10 Most Common Myths and Facts about Solar Systems and Panels

Myth 1: Solar energy is too expensive 

One of the biggest common fallacies about solar systems is the cost. But when we pay close attention to the prices in the past decade, the trend shows it’s been decreasing. One of the primary reasons for this trend is that there has been a lot of investment in the renewable energy sector, where solar energy is critical. 

In addition, there has been an influx of different models and companies creating competition within the market. The rise of investment with the market competition made solar products more affordable. Statistics showed that the prices have fallen by about 30% in the last decade. 

Meanwhile, when comparing solar power with coal, generating electricity from the former is cheaper than the latter. At the same time, investing in solar is also more economical in the long run than other forms of electricity. Hydroelectricity is costly to generate and distribute, while generators require consistent fueling and servicing. 

Running on solar is still far cheaper when considering the other sources’ costs. Meanwhile, flexible payment offers come with buying solar products, such as the buy-now-pay-later and PayGo plans. You can check some of these packages here. 

Myth 2: Solar installation is too complicated

This belief is also untrue. As the knowledge of solar installation became more available, the package became less complicated. Unlike older systems that require a pro-solar installer, the modern solar systems have elementary components to put together and start using. The DIY approach to solar home systems makes it easy to use while aided by an easy-to-read manual. 

Myth 3: Solar panels do not work in a cloudy weather

Even though this myth seems believable to the layman, it is not entirely true. Here is what happens: solar panels do not work at their optimum when there is a cloud, depending on the thickness. However, you can still get between a 10 and 25% efficiency. We have created an article on how solar panels function in cloudy weather. So, to put the records straight, solar panels work on cloudy days, only that they have a lower output. 

Myth 4: Solar energy can only power your home when the sun is shining

Despite the name ‘solar,’ the fundamental principle of solar panels is to convert the energy from the sun to electricity. As much as this is true, modern home systems can do more. The new solar home systems contain inverters that can both be charged with solar panels and an external AC/DC input. 

Therefore, you can still power your inverters and charge your batteries even when the sun is no longer up. On the other hand, the new solar home systems include inverters that can store energy for use when the sun is out until the next sunrise. When the sun rises again, the inverter starts charging again. Moreover, remember that what the solar panel also requires to charge is daylight and not necessarily direct sunlight. 

Myth 5: Solar Panel requires high maintenance 

When using modern solar home systems, you don’t have to worry about the maintenance of the components. They require nearly zero maintenance while in use. The only effort the solar panel may require is cleaning the surface once in a while, say 2 to 3 months. 

Meanwhile, it may only require this cleaning during the dry season when there is no rain. Otherwise, rainfall can help wash off any dirt or debris on the surface that may prevent optimum performance. In addition, interconnectivity to a utility grid further makes the system easier to maintain. 

Moreover, installing solar panels allows them to withstand harsh weather conditions, including snow, hail, and sleet. Bear in mind that the systems containing batteries require more cleaning than systems without batteries. 

Myth 6: Solar panels damage your roof 

Contrary to the belief that installing solar panels on your roof can cause damage, it can prolong the life of your roofing sheets. Installing solar panels on the roof often requires a stand that prevents the entire weight of the panels on the roof. Moreover, the panels can shield the roof and prevent extreme atmospheric conditions from taking their toll on the roof. 

Also, note that it is easy to remove these panels if need be since they are not directly attached to the roof, only mounted on top of it. While installing the panels, if you notice any gaps or holes between the components, use a sealant to close them up. Moreover, you can protect the mounts with metal coverings to create an extra layer of protection. 

Myth 7: Solar system prices are based on the size of your home

Another misconception about solar systems is that the cost depends on your home’s size. That is not exactly true. Partly so if we assume that a big house will have many compartments and appliances such as deep freezers, ACs, laptops, TV sets, and others. 

But the primary determinant of the solar system’s price is your home’s power requirements. Before you install solar, you first need to understand what you want to power with the solar system. How many bulbs will you need? How many laptops, TVs, ACs, freezers, and other appliances do you need to charge?

Myth 8: Solar Panels are bad for the environment after their lifespan is reached

The components of the solar panels are deliberately made to be recyclable when it has outlived their use. Typically, a solar panel can last for less than 25 years under average conditions. Afterward, these components can be recycled, providing a provision to recycle the parts. Moreover, some manufacturers may also help to recycle these products free of charge when you do not need them anymore. 

Myth 9: Relocating is difficult after you install Solar Panels

In some climes, some people think installing solar panels makes it difficult to relocate from home. But that is not precisely true because solar panels are easy to remove as much as they are easy to install. 

Moreover, the modern solar systems also come portable with different carriable sizes. In the case of reselling the home, having alternative energy in the form of solar systems can further enhance the value of the house in the market. It could even be a unique selling point to would-be buyers. 

Myth 10:  Installing solar panels on land makes it unusable for other purposes

The positioning of solar panels is an essential part of their use and effectiveness. However, in some industrial applications, solar panels may be installed on the land. And there is often an associated misconception that such as land cannot be helpful for any other thing anymore. That is so untrue. After removing the solar panels from the ground, depending on the arrangement, pollinator fields and other crops can be used to reclaim the land for other uses. On the other hand, farmers can use the growing of pasture or reserve a grazing portion for sheep to redevelop the green land.

Finally, we have considered the ten most common myths about solar systems and debunked them with facts. However, other myths are less popular but equally untrue. For instance, it is wrong to believe that powering home appliances with solar can reduce their lifecycle. Also, that solar panels use more energy than they produce in their life is so untrue. If you need to learn much about solar systems and the renewable energy space, check out the Green energy site, powered by Infibranches.