25 Myths about Solar

– And the Real Facts  

1.  Panels are Useless in Cloudy/ Cold Days – Myth

The truth is very different from the popular belief that solar panels perform poorly in overcast or chilly weather. Weather can have an effect on the working of solar panels. Simply said, people believe that low temperatures or cloud cover make solar panels useless.

Fact:

In actuality even in cloudy or chilly weather solar panels are still capable of producing a sizable amount of electricity. The science is simple: photovoltaic effect which happens when sunlight not always direct sunlight strikes the solar cells and releases electrons is how solar panels produce electricity. There is still plenty of ambient light that the panels can use to generate clean renewable electricity even on cloudy days. Therefore, even though extremely cold temperatures may have a small effect solar panels continue to be very effective in cold climates from crisp fall days to bitterly cold winter months.

 2. Solar Energy is Too Expensive – Myth

Since the initial costs are usually high, people think that solar energy is very expensive.

Fact:

Monthly utility bills are significantly reduced when a solar energy system’s electricity generation eventually balances its initial costs. Solar energy is also more accessible and cost-effective than other energy sources because many governments provide enticing tax credits rebates and other financial incentives to help with the upfront costs. As the infrastructure is improving and thanks to government push solar energy is becoming more accessible and affordable.

 3. Constant Maintenance – Myth

Although solar panels do need occasional small adjustments and basic maintenance the idea that they require continuous manual maintenance is mostly untrue.

Fact:

In actuality, contemporary solar panel systems are made to be incredibly low-maintenance and robust. The solar-powered photovoltaic cells are incredibly resilient they can function for up to 25 years or longer with little to no deterioration. Likewise, the wiring and mounting hardware supporting the panels are designed to endure weather conditions with minimal maintenance.

 4. Solar Panels Damage Your Roof – Myth

It is true that drilling holes and fastening mounting hardware directly to the roof are part of the solar panel installation process but skilled technicians take great care and precision in doing this.

Fact:

The roof is not at risk of damage from solar panels as long as the installation is done correctly by trained professionals in fact solar panels can prolong the roof’s useful life. The numerous advantages that solar energy can offer shouldn’t be discouraged by homeowners’ worries about roof damage.

 5. Not Environmentally Friendly – Myth

People think that using solar energy is harmful to the environment because of the way solar panels are made and disposed of.

Fact:

Manufacturing processes might differ but compared to fossil fuels, solar panels significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions for at least 25–30 years while producing clean renewable energy. Furthermore, recycling initiatives are starting to take shape in order to properly dispose of outdated solar panels.

 6. Solar Energy is Not Reliable – Myth

Because solar energy depends on sunlight which isn’t always present its detractors frequently claim that it is unreliable.

Fact:

Even though the amount of energy produced by solar power plants varies with the season and weather contemporary solar power systems are extremely dependable. The majority of systems are grid-connected enabling users to sell excess power back to the grid during periods of high solar production and to draw power when production is low.

 7. Not Efficient Enough – Myth

Certain individuals think that particularly when contrasted with conventional energy sources solar panels aren’t efficient enough to have a major effect on energy usage.

Fact:

Over time there has been a notable improvement in solar panel efficiency. The average conversion rate of modern solar panels is 15–22% of solar radiation into electricity which is enough to cover a large amount of a household’s energy needs. Solar energy is also becoming more and more efficient making it a practical alternative for lowering dependency on fossil fuels.

 8. Can’t Work on Old or Historical Buildings – Myth

There’s a myth that installing solar panels on older or historically significant buildings can’t happen without breaking preservation laws or looking bad.

Fact:

Older and historically significant buildings can all have solar panels installed on them. By using building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) or placing panels in less noticeable locations like the back of the building it is frequently possible to install panels in a way that maintains the aesthetic appeal of the structure. Additionally, as long as solar panels fulfill specific requirements many preservation commissions permit their installation.

 9. There Will Be Increase In My Property Taxes – Myth

It might increase my property taxes is what some people think as there is more infrastructure involved.

Fact:

Governments worldwide have realized the benefits solar energy has to offer the environment and have passed laws that encourage solar adoption without penalizing homeowners with higher taxes.

10. Only for the Wealthy – Myth

The myth that solar energy is a luxury only available to the wealthy or big businesses endures.

