10 Solar Energy Myths [FACT CHECK]
The solar industry is rapidly growing and there are many myths regarding solar power. A lot of the arguments against going solar are based on outdated or incorrect information. We are here to set the record straight on a few of the most common solar energy myths:
Myth # 1: Solar panels do not work in cold, snowy weather or when it is cloudy.
Fact: Solar panels work in sunny, cold, and cloudy environments. The technologies of solar panels allow them to work effectively and efficiently and can be even more effective in cooler temperatures than warmer ones. In addition, cloudy weather does not constrain the efficiency of solar panels; they can be a viable source of electricity and they can still produce enough power. Even cold, sunny winter days can generate a comparable level of electricity to what homeowners would get from hot summer days.
Myth # 2: Solar Energy can still power my home when the power goes out.
Fact: When the power goes out, grid-tied systems will go out as well. The reason being is that it is dangerous to run electricity to wires that electricity workers are trying to fix. As a result, your inverter knows that the grid has been shut off and shuts off the electricity generation that is driven from solar panels. TriSMART Solar does offer back-up batteries and generators which will allow you to store and/or manage your energy to power your home during blackouts.
Myth # 3: Solar Energy is too costly and is not economically viable.
Fact: Going solar is one of the best investments a homeowner can ever make. A properly designed and installed solar system is equivalent to an investment with a guaranteed ROI of 12-15% per year. This investment value will continue to increase as the utility rate continues to rise.
Myth # 4: Excess energy can be stored in battery systems.
Fact: Most modern solar panel systems are grid tied meaning they are connected to the electricity grid. Your system generates power during the day and excess energy is fed back into the grid through a system called net metering. When this happens, your meter spins backwards and your utility company credits you for that power. At night or on overcast days, you will use grid power. However, you don’t generally get charged for it because of the credits you’ve generated. This grid tied method tends to be the most convenient for homeowners. You can then add battery energy storage systems to your home to store and manage your excess electricity and power your home during black outs.
Myth # 5: Reselling your home will be harder with solar panels.
Fact: Solar panels would actually enhance the property value of your home. Many studies have found that homes with solar panels actually sell faster than homes without solar panels. Although the cost of solar panels depends on the amount of energy you consume, you actually end up saving on a long term basis as they enhance your property value.
Myth # 6: Solar panel prices are based on the size of your home.
Fact: Solar panels are designed to fit the specific needs of each homeowner. When determining the cost of installing a solar system, special attention is paid to the orientation and slope of your home’s roof. In addition, the surrounding area of the roof is considered when building to make sure it is positioned in an area that has easy access to sunlight and is not obstructed by surrounding trees or buildings. There are also a few additional factors such as how much energy you consume and what city, state your property is located.
Myth # 7: The payback period is far too long.
Fact: The Return on Investment is guaranteed at 5%-15% and your free energy collection will continue far into the next generation. Solar energy IS practical AND economical and is an investment that will put money in your pocket for many years to come.
Myth # 8: A solar energy system will raise my property taxes.
Fact: Despite the fact that your property value will increase, there is legislation that prevents your property taxes from increasing from installing solar components. In November of 1980, the people passed Proposition 7 which redefined solar energy systems. No longer were they considered “newly constructed” for the purposes of property taxes.
Myth # 9: The Government will give you “Free” solar panels.
Fact: You may come across solar advertisements about “free solar panels from the government.” This isn’t true; you can go solar for $0 down with a solar loan or lease, but federal and state governments do not provide free solar panel installations. While the government won’t cover the cost of a solar panel installation, they do subsidize the upfront cost of purchasing a solar panel system through various solar incentives. The federal investment tax credit (ITC) allows you to claim 26 percent of the cost of your solar installation as a credit towards what you owe in federal taxes. Depending on where you live, your state or local government may also provide additional solar incentives such as tax credits, rebates, or performance-based incentives (PBIs).
Myth # 10: Solar is only for rich people.
Fact: Many people are under the assumption that solar panels are a luxury purchase, and strictly an option for rich people. This isn’t true – thanks to the decreasing costs of solar and the accessibility of financing options, solar is a feasible option for many property owners. As far as financing options, there are solar loans and leases available for no money down. If your solar installation covers 100 percent of your electricity needs and your monthly solar finance payment is lower than your typical electricity bill, you’ll see savings almost immediately.
Don’t wait to make the change!
In conclusion, many myths will continue to arise as the solar industry continues to expand. We are happy to assist with any further questions homeowners may have, don’t wait any longer to make the change! Click Here to view your Solar Savings and set up a consultation with TriSMART today and get connected with one of our solar experts.
For more information please head over to https://www.trismartsolar.com/