As of 2021, the US has enough solar power capacity to power 18 million American homes. As the solar industry has made solar panels more accessible and affordable, many homeowners are adding solar panels to their homes.
Unfortunately, there are a number of myths surrounding solar panels. Once you learn the truth about these myths, you’ll see why solar power could be a game-changer for your household. Let’s take a look at the most common myths about solar powered energy.
Solar Power Is Unreliable
Solar panels themselves are very reliable as they don’t have moving parts that can wear out. With a simple yearly cleaning, they can continue to produce electricity for decades. Most installers offer 25-year warranties due to the long-lasting nature of solar panels.
Other people believe that a solar energy system won’t be able to reliably produce energy in cold or cloudy areas. Luckily, panels in these types of areas don’t detract from the solar energy your panels could produce. You can learn more here about how solar panels actually work.
In fact, Germany is the world leader when it comes to producing solar power, yet Germany gets less sun than every state in the Contiguous US. Plus, since sunlight reflects off of snow, snowy conditions can actually make your panels work better.
Solar Panels Are Expensive
The cost of solar panels has dropped by 80% since 2008. This has made residential solar energy more affordable than ever. Many homeowners who are now installing solar panels are actually middle-income families that want to keep their energy costs down.
Financing options have also made it easier for any smart homeowner to take advantage of solar powered energy. You can even lease the panels with no up-front costs. This makes it easy and affordable to get the panels while benefiting from the utility savings.
In addition, there are a number of other incentives available that can make solar panels more affordable. The US Federal Government offers tax credits, as do some states. Plus, there are a few grants available from varying sources.
It’s Not Worth the Investment
Since solar panels last so long and don’t have many costs after the initial purchase and installation, some people worry they won’t make up their investment. This can especially be a concern if you don’t plan on living in your house for a long time.
However, it only takes about seven years on average to recoup the initial investment back through energy savings. Leasing your panels can give you a little more flexibility if you need it. In this case, you can transfer your lease to your home’s buyer, saving on energy in the meantime.
On average, a homeowner can save up to$10,000 to $30,000 on their energy bills over their solar panel system’s lifetime. Plus, if your panels produce more energy than you’ll use, you can sell the extra energy back to the grid, saving even more money.
Solar Panels Are Ugly
Many people think solar panels are bulky and obtrusive and could even hurt their home’s resale value. In fact, the opposite is actually true. Modern solar panels are thinner and sleeker and don’t detract from a home’s curb appeal.
Installing solar panels can actually help your home sell faster and for more money. According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Labs, homes with solar panels on average sell 20% faster and for 17% more money than homes without solar panels.
Plus, according to the Appraisal Journal, your home’s value can increase by $20,000 per $1,000 in lowered annual electricity costs.
Installing Solar Panels Is Complicated
Installing solar panels is not something you want to DIY. But, the process itself does not have to be complicated. Most professional solar installation companies offer a free consultation when you request a quote. They’ll answer all of your questions and walk you through the process.
Many installation companies also take care of any permits, inspections, and paperwork that might need to be done. This makes the process much easier and simplified for you as a homeowner.
You Need to Own Your Home
Owning your own home might make the process to install a solar system easier. However, it is still possible to reap the benefits even if you rent or live in an apartment building. A single shared, solar array can be installed on your apartment building or at another site.
These arrays can then be used as part of a community solar program where you share the benefits with multiple people. Purchase and installation costs are also divided amongst the participants.
Solar Panels Require Too Much Maintenance
Some people assume that solar panels require a strict care regimen. In fact, maintenance is straightforward and easy if you purchase from a reliable manufacturer. Solar panels that are connected to the utility grid are especially easy to maintain.
About once a year, you should use water to remove any dust, debris, or snow that has accumulated. You don’t even need to worry about harsh weather as solar panels are constructed to withstand hail, sleet, and other extreme weather.
A system with a battery does require a bit more cleaning than a system without. However, it’s much more common and cheaper to have a system without batteries.
Switch to Solar Powered Energy
Solar powered energy is a great way for many homeowners to save thousands of dollars on their utility bills. While there are some common myths, solar power energy remains an affordable and reliable energy source option for almost any household.
If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out our other home and garden articles too.
