Debunking Solar Myths
SOLAR MYTH #1
"I should wait for new technology."
FALSE
Unlike your cell phone or computer, modern solar technology has changed little for decades. Solar modules are simple in design and construction. Sure, there will be some improvements in solar panel technology, but the truth is that there is much more benefit in starting to save money on your electric bill now.
SOLAR MYTH #2
"Solar rebates have expired."
FALSE
Actually, it is just the opposite. As of June, 2012 there were more than 1,100 active solar rebate programs with millions of dollars of funding. The 30% Federal Income Tax Credit for solar electricity also applies. Utility company incentive programs fluctuate. They are not guaranteed and they are often reduced as demand increases.
SOLAR MYTH #3
"Solar power will not make my electric meter spin backwards."
FALSE
With solar it is possible at times for your home to produce more electricity than it's using, which can cause your electric meter to spin backwards! Think of the grid as a bank where you're storing the excess energy not used. So when you use electricity during non-solar times like night-time, the system automatically pulls your stored energy from the grid and uses it.
SOLAR MYTH #4
"I will need a battery system to store my solar energy."
FALSE
There is no reason to store energy because systems are connected to the electric utility grid. The benefit of staying connected to the grid is to take advantage of "net metering".
With net metering, you stay connected to the utility grid and keep your current local utility company. On days when your home solar system produces more electricity than your home is using, your utility company will automatically credit your account. At night and on days when your home uses more electricity than your system is producing, you'll use up those credits and draw electricity from the grid. Net metering happens automatically while you continue to use all of your electrical appliances as you always have. You'll still have a bill from your utility, but it will be smaller.
Occasionally we have a customer in a remote area that does not have electric service to their property. We can install a battery storage system in those cases; however, batteries are expensive and require maintenance.
SOLAR MYTH #5
"It will be harder to resell my house with solar panels."
FALSE
Research by the Department of Energy finds that "solar homes sell at up to twice the rate of their conventional counterparts." Their research also found that homeowners consider energy costs an extremely important factor in the decision to buy a home. Solar panels provide a competitive advantage because a home's owner is not as subject to constantly rising utility prices.
SOLAR MYTH #6
"Solar power does not work in areas that get snow."
FALSE
If it snows enough to completely cover your panels, they will not produce electricity while covered. However, snow slides easily off of panels, and your panels tend to be located where your roof gets the most sun, so the snow on your panels will melt and your panels will resume producing electricity. If you live in an area where snow days are common, snow days will be factored into your system's projected production. Solar panels are designed to be hail resistant.
SOLAR MYTH #7
"Solar panels hurt the U.S. economy."
FALSE
The solar industry employs more than 100,000 Americans, double the amount in 2009. They work at 5,600 companies, the vast majority being small business in all 50 states. The U.S. solar energy market grew 140% in the third quarter of 2011 over the same quarter the previous year, making it one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy.
SOLAR MYTH #8
"Solar is a fad."
FALSE
NASA, the U.S. military, the oil and telecommunications industries have been using solar power for decades because it is so dependable. Thousands of homeowners are benefiting from this time-tested technology.
SOLAR MYTH #9
"Solar doesn't work when it's cloudy."
FALSE
Solar panels operate most efficiently in direct sunlight. However they still produce power on overcast days and our estimating software calculates electricity production based on the annual weather for your area. In other words, the amount of cloudy days is taken into account when the system is designed.
SOLAR MYTH #10
"Solar system cost is solely based on a home's size."
FALSE
Since no two homes are identical, solar systems are designed specifically for each homeowner. We pay particular attention to the home's roof orientation and slope, as well as any shading from trees or other structures. We carefully review each home to maximize system production.
