In a decade, solar power solutions have changed the game of renewable energy all around the globe. The vocal nature conservationists and environmentalists are also leaning more towards promoting and awareness of this great power source to bring about positive changes in your energy consumption habits. Despite the revolutionary changes brought by this alternative energy source, regular people still need to be convinced about installing and yielding the power of solar energy to its full potential.
Most myths about solar panels result from misinformation, lack of proper knowledge, and biases toward other available sources. There may be disagreements among industry experts about the effectiveness or feasibility of solar panels, which can lead to confusion for the general public.
Here are a few common misconceptions busted for your clear understanding so you can make an informed choice towards a more sustainable living:
While it’s true that solar panels are less efficient in cloudy conditions or cold weather, they do still produce some electricity regardless of how exposed the sun is on a given day.
Modern solar panels are designed to work in a wide range of weather conditions to harvest the maximum benefits of the panels once installed.
Even though the upfront cost of solar panels can be high, the long-term savings on electricity costs can be significant. In most cases, the cost of solar panels is offset by the money saved on monthly energy bills.
Additionally, there are often financial incentives, such as tax credits or rebates, available to help offset the cost of solar panels for the users.
Solar panels are durable and designed to last for many years once installed in your household. Most solar panel manufacturers offer 20 years or more warranties, and many solar panels are expected to last even longer.
They only require some maintenance to ensure the panels are in optimum condition.
Solar panel efficiency has improved significantly in recent years, and modern panels can convert a high percentage of the sun’s energy into electricity.
The sun can give your home enough electricity to run your household needs and help protect you against the unpredictability of the utility price increase.
You can also invest in solar battery storage systems to help store extra solar energy for later use. These solar batteries can provide your home with enough power, especially during nighttime and rainy days.
Solar panels are a clean and renewable energy source, and they do not produce any greenhouse gases or other pollutants and can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
Using solar energy can help eliminate air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels, avoid the sound pollution created by air turbines, and minimize carbon emissions nearby.
Solar panels can be integrated into the design of a home in a way that is aesthetically pleasing. Manufacturers are now making different kinds of panels for your residence suitable to the design, materials, and usage.
Options are available for solar panels that are less visible, such as those that can be installed on the roof under shingles, besides the pool. They are mounted on rooftops, ground, and over parking lots or exterior corridors.
Once installed, solar panels require very little maintenance. They do not have any moving parts, so there is no need for regular maintenance or repairs.
The only maintenance required is to keep the panels clean, which can be done with a simple hose and a soft cloth.
You also avail readily available maintenance services to take care of the panels for a minimum charge.
As installing solar panels increases the value of your home, they can also increase your property taxes; however, many states offer tax exemptions for solar panel-installed residents.
Check your county clerk’s website for the most accurate, up-to-date information on property taxes.
Moreover, the federal solar investment tax credit, enacted in 2006, provides a 26% tax credit for solar panels installed on residential and commercial properties to encourage people to invest in long-term environment-friendly energy solutions.
Community solar programs are available for your convenience if you rent your house or live in an apartment building. Community solar programs allow multiple people to benefit from a shared solar panel array. These arrays can be installed on your building or off-site.
Purchasing costs and installing the solar energy system is then divided among all the participants or residents of the living arrangements.
The provision enables the tenants to install a system at a shared cost that would fit their budget.
While some believe that the panels could ruin their rooftop or shingles, solar panels benefit the portion of the roof by protecting and preserving it.
In the unlikely event that the panels are positioned on the part of the roof where it is damaged and needs to be repaired, the panel can be easily removed as they aren’t directly attached to the roof; they are just mounted on top of it.
If there are any gaps between the rooftop and the panels, a sealant is usually used to fill in the gaps. In addition, the mounts are protected using a metal “flashing” or coverings for an extra barrier for protection.
Solar technology can be leveraged in virtually any condition, including rainy and snowy days because some sunlight still reaches the earth. However, it can be worrying about making tough decisions about going solar with conflicting information. Do your reading and research to know how solar energy can benefit your living conditions and harvest power from the sun in an optimum way, free of myths about solar panels affecting your choice of healthy living.
