Solar Energy Misconceptions And Myths
Sun is an incredible, alternative, and renewable source of energy-giving fuel to life on earth with clean and sustainable energy. The sun’s energy is convertible into Solar Energy through solar photovoltaic modules. This source is fast picking up as more and more people are finding the truth about solar energy and getting rooftop solar installed at their homes and workplaces. The system is very cost-effective and can save up to 80% of your power utility bills every month.
However, there are many misconceptions about solar energy and the beliefs that is expensive, complicated, unreliable, etc. Knocking the bottom out, many disprove major persistent myths about solar energy.
Solar Panels required Direct Sunlight’s to Work
The most common myth is that solar panels don’t work in odd weather conditions and need bright sunny days for solar to make sense. That’s not true, in fact, some places with extreme cold and cloudy conditions, like Germany, are one of the world leaders in solar energy power systems, producing more solar power than the United States. The reason is solar panels need sunlight but not the heat of it to absorb energy and produce electricity. Solar Systems are efficient enough to work even in cold or monsoon conditions. As long as some sunlight reaches the earth, solar technology can be leveraged thoroughly, whether it’s raining or snowy days.
Solar Panels are Expensive
No, it is not the truth, in fact over the last couple of years, the price of solar panels has dropped considerably. More and more homeowners and commercial establishments are choosing solar energy and as the demand is increasing, the competition among the solar system companies is increasing which finally leads to low prices for the customer. Also, the centre and state governments have various lease options now to let homeowners go solar with zero up-front costs and savings on their energy bills every month. Needless to mention many buy-back options result in financial savings in the long run. So it saves you a lot in the longer run.
Solar Panels are not Enough Power Efficient
There is a perception that solar panels are not efficient enough to power major utilities in the house or heavy pieces of equipment being used in the industry Again, we can burst this myth by giving showing you some of the major commercial houses in India being dependent upon solar energy for powering all their production needs. The experts engaged in solar power energy system have quoted that the efficiency of the solar cell even under normal sunlight is good enough to make any heavy machines work with the utmost capability.
Solar Panels Are Challenging to install and Difficult to Maintain
From an outsider’s perspective, solar power systems can seem complex and challenging to install. Many people think that solar panels have to be taken care of constantly to maintain peak efficiency. If you’re installing solar panels on your own, this might be the case. The truth is that utilizing a professional solar installer makes the process simple, and you’ll only need to perform annual maintenance. If dust, snow or other debris accumulates on your solar panels, you can simply clear it away with water. Solar panels can withstand harsh weather and are made to last for years, meaning they’re highly durable, reducing the need for repair.
Solar Panels will Damage the roof
Another common misconception people have about solar panels is that the installation will damage their roof. However, when a professional solar provider installs solar panels, they can protect your roof and extend its life span. If your roof becomes damaged from the weather, a tree falling or another circumstance, a section of the panels can be removed by a professional to repair the roof. Sometimes, a gap may exist between the rooftop and the panels when solar panels are installed. The roof is further protected by a sealant, and the mounting system is additionally protected by metal flashing or a covering. If you’re worried about the state of your roof, ensure that it’s free from damage before installing a new solar energy system.
Solar Panels Require More Energy to Make Than They Produce
Solar is a clean energy source that doesn’t produce any emissions, but the manufacturing process will require various resources and energy. While it does take energy to produce solar panels, a solar power system can repay these energy costs. In 2012, photovoltaic systems took from six months to two years to pay back energy used in production. As solar panels become more efficient each year, researchers believe that solar energy systems will be able to repay energy costs even sooner. Once you install and start utilizing your solar panels, you’ll quickly make up the energy costs it took to manufacture your solar panels. Since solar panels can last up to 30 years with the proper care and maintenance, the few months to years it takes to make up the costs will seem like a blip compared to the long-term savings and energy a solar solution can provide.
Solar Panels Are Bad For the Environment Once They’re Used Up
While some people believe that solar panels contribute to waste in landfills once they’ve reached the end of their 25- to 30-year life span, the truth is that you can recycle many of the materials in solar panels. This myth comes from older solar panels that used to be made with a thin film that included cadmium. These panels were less efficient and have quickly become obsolete as solar power systems continue to advance technologically. The only toxic material used in modern solar panels is a trace amount of lead, but manufacturers are quickly phasing out the material. Homeowners don’t have to worry about whether their solar panels will contribute to electronic waste, as most of the components can be recycled. Some manufacturers will even provide you with the recycling information or handle recycling to ensure all parts are properly disposed off.
Conclusion
Hearing negative comments and conflicting information about solar panels can give any homeowner hesitancy about installing them. That’s why it’s important to know the facts about solar panels. With the most common solar power myths busted, you should be able to make an informed decision about solar panels for your property. It can be challenging to make tough decisions about going solar with so much conflicting information floating around.
Read More: Types of Solar Panels That Exist in India: All You Need to Know