Fact:

 More and more people regardless of financial status can afford solar energy. There are loans specifically offered in order to encourage adoption therefore it has now become much more accessible.

 11. Solar Panels Aren’t Durable – Myth

Some people believe that solar panels are easily damaged by weather-related events like wind hail or snow.

Fact:

Solar panels are built to survive inclement weather. Their ability to withstand severe weather conditions such as strong winds hail and thick snowfall is usually tested and certified. The majority of solar panels have warranties that cover 20–25 years or longer and many of them keep producing power long after that time.

 12. Solar Panels Are Ugly – Myth

People think that solar installations will affect the aesthetics.

Fact:

They have become more visually pleasing. Also, there are choices for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) which conceal the solar panels completely with roofing materials. Many homeowners discover that the financial and environmental advantages of solar energy greatly exceed any aesthetic concerns.

 13. It Will Be Harder to Sell My Home – Myth

There fear that having solar panels installed will make it more difficult to sell their house either due to the way the system looks or because buyers won’t want to take on the maintenance duties.

Fact:

This is not the case as people happily accept pre-installed systems as it saves them big time. Furthermore, solar panels usually require little maintenance which is a selling point for prospective purchasers.

 14. Requires a Lot of Space – Myth

Small houses are not meant for solar energy as it takes up a lot of space.

Fact:

Systems can be tailored to match the available space and solar panels are available in a range of sizes. Enough panels can be installed on even the smallest roofs to dramatically lower a household’s energy costs. Ground-mounted solar systems and community solar programs can also be good choices for people with small roof spaces.

 15. Can’t Fully Power a Home – Myth

There are those who believe that solar energy isn’t capable of producing enough electricity to run a whole house, especially during periods of high demand.

Fact:

Even during periods of high consumption a home can have enough electricity produced by a solar power system of the right size. Furthermore, a lot of solar systems are grid-connected which enables homeowners to sell excess electricity back to the grid when their system generates more than they require and to draw electricity from it when needed.

 16. Solar Energy is a Fad – Myth

It is just relevant for now and soon it will be gone is what some people think.

Fact:

It has become a crucial part of renewable energy plans of governments and corporations around the world are making significant investments in solar energy to secure its place in the future of energy production.

 17. They Produce Harmful Radiation – Myth

These radiations can hurt everyone.

Fact:

There is no danger and no radiation from solar panels. They produce electricity without emitting any radiation because of the photovoltaic effect.

 18. Cannot Work During Power Outages – Myth

Since solar panels depend on the grid for operations, hence they are worthless during blackouts.

Fact:

This is partly true as there are solar batteries that solve this problem.

 19. Hard to Install – Myth

It requires major changes to install.

Fact:

Depending on the system’s size and installation complexity most installations can be finished in one to three days.

 20. They Don’t Last Long – Myth

People think that solar infrastructure has a short lifespan.

Fact:

 Almost all come with warranties that claim more than 25 years of service.

 21.   Panels Lower Home Value – Myth

Installing solar panels can lower the value of their home or make it less appealing to buyers.

Fact:

Indeed, a home’s value may rise with solar panels installed as it is an asset.

 22. Bad for Environment – Myth

There are more environmental costs associated with it.

Fact:

There is some environmental impact associated but this helps in reducing dependency on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions solar panels generate clean renewable energy. Also, initiatives like recycling programs are being undertaken to enhance the sustainability of solar panel production and disposal.

 23. Needs Direct Sunlight  – Myth 

Solar energy is useless when there is no sunlight

Fact:

It works in various weathers and times so there is no issue of absence of sunlight.

 24. Only for Environmentalists – Myth

Only environmental concerns make solar energy relevant.

Fact:

Not just environmentalists find solar energy appealing. Although solar energy has enormous environmental benefits its financial advantages—such as lower energy costs and increased property value—also attract a lot of people to the technology.

 25. Greater Fire Hazard – Myth

Faults in wiring or other issues may cause fire accidents.

Fact:

If installed by licensed people, there won’t be such issues as now a majority of the material used is fire resistant.

So, there you have it  –  25 myths about solar get factchecked by simple logic and proven data to ensure that the ones who are sitting on the fence on account of unfounded myths can land on the right side of history, both literally and figuratively speaking.