With so much misinformation around solar energy, it’s important to set the record straight. Today we are going to address and debunk some common misconceptions about solar panels and their use.
#1: Solar panels are only for the wealthy
This is a popular myth that is quite apparent in regular society. This might have been true once, but the cost of installing solar panels has been going down every year for over a decade, making it more accessible and cost-effective for your average residential home than ever before. If needed, there are also plenty of funding options to choose from, with most states offering rebates or tax incentives to make up for the initial costs of installing solar panels.
#2: Using solar energy isn’t cost-effective
In fact, making the switch to solar can save you money, especially if you are already keeping an eye on your energy usage. Making sure that you have the right amount of solar panels for the size of your home, and ensuring that your solar panels are positioned for optimal sunlight exposure all contribute to reducing your energy bill. The average payback period for solar panels is around 7 to 8 years, even faster if you are extra conscious of how you use your electricity. Taking into consideration that solar panels usually last around 25 years, at the end of their lives, they will have paid for themselves at least three times over.
#3: Solar panels don’t work on cloudy days
Solar panels do generate less power on gloomy days due to there being less direct sunlight, but they don’t cease to produce electricity completely. Even indirect sunlight contributes to the electricity produced during cloudy weather, and it is enough to keep your lights on and more. In fact, Germany, a notoriously cloudy country, is a notable forerunner in the solar industry.
#4: Solar panels can damage your roof
On the contrary, solar panels can protect your roof, rather than damage it. As solar panels are affixed on top of the roof, they can actually defend your roof against the elements, and they can also prevent leakage. Roof damage is quite uncommon as reputable installers are well-trained to ensure that damage is avoided during the installation process and beyond. Your roof will be inspected for suitability and any required repairs should be done before installing new solar panels.
#5: You won’t have power at night
No sun, no power. Seems like common sense, right? Well, yes, and no. Solar panels cannot produce electricity at night when there’s no solar energy for them to absorb, but most systems generate more than enough during the day, which creates a surplus, which is then returned to the grid to be used as credit when required, so your lights stay on even when the Sun isn’t out.
#6: Solar panels can’t be recycled
Modern solar panels are mostly made up of glass, aluminum, silicon, and plastic. The glass, metal, and silicon can be broken down and re-made into new solar panels, while the plastic is melted down and used as a heat source for the recycling processes themselves. In the United States, there are companies that specialize in solar panel recycling, such as Recycle PV Solar, and some manufacturers have their own recycling programs as well.
In conclusion, as solar energy becomes increasingly mainstream, seek information from a trusted source like your local solar panel manufacturer or installer, or even look up information online for yourself and see if popular claims hold water. Outside of solar energy, it is still crucial to stay informed as the world looks toward new forms of renewable energy sources that will pave the way in the years to come.
