Myths You Might Have Heard About Residential Solar Energy
Myth #1. Solar panels are too expensive
FALSE
In 42 of America’s 50 largest cities, financing a residential solar energy system actually costs less than purchasing electricity from a customer’s local utility. Studies show the cost of going solar has dropped every year since 2009, and the price of electricity from the utility company has only gone up! Since so many people are now working from home, it just makes sense to produce your electricity with the sun! If you’d like to purchase your solar energy system, you don’t have to buy it in cash — there are a number of different financing options that our company offers.
Myth #2: Solar Panels Are Quickly Outdated
NOT TRUE!
We know that a home solar system is a big investment, studies have shown a home solar installation can last anywhere between 25 to 30 years — or sometimes more.
Yet, this doesn’t mean the system will stop working and completely stop creating electricity after a couple of decades. It just means its energy production will decrease by what solar panel manufacturers consider best to meet the energy needs of the average family.
Actually, solar panels made in the 80s are still producing clean energy today, and the panels produced this year are built to last even longer! So if you decide to go solar now, you don’t need to worry about this at all.
Myth #3: Solar Panels will Damage My Roof
BUSTED!
Some homeowners choose not to install solar panels because they believe it will damage their roof. This is not true! Rooftops are inspected by our qualified team prior to installation to determine whether their structure will be able to withstand the additional weight of solar panels.. Plus, our installation crews follow the industry’s best practices so there is no damage done to your roof. In some cases, solar panels can actually extend the life of a roof, as they can protect the surface from elements that cause erosion and wear on the roof.
Myth #4: Solar Panels are Loud
NO WAY!
Another hesitation stems from the belief that solar panels are loud. False! Some other forms of renewable energy require large equipment that moves. However, solar panels do not have any moving parts and they are securely fastened to your roof during installation. This ensures that solar panels are completely silent. You won’t even know they are working hard to power your family’s home. The only sound you’ll hear is the cheers when you see your new utility bill!
Myth #5: Solar Panels Don’t Work Well in Cold Climates
NOPE!
The only thing that solar panels need to generate electricity is sunshine. If you live in a particularly cold state that experiences a lot of snowstorms, you will likely generate less solar power in the winter months than summer because of fewer sunlight hours. However, the amount of electricity you’ll generate in the winter will still be enough to enjoy savings on your electricity bill. In fact, according to EnergySage, during the winter months when the sun is shining, solar panels actually perform more efficiently due to the colder temperatures.
*It is important to note that the panels will not produce electricity if they are covered in the snow. Don’t worry, it won’t affect the panels integrity at all, as they are built to withstand it. Since the panels are tilted, the snow should slide right off the next time the sun peeks out!
