going solar. So, although the initial cost is high, solar panels are actually a wise investment.
Solar Myth #2: Solar panels are not reliable.
Solar panels are made of materials that are built to withstand severe weather conditions such as high winds, hail and even wildfires. In addition, most solar panel manufacturers offer a warranty of 25 years or more. So you can rest easy knowing that your investment is well protected.
Solar Myth #3: Solar panels require a lot of maintenance.
Solar panels are designed to be virtually maintenance-free. They have no moving parts and require no special cleaning or maintenance. Sometimes all you have to do is wipe the panels clean of dirt and dust.
Solar Myth #4: Solar doesn’t work in cold climates.
Cold weather can really affect the ability of solar panels to produce electricity. However, this myth is perpetuated by people living in colder climates like Alaska or Siberia.
In most cases, a little snow and ice won’t stop your solar panels from working. In fact, even in countries like Germany with colder climates than most of the world, solar energy still accounts for more than 7% of the country’s total electricity production.
Solar Myth #5: Solar panels take up a lot of space.
Solar panels take up space on your roof or in your yard, but they take up less space than most people think. A typical 5 kW system takes up about 400 square feet.
That may sound like a lot, but considering the average home in America is around 2,600 square feet, it’s not that bad.
Plus, there are many creative ways to install solar panels that take up less space. For example, you can install them on top of your garage or shed rather than on the roof of your house.
There are more creative ways to incorporate solar panels into your home or business without compromising on aesthetics and functionality. For example, solar panels can be used instead of traditional roof coverings, and solar parking shades can provide both shade and power for electric vehicles.
Solar Myth #6: Solar energy is unreliable because it depends on the weather.
While it is true that sunlight is necessary for solar panels to function properly, this does not mean that solar energy is unreliable. Solar panels can still produce electricity on cloudy days, and you can use battery storage systems to store excess electricity for use on days when the sun isn’t there at all.
Plus, many businesses and homes have backup generators for use during power outages – so why not turn that backup generator into a solar-powered generator?
Solar Myth #7: Going solar will increase my energy costs.
This myth likely stems from confusion about how net metering works. Net metering is a policy in which utilities credit home and business owners for excess electricity generated by solar panel arrays.
This credit offsets the amount they have to pay for grid-supplied electricity – which is why net metering is sometimes called ‘solar grid metering’. In other words, net metering ensures that your energy bills don’t go up just because you’re installing solar panels—in fact, they might even go down!
Solar Myth #8: Solar energy is not safe
Solar energy is one of the safest forms of energy available because it does not emit any pollutants. Solar installations are also designed to be safe for humans and animals. So, if you have a solar installation on your property, you don’t have to worry about deadly electrocution or toxic fumes.
With all these myths and misconceptions about solar energy, many people are hesitant to switch to renewable energy, but they don’t have to! Solar energy is a clean, efficient, and cost-effective way to generate electricity, and it’s only getting more cost-effective over time.
So if you’re thinking about making the switch to renewable energy, don’t let these myths hold you back!