Common Myths About Solar

If you get any value from these myths or any of the other information on this site, we would appreciate an opportunity to earn you business and get you into a fantastic solar system.    Please contact us or call 475-297-0073.

 

Myth:  By going with solar, I'll be adding another bill. 
Reality:  This is true but the total will be less since you'll be shifting dollars from your utility company to your solar system.  By locking in generous federal tax incentives and great financing terms, you'll lock-in your energy prices for the portion of your current bill that your system generates for the life of your loan.  Once your system is paid off, the savings really kicks in. 

Myth: Solar is for everyone. 
Reality: Most homeowners can enjoy the benefits of solar but it's not for everyone.  If you don't use much electricity, have plans to never own an electric vehicle, or plan on moving in the next 18-24 months, the savings may not be worth investing in solar.    

Myth: Solar will decrease the value of your home.   
Reality:  According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, homes with solar panels installed typically sell for more than homes without solar panels. The study found that buyers were willing to pay a premium of $4 per watt for a home with solar panels.  It's important to note that the impact on home value can depend on factors such as the location of the home, the size of the solar panel system, and the local real estate market. It's always a good idea to do your research and talk to a real estate professional in your area to understand the potential impact of solar panels on your home's value.

Myth: Solar will make it harder to sell your home.
Reality:  There is no evidence to suggest that solar panels make it harder to sell your home. In fact, many studies have shown that solar panels can increase a home's value and make it more attractive to buyers.  A survey conducted by Zillow found that homes with solar panels sold for 4.1% more on average than homes without solar panels

Myth: Solar panels are only for wealthy homeowners.
Reality:  Solar can be for anyone with an electric bill.   Federal Tax Credits, decreasing cost of solar equipment, a wide range of financing options, and 25-year warranties make solar affordable to all homeowners.

Myth: Solar panels are only for off-grid living.
Reality: Solar panels can be used in a grid-tied system to supplement or replace energy from the grid.

Myth: Solar panels can cause cancer.
Reality: There is no evidence to suggest that solar panels can cause cancer.

Myth: Solar panels will increase your home insurance premiums. 
Reality: This one might be true.   Solar is a home improvement project that will increase the value of your home.   This may translate into higher insurance premiums.  It's always a good idea to check with your insurance carrier to see what the impact of any home improvement project will be.  

Myth: Solar panels are not safe during thunderstorms.
Reality: Solar panels are grounded and typically designed to withstand lightning strikes.

Myth: Solar panels are not suitable for areas with frequent snow.
Reality: Solar panels can still generate electricity during the winter and are designed to withstand the weight of snow.

Myth: Solar panels require a lot of space.
Reality: Solar panels can be installed on small rooftops or on the ground in limited spaces. The newer highly efficient Tier-1 Panels generate more electricity in less space.   

Myth: Solar panels can damage the environment.
Reality: Solar panels have a lower environmental impact than traditional sources of energy and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Myth: Solar panels are bad for the environment because they can't be recycled.  
Reality: This is not entirely true.   Solar panels can be recycled. The majority of solar panels installed today are made of glass, aluminum, and silicon all of which is a highly recyclable materials. With that said, the processes are inefficient and not scalable at this time.  The industry is actively working to develop effective and efficient methods for recycling solar panels, and the technology is expected to improve over time. 

Myth: Solar panels require a lot of water to clean.
Reality:  In most cases, solar panels don't require cleaning.  Mother Nature and a little rain is usually enough to keep your system clean.  

Myth: Solar panels can only generate electricity during the summer.
Reality: Solar panels can generate electricity year-round.   High Efficient Tier-1 Panels work well in low light so they will generate more electricity than traditional panels during dawn, dusk, and cloudy days.  

Myth: Solar panels are not reliable in extreme weather conditions.
Reality: Solar panels and their racking systems are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds and hail.

Myth: Solar panels are not aesthetically pleasing.
Reality:  Polycrystalline and the panels that first went up were ugly but the newer Monocrystalline are beautiful.   People are also getting used to them.  It's kind of like telephone poles... those things are really ugly but people don't see them when they're driving around.   Soon solar will be so common, people will be noticing the roofs without solar instead of the homes that have it.   

Myth: Solar panels require a battery to work.
Reality: Batteries are optional.  Solar panels can generate electricity without a battery.   With Net Metering, you're using the grid as your storage.   When your system overproduces, you send that excess energy out to the grid to be used at a later time.    

Myth: Solar panels have a short lifespan.
Reality:  Tier-1 Solar Panels are designed to last for decades and are guaranteed for 25 years.  Many of today's panels can last 40 years.  

Myth: Solar panels are not energy efficient.
Reality: Solar panels are highly efficient and can convert up to 20% of the sun's energy into usable electricity.

Myth: Solar panels can cause power outages.
Reality: Solar panels are designed to work in conjunction with the grid and do not cause power outages.

Myth: Solar panels can't be installed on flat roofs.
Reality: Solar panels can be installed on flat roofs, and there are even special mounting systems designed for this purpose.

Myth: Solar panels are not suitable for cloudy areas.
Reality: Solar panels can still generate electricity in cloudy areas, although the output may be lower.

Myth: Solar panels don't work at night.
Reality: Solar panels do not generate electricity at night, but excess energy generated during the day can be stored for use at night.