The Truth About Home Solar Can Set Your Mind at Ease

Solar power has been around since the first star first flashed into existence. Solar power has been what fuels the engine that runs everything on the earth from the very beginning. All forms of fossil fuel are derived from solar energy long ago stored in the form of decaying plants and animals.

Solar power drives the rain cycle and the winds as well. All power is solar power, but other than tapping into stored solar, we have only recently been able to turn the direct energy of the sun into power we can use to heat our homes and hot water, run our small appliances, and enjoy the many other conveniences and necessities of contemporary life.

Despite the fact that solar power has been is all around us and has been the driving force behind everything on this planet for longer than we’ve been a species, there are several persistent myths surrounding solar power. In this post, we’ll take a look at three of the biggest myths about solar.

Solar Power Is Only Viable Where It Is Sunny Most of the Time

False! If anyone tries to tell you that solar panels only produce energy when the sun is shining on them directly, tell them to check their facts. It is true that the sunny states of the desert Southwest and states with mostly sunny weather like California and Florida are ideal locations for solar power generation, solar panels work just fine in locations that are better known for overcast skies.

As long as light from the sun (even light diffused a bit through cloud cover) is hitting your solar panels, they will generate electricity. In fact, solar panels are actually a bit more efficient in colder climates. The trick to maximizing the output of your solar panels is to keep them clean and free of debris like leaves and to make sure they aren’t covered with snow – though they will still generate a modicum of power if covered by a bit of snow or ice.

Installing Solar Traps You In Your Home

False! Solar is an investment and one that can take years to pay for itself if you purchase it outright. But a solar power system will add value to your home, provided you aren’t leasing it. It becomes a feature of the home and is actually a selling point for many contemporary buyers. In fact, in some locations a installing home solar has a better return on investment than remodeling a kitchen or a bathroom.

Even leased solar power systems, as well as those purchased on contract or under a power purchase agreement are generally transferable to a potential home buyer. Understanding what you are signing up for and what could potentially happen with your solar power system when you are ready to sell your are great topics to bring up with your solar installer.

Home Solar Systems Are Expensive to Purchase and Hard to Maintain

False! While a home solar system will set you back more than what you might pay for a big vacation, the cost of home solar has been coming down steadily decade after decade as the technology behind solar has become easier to manufacture. Today’s home solar is more efficient and less expensive than ever before. Not only is today’s solar cheaper, it is practically maintenance free.