Solar power is everywhere these days. From the large solar array on your neighbor's home to the tiny solar panel powering the Stop light by your child’s elementary school. With the amount of growth in this industry there is bound to be a wide array of myths. Today we would like to debunk some of these myths and discuss their origins. We hope you enjoy!
Why buy solar panels now, when I can wait and purchase them when they are more efficient?
False! This is a common myth that we hear quite often. However, the truth is that the technology found in Solar panels today has not changed much since the 1960’s. The amount of money saved on energy bills by implementing solar now; will end up saving you more dollars overall rather than waiting for a new breakthrough in technology. Not to mention the peace of mind in having power during an off grid or grid failure scenario.
Solar Panels need a warm/hot climate to operate properly.
False! Ambient temperature doesn't affect the amount of solar energy a panel receives; however, it does affect how much power you can produce from said energy. As the solar panels get hotter (past a certain point), they will produce less power from the same amount of sunlight. Typically, electrons at rest are excited by the sun and the difference between their excited and rest energies is the potential difference or voltage that you could ideally get from your solar panel.
Solar panels require persistent maintenance
False! Solar panels are designed to require minimal maintenance and are quite durable. Due to the recommended angle of install, many times snow and debris buildup will simply slide off on its own. Once in a while they may require a gentle cleaning with a micro fiber cloth which is very easy even in comparison to annual gutter cleaning. Not to mention if you lease your solar panels, maintenance is often included in the package and will be performed by the manufacturer.
Solar Panels will cause Damage to your Roof
False! Solar panels actually help the portion of the covered roof by protecting the underside. Provided the panels are installed properly, they can easily be removed since they aren’t directly attached to the roof; they are just mounted on top of it. Any and all gaps between the rooftop and the panels caused by install are properly sealed to prevent any leaking or degradation. In addition, the mounts are protected using a metal “flashing” or coverings for an extra barrier of protection.
Reselling a home will be more difficult with installed Solar Panels
False! Actually, solar panels enhance property value! Studies have found that homes with solar panels sell faster than the alternative. Solar panels allow for increased savings down the road from tax incentives allowing the new home owner to take advantage of the reductions as well.
Solar panel sizes, costs and requirements are based on the size or square footage of the home.
False! The size of the solar array and battery bank (in off grid configurations) are based on the home’s exposure to southern sunlight and most importantly; daily watt requirements. A home with electric based heat for example, will draw 3 times the amount of power in relation to a home powered by natural gas heat. When determining the size of the required system, special attention is paid to the orientation of your home’s roof as well. The surrounding area is very important due to possible obstructions by surrounding trees or buildings.
We hope we were able to clear up some misconceptions in the solar community today. As always, we are just a phone call away (877-548-3387) and are happy to offer our expertise on all of your solar needs!Leave a Comment