6 Solar Energy Myths You Need to Know – DIY FREE Energy

There are a lot of good things that can be said about a technology like solar energy panels that allows us to take so much from so little. But yet every time tremendous gains are made in any field it is proven time and time again that the easiest, most natural way, is the way that works best.

This is fast proving to be the case with solar power as well. It is an energy source that does not impact the environment while providing infinite power from the minimalistic effort of utilizing solar cells to collect sunlight.

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Electricity has become an essential part of our modern life. We can’t spend a day without the laptop, the phone, the internet, gadgets and all kinds of electrical appliances.

But, when the subject of using solar power is mentioned, its efficiency and the benefits for our everyday life, at least a couple of questions come to our minds.

Just check how many of these myths may pull you back from accessing this reliable, renewable, clean, healthy, cheap and abundant source of energy – the solar way…

Myth #1:

Solar Installation is so Expensive

Studies reveal that the cost that one needs to expend for availing solar power has been continuously dropping since 2009. As a result, the renewable technologies have come up as one of the most economical solutions in many developing regions.

To add more to the financial benefits of using solar technology, there are no input costs for solar energy. Sunlight is absolutely free. It, therefore, replaces some of the expensive production procedures that are needed in the case of coal and oil plants. As a result, the wholesale cost of electricity has drastically reduced.

It has been found that financing a residential solar energy system comparatively costs less than opting for electricity from a customer’s local utility in 42 of the 50 largest cities of the U.S.

Many people have this notion that the installation cost of solar panels is very high. The facts are again contrary to this perception. Just like, when computers were launched for the first time, the technology was expensive. However, now the same technology, rather with much more advancements, is very affordable.

Same is the case with the solar technology. Not only is the solar technology within the reach of the common man, but it also comes with favorable financing terms, wherein one can pay the whole amount in small monthly installments.

Also noteworthy are the understated facts:

• By installing solar panels, one can enjoy a drastic saving in the bills, going up to as large as 50% each year.
• A study was conducted by the United States Department of Energy sometime back. It revealed that installation of the solar panels on the roofs of California’s city and county buildings could result in the generation of as huge as 200 megawatts of clean energy.
  Moreover, it has brought to light that if California goes for the installation of solar panels on every commercial and industrial roof, then, it would be able to produce enough electricity to power the entire state!
• As per the Department of Energy, the price of photovoltaic solar panels has slashed by 200% in the last 30 years.

Myth #2:

You are going to stay in the same house and cannot plan to move for decades to justify your investment in solar energy setup.

The break-even point in many cases has been reported in even less than four years. In other words, the solar setup pays for itself in no time.

Even if one needs to sell his home, the benefit comes in the form of an increased value of the property. As a result, the entire cost can be recovered at the time of sale.

Again, studies in this regard show that solar panels are perceived as upgrades for a property, just as is the case with a renovated kitchen, etc. If a person is a resident of a high-rise condo, then also he can avail the benefits of the solar technology.

There are community solar programs, wherein, through shared solar array, one setup can be made to serve multiple users.

In this case, the purchasing cost can be divided among the users. Also, the shared portion can be negotiated into the sale of the home where one plans to move.

Myth #3:

Maintaining Solar Panels is Too Difficult

Solar panels are sturdy as well as reliable. As such they don’t have any moving parts, thus diminishing the chances of potential problems. Neither do they need frequent cleaning; occasional cleaning serves the purpose of long-term maintenance.

In winters, the snow and ice slides off easily, due to which, the most sensitive part of the system, i.e. the inverter can last for up to ten years. In addition to all these facts, most of the manufacturers offer a good long period of warranty, ranging from 12 to 25 years!

Myth #4:

Solar Panels Are Unattractive

As such, the solar panels are neither bulky nor ugly, contrary to what many people think. These days, solar manufacturers are introducing new modular styles, which can easily blend with the rooftop.

Also, some designers have come up with solar shingles, which look almost similar to the roof. The present day solar panels are much sleeker as well as aesthetically more pleasing.

Moreover, a house with solar panels happens to have a higher resale value and is rather found to be more attractive to buyers.

Myth #5:

Solar Installations Operate Only in Warm Regions and Limited Environments

One major fear which perhaps grips majority of people is that their house will have no power once the sun sets! Although it is true that the solar panels have no energy input at night as there is no sunlight.

However, most of the solar systems are connected to a grid. This means that during the day the meter spins backwards when more energy is produced. With this, the excess power is pushed back into the grid.

At night, the meter spins in the right direction. As a result, the stored energy is pulled from the grid, putting no charge or added cost on the homeowner.

Even in the winter, when the duration of daylight is short, the energy is sufficient to power an average American home. In view of this fact, solar technology can be considered viable even in Alaska, where there are longer and colder winters.

As far as the effectiveness of solar panels in cloudy days is concerned, the panels absorb lesser energy than they do normally. And, it is to cover up this shortage that there is a provision of a storage cell. It helps in collecting the energy, which can then be used whenever needed.

Myth #6:

Solar Energy Technology Isn’t Reliable

Gone are those days when one could have doubted on the performance of solar setups to generate the power needed for daily life. As a matter of fact, the present-day solar power systems are designed and categorized under a highly-tested technology.

As such, there has been an exponential rise in the use of this technology.

 

Recent data shows that there are more than 2 million solar installations generating electricity in the United States. The graph above gives an idea of the increasing rate at which people are now relying on this source of energy.

A similar increasing trend can be seen in several other parts of the world as well.

The sun has been consistently pumping out energy now for over 4.6 billion years. And the energy service that the sun provides is uninterrupted with no blackouts! The sun comes up and the sun goes down, never missing a beat.

With such a track record it would be a safe bet to say that we can count on the sun’s rays to always be around. So why do so many people and corporations avoid solar energy like a plague?

The main reason solar power has been overlooked for so long is the daunting price that is usually attached to such solar power projects.

When a set of solar panels plus installation runs up a bill of thousands of dollars, even big shot companies that can afford it, say forget it. Most just aren’t willing to make that much of an investment in a technology they have never even experienced before.

But what if you could step away from the old overpriced model of solar technology and build your own for a tiny fraction of that price?

That, my friend, is an absolute game changer.