Solar energy systems have been around for decades, but they have become a hot topic in the last few years. This is because solar energy is one of the best renewable energy sources in the world! But with all of the press that solar energy is receiving, there are also myths and misconceptions that have begun to circulate. This misinformation can make some people skeptical about the benefits of solar energy, and can cause them to hesitate when thinking about going solar. Go Solar Energy wants to make sure you get the correct information, so let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions about solar energy.
1. Solar Panels Are Too Expensive
One of the major misconceptions about solar energy is that solar panels are unaffordable. But thanks to all the rebates and incentives offered by solar companies, this simply isn’t true. In fact, studies have actually shown that the cost of going solar has dropped every year since 2009! There are multiple options that can help you save money on solar panels and your solar energy system:
- Leasing: If you cannot afford to buy a solar panel system, then you have the option to lease it.
- Cash Rebates: Some solar panel manufacturers will offer 10-20% mail-in rebates on their products.
- Tax Exemptions:
- Property Tax Exemptions– Installing solar panels will most likely increase the value of your home. But a solar property tax exemption allows you to deduct this added value from your property’s value for tax purposes. So even if your property value goes up after you install solar panels, this exemption will allow you to keep your property taxes at their original level.
- Sales Tax Exemptions– This provision exempts you from paying sales tax when purchasing a home solar energy system, reducing the upfront cost of going solar.
2. Solar Power Doesn’t Work In Certain Climates
There’s no need to worry about whether solar panels will hold up or produce enough energy, no matter where you live. Solar panels are built to be very sturdy and efficient. They can withstand hurricanes and storms, and can provide solar power no matter the weather – including cloudy days. Solar panels will very rarely stop generating during cloudy weather because clouds don’t completely block sunlight; your panel’s output will simply be reduced. During normal cloudy weather solar generation is reduced by 60 to 80%, depending on the time of day and the season.
3. Solar Panels Can Ruin Your Roof
Solar panels are completely safe to install on almost any roof. The only way damage could occur is if your solar panels were not installed correctly on your roof. As long as you hire a professional installer who is trained to install solar panels, then your solar panels won’t damage your roof.
4. Solar Panels Require A Lot Of Maintenance
One advantage of solar panels over other types of energy systems is that they don’t have any moving parts so they do not require a lot of maintenance. Solar panels are very durable, and the only thing you need to do to keep them in working order is to clean them once or twice a year. Cleaning them is simple and will usually only require plain water from a garden hose; for tough spots you will have to gently clean the panels with a soft cloth or sponge and mild soap. If you do not feel comfortable getting on a ladder to clean your solar panels, you can get them professionally cleaned. Many companies will offer that service to you for free as a part of their annual maintenance service!
5. Solar Energy Will Not Save You Much Money
Thinking that going solar won’t save you all that much on your utility bills? Nothing could be further from the truth! If you switch to solar energy, you will be relying solely on the sun’s energy to generate electricity, so you will be able to lower your electric bill by up to 50% per month. You also have the option of using net metering to save even more money. Net metering is a billing mechanism that allows you to get credit for any excess energy that you produce and add back to the grid. You can also save money by using this excess energy on cloudy days and at night.
There are also other ways to save with solar. You can earn and sell Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) for the electricity that your solar system produces. This incentive program allows you to earn one SREC for every 1000 kilowatt hours produced by your solar panel system. You can then sell these certificates back to your utility company for up to $300 each.
6. You Will Not Get A Return on Investment (ROI) Going Solar
Not only do solar power systems have a great return on investment, but with all the rebates and incentives that are offered for going solar, you’ll get your ROI sooner than you might think! Assuming that your solar energy system costs approximately $20,000 to install, and switching to solar energy saves you around $2,500 a year on your electric bills, the typical solar payback period is just above 8 years. If you’re eligible for incentives and tax rebates, though, your solar power system will pay for itself within around 7 years.
7. Solar Panels Can’t Be Recycled
Not only is solar power is one of the cleanest, most sustainable resources in the world, but solar panels, in the rare instance that they do need to be replaced, can be recycled. Solar panel recycling is an emerging industry, but panels are made of easily recyclable materials such as aluminium, and there are many recycling facilities being built around the world.
Got Questions?
Go Solar Energy has answers! Sometimes solar energy gets a bad rap for being too expensive or not efficient enough, but we are here to tell you the truth. We will fully explain how it all works, and will even search your area for available plans and prices, for free. Go Solar Energy will provide you with a personal agent who will review all your options and help you decide which plan best suits your needs. Don’t fall for the misconceptions, instead start saving on your electric bill! To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code on our homepage, or to speak directly to a licensed agent, call 888-290-3112
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