Myth #1: I can?t afford solar panels for my home. They?re way too expensive!
Fact: There are many elements that influence the cost of solar panels to your home. They include things like, your current electric bill, where you live and roof type. If you do a little digging, you will discover that many companies offer affordable options and payment plans.
Besides, if you?re in it for the long haul, solar energy can save you anywhere from 2 to 4 times the cost of the solar panels!
Myth #2: Installing solar panels is a great DIY weekend project.
Fact: It?s important to understand that installing a solar energy system requires patience, knowledge and experience. For example, did you know that most residential areas require special certifications and permits?
Don?t forget! It is also incredibly dangerous to try and take on electrical work, such as wiring and metering, if you don?t know what you?re doing. You could end up severely injuring yourself and others.
Myth #3: Solar panels are hideous. They will make my home look terrible!
Fact: Solar panels have come a long way. The technology is rapidly growing and changing, which means that ?bulky panels? aren?t your first or only option. For example, you can purchase solar panels that look exactly like shingles. They blend in so well, you?ll barely notice they?re there.
Myth #4: Solar panels will decrease the value of my home.
Fact: The value of any home depends on several factors. When you use solar energy these factors remain pretty much the same but are impacted by things like, location, size of the installation, and size of the home.
In general, using solar energy can actually increase the value of your home anywhere between $5000.00 to $29,000.00 USD. In many cases, it also helps to increase the speed in which your home is sold.
Myth #5: Solar power really isn?t any different from regular electricity.
Fact: Solar power is not only more efficient, it is also one of the most renewable and sustainable energies our planet offers. It is also readily available to countries all over the world.
Myth #6: Any extra electricity I generate through solar panels goes to waste.
Fact: If you generate a surplus of electricity, many countries, cities and provinces, offer different incentives, rebates, and discounts. This means that you can save money on your electricity bill every month, plus enjoy additional savings throughout the year!
Myth #7: What?s the point? If it?s cold or cloudy, my solar panels will not work.
Fact: It?s true that solar panels require sunlight to produce energy. However, in order to work effectively, they don?t actually require direct sunlight. Ambient, or scattered sunlight are both perfectly acceptable. So, if it?s cloudy or even foggy, your solar panels will work just fine.
When it comes to daily temperature, solar panels love the cold. In fact, they work much more efficiently in cooler weather than in hot weather!
Myth #8: I will need to replace my solar panels on a regular basis.
Fact: If you invest in solar panels from a reputable source they will last anywhere between 20 to 30 years. Even then, your solar panels will still work, just slightly less efficiently than they did before.
A solar inverter, which is responsible for carrying the current output to a commercial grid, will last around 10 to 15 years. A decade of use is pretty great considering how many people upgrade their cell phones or computers every few years.
Myth #9: Solar panels are high maintenance.
Fact: Once installed, solar panels pretty much take care of themselves. The only time you would need to clean them is if they get covered in snow.
Myth #10: It?s not safe to have solar panels on my roof.
Fact: If you use your solar energy system correctly, there is very little risk to having solar panels installed. Most systems come with additional automatic fail-safe switches to prevent electrical surges from causing any damage. Solar panels are also lightweight and are designed for little to no impact on the structure of your roof.
