Solar is a relatively new technology, therefore, there are several misconceptions circulating that may dissuade people from pursuing it as a source of energy. From the belief that solar doesnt work when the sun isnt shining, to the misconception that solar panels will damage rooftops, it is important to debunk these myths so residential and commercial customers alike will be more inclined to pursue solar as a source of renewable energy.

Myth #1: Solar panels dont work when the sun isnt shining.
Although solar panels are more efficient in the presence of direct sunlight, they can actually use direct or indirect sunlight to generate power.  For this reason, solar panels will still be effective during storms and on cloudy days. Additionally, rain can be beneficial to the panels since it washes away debris, which can lead to increased energy production when the storm passes. In the event that solar production does decrease, customers can utilize a system called net metering. This way, they can export excess energy to the grid when they are overproducing, and draw energy back from the grid when the sun isnt shining.

Myth #2: Solar panels are too expensive for widespread use.
Another common misconception is that solar panels are only accessible to the very wealthy. While solar panels can be expensive, with a 25 kW system typically costing around $70,000, there are many solar rebate and tax incentive programs that can help offset the cost. Additionally, customers can explore solar financing options that allow them to pay for the panels over time. Furthermore, it typically takes around just 8 years for customers to completely offset the cost of their panels as a result of consistent savings on their electric bills and the ability to sell excess power back to the grid. Since solar panels can last more than 25 years, and still function at over 90% efficiency at the end of this period, it's easy to see why they can be a worthwhile investment for many customers.

Myth #3: Relying too much on solar and other renewable energy sources makes the grid unreliable.
When the technology was new, critics of renewable energy claimed that solar panels were more expensive and less dependable than fossil fuels. However, a study by the U.S. Department of Energy states that œthe growth of renewable power, including wind and solar, has not harmed the reliability of the U.S. electricity grid. Numerous studies spanning most regions of the nation claim that significantly higher amounts of renewable energy may be integrated into the grid without decreasing the reliability of the system.

Myth #4: Solar panels will damage your rooftops.
Many potential solar users are concerned that the panels may damage their rooftops. However, as long as the panels are installed correctly, they should not cause any damage. Solar panels may even do the opposite, effectively protecting rooftops from the elements and reducing the risk of leaks and damage.

Myth #5: Solar panels require a lot of maintenance.
Some customers are concerned that once their solar panels are installed, they will have to spend too much time and money on maintenance to make their systems worthwhile. In reality though, most customers will not have to worry about maintenance for many years. The only routine maintenance needed for solar panels is occasional cleaning and annual inspections.

Hopefully, experts will continue debunking myths surrounding solar energy so that customers will feel less apprehensive about purchasing and installing PV systems. This will help us work towards a future that transitions away from fossil fuels and relies instead on renewable energy.