11 Solar Myth’s
Myth 1 – It is very difficult to figure out how many solar panels I will need?
No. We can do an analysis of your solar potential in no time, then recommend
a system and the number of solar panels that is ideal for your home or business. It’s actually never been easier to figure
out how to go solar. We call her A.I Elly!
Myth 2 – I should wait until solar technology gets more efficient.
Solar technology actually hasn’t changed much since the 1960s. In fact, it’s one of the
most stable technologies we can use. That, plus the 30 percent federal solar tax credit
that is with many state incentive programs, make your decision to install solar right
now is an easier choice.
Myth 3 – Solar doesn’t work when it’s cool, cloudy or foggy.
Solar panels still produce significant energy when it’s foggy, chilly, or overcast.
Surprising fact: solar panels on a rooftop in cool and foggy San Francisco produce only
one percent less electricity than those on a rooftop in hot, sunny Sacramento.
Myth 4 – I need batteries to store excess solar energy.
Most modern solar panel systems are connected to the local utility company’s
electricity grid, the one you’re probably already using. Homeowners and business
owners usually install solar systems that feed whatever power they don’t use back into
this grid through a system called net metering. The utility company credits you for that
power. If you need extra power from the utility grid, you can tap into it, but it probably
won’t cost you anything because your solar system already fed so much energy into
the system.
Storing solar power in a battery is possible, but expensive, However, we do have an economically priced batteries for your preference. ( Ask for the battery if you want it at time of Free quote)
It would be more cost effective to install an independent generator if you’re worried about your power going out. However, the reality is, the power usually doesn’t go out very often!
Myth 5 – Is it a lot of trouble to maintain Solar Panels?
Solar Panels have no moving parts and do not require regular maintenance. (Unlike your car, which needs the oil changed several times a year, the tires pumped up regularly, and an annual tune-up). Most companies recommend you hose off the panels once a year or so, but many panel owners rely on the rain to do this instead. You do want to remove any debris that falls on the panels. But generally, you can use monitoring software to detect any drop in power generation that might need your attention. This will be included with most installation provided.
Myth 6 – Solar panels will cause my roof to leak, deteriorate, or collapse
On the contrary, solar panels help protect and preserve the portion of the roof they
cover. Most solar panels do not attach directly to the roof. Rather, they’re mounted on a
railing system sealed with metal flashing that provides an extra barrier against the
elements. If your roof needs to be repaired for other reasons, such as age or storm
damage, do that before installing solar panels.
Myth 7 – Solar is so expensive; I’ll never make back the money I put into it
Solar turns out to be a great choice for people looking to save money on electricity. Our
Zero-Down financing options make it much easier to afford with no upfront costs of
installation. Also, solar pays for itself over time. Unlike pretty much anything else you
buy for your home or business– like a sofa, or a microwave, or a refrigerator – solar
panels return, on average, two to four times their cost in saved electricity bills. In other
words, whatever it costs you to purchase solar initially, you’ll be repaid in energy
savings over time. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, solar panels pay for
themselves within 10 years (and they will produce power for over 30 years...and they
increase your home and/or business value). In a state with good incentives, the
payback period can be as short as 2 to 8 years.
Myth 8 – Solar will look ugly on my roof
Truly not a factor, Solar panels actually send a promotional message that the homeowner and/or Business owner who installs Solar is a “Wise cookie” and a trend setter for its neighborhood setting a great example in the community to help awareness of saving the planet and securing clean energy. Don’t be surprise if the neighbors start asking you about your beautiful Panels. ( And we are proud to provide the highest paying referrals industry wide!).
Myth 9 – When the power goes out, my home or business will still be powered
This is not true, but it’s also not a reason to skip solar. Remember #3 above. Your solar
system is tied into your utility grid, so when the grid goes down, even though your solar
panels could still be working; they won’t be sending power to the grid and your home or
business electrical system won’t be pulling power out of it. Fortunately, the power
doesn’t go off very often, and there are work-around solutions if that is desired.
Myth 10 – Installing solar panels will increase my property tax
In many states, solar installations are property-tax exempt. As far as investments go,
installing solar panels is one of the best you can make because they increase the resale
value of your house or business location without costing any more in property taxes.
Myth 11 – Solar panels require a tracking system to follow the angle of the sun
Most solar panels can be installed at just the right angle on a roof to maximize the
amount of solar they can capture and convert to electricity. Tracking systems are more
common in industrial settings that use massive arrays of solar panels to generate
electricity.