Myth 1: Solar Energy Panels are bad for the environment.
Fact: The amount of sunlight that hits the Earth in 1 minute, meets the world’s energy demands for an entire year! 75 million barrels of oil and 35 million tons of carbon dioxide are saved annualy by solar energy users.
Myth 2: Solar panels are unattractive and they can damage your roof.
Fact: Professional installers can place solar panels on any roof pitch, angle, and condition. They will not damage a homeowner’s roof, and, in some cases, solar panels extend the roof’s life by protecting it from the elements. Ultimately, the aesthetics of solar panels on a home are subjective. However, with the growing popularity of solar power, professionals can install solar panels in positions and locations to minimize their visual impact. Depending on your yard, panels can even be mounted on the ground. Solar shingles can also help with curb appeal by better blending in with your existing roof.
Myth 3: Solar panels do not work well in cloudy places.
Fact: Most solar panels actually work best in cold conditions. They use light, not heat, to generate electricity. Cold temperatures increase their conductivity, letting electricity flow more efficiently. As solar panels heat up, they generate less electricity from the same amount of light.
Myth 4: I won’t live in my home long enough to earn an ROI on any money I put into solar panels.
Fact: Depending on your system and location, solar panels pay for themselves within six to 15 years. If you add in the most lucrative state and federal tax credits and incentives, you could start seeing an ROI within two to four years. Solar panels also increase the resale value of a home by about €12,000. So even if you won’t be in your home for the next 15 years, you can still see a significant ROI when you sell.
Myth 5: Solar panels require constant maintenance.
Fact: Solar arrays are designed to be durable and require minimal maintenance. Many installers recommend annual inspections to check the panels and system performance, and some offer lifetime warranties for the system. Plus, if you lease the panels and system, maintenance is typically provided by the leasing company. Keep in mind, panels with tracking subsystems may require additional maintenance and care.
Myth 6: Solar panels are too expensive.
Fact: Renewable energy is actually already cheaper than coal and nuclear power at every step. Also there are no input costs for solar energy – the sunlight is free. Market price aside, coal and nuclear power have huge hidden costs. You can even apply for a grant. Solar offers the opportunity to negate high electricity inflation locking in costs for 20 years thus providing a cheaper predictable alternative for both homes and businesses in Ireland.
Myth 7: Installing Solar Panels will increase your tax.
Fact: You actually save tax. Companies can take advantage of 100% Accelerated Capital Allowances. The ACA is a tax incentive for companies paying corporation tax and aims to encourage investment in energy efficient equipment. The ACA offers an attractive incentive whereby it allows companies to write off 100% of the purchase value of qualifying energy efficient equipment against their profit in the year of purchase.
Myth 8: Solar panel systems store excess energy in batteries.
Fact: The vast majority of home solar power systems don’t store energy in batteries. They’re connected to the power grid via net metering, and homeowners are credited with the energy their solar panels add to the electrical grid. Though it is possible to add a battery to your solar installation, doing so increases the cost of materials, installation and maintenance.
Have you decided to invest in Solar Panels after reading Top 8 Myths about Solar Energy? If you would like to find out more – don’t hesitate to contact us on:
Tel: 021 428 94 07
or via E-mail: info[at]cleanenergyireland.ie
Sources:
WakaWaka. (2016). Solar Energy Myths & Facts. [online] Available at: http://waka-waka.com/solar-energy-facts/ [Accessed 16 August 2017].
Greenpeace.org. (2016). 6 Myths About Renewable Energy, Busted!. [online] Available at: http://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/campaigns/Climate-change/renewable-energy-myths/ [Accessed 16 August 2017].
MachineDesign.com (2017) 9 Myths about Solar Panels. [online] Available at: http://www.machinedesign.com/blog/9-myths-about-solar-panels [Accessed 16 August 2017].
Us, A., Maehlum, M. and Mæhlum, M. (2012). Solar Energy Pros and Cons – Energy Informative. [online] Energy Informative. Available at: http://energyinformative.org/solar-energy-pros-and-cons/ [Accessed 16 August 2017].
Solarsimplified.org. (2016). Solar Simplified – Solar: Myths and Truths. [online] Available at: http://solarsimplified.org/solar-facts-faqs/solar-myths-and-truths [Accessed 16 August 2017].