Debunking Some Common Myths About Solar Energy

There is a rising demand for renewable forms of energy to reduce the effects of global warming on the environment. There are numerous resources of renewable energy around us such as hydropower, wind, solar, and more. Among these solar energy has the highest potential to be used year-round.

Although solar energy has gained increased popularity in recent years, it is still a relatively newer type of renewable compared to hydropower. This is why there is still some skepticism surrounding the benefits of solar energy. These misconceptions are the main reason why many households and businesses are still reluctant to incorporate solar energy into their daily lives, despite the numerous benefits it offers.

Continue reading to find out what they are and why they are not true to remove the skepticism about solar energy from your mind and improve the future outlook for it.

Solar Energy Is Expensive

This is probably the most common misconception about solar energy that both homeowners and business owners have. Some people avoid using solar power for residential and commercial purposes due to cost concerns. The initial photovoltaic or solar energy generation system installation process does require you to make an up-front payment but it is a one-time investment.

The solar panel installation typically costs less as a result of energy savings on other sources like the power grid in the long run. Grid-tied solar systems allow you to save a considerable amount of money on your monthly energy bills. It often provides solar energy consumers with a positive cash flow by redistributing your surplus power back into the primary grid. This will increase your electricity credits that can be used in the coming months.

The technology involved in the production of solar panel systems has greatly evolved over the past few years, which has led to a significant reduction in the installation of solar systems and maintenance costs.

Solar Panel Systems Have A Short Lifespan

Like any other electronic equipment or product, solar or PV cells come with a specific lifespan after which they will not remain effective. However, many people seem to believe that solar panel systems are functional for only a few months or years and break easily. This is not true as the majority of modern solar modules produced today can easily last for up to two to three decades requiring little maintenance from time to time.

Solar panel system manufacturers provide performance warranties for their solar systems. This guarantees that at least 80 percent of the initial generation capacity will still be useful after 25-30 years of initial installation. Moreover, solar thermal collectors can also be recycled after the completion of their useful lifespan. After appropriate recycling, these solar array materials can then be used to make new products, which will continue to provide sustainable solar energy for another solar system’s life cycle.

Solar Modules Damage Your Roof

In addition to providing you with clean energy from solar power, rooftop solar panels also help preserve and protect the part of your roof that they cover. In case you want to get some repairs done on your roof’s surface where the solar panel array is installed, you can remove these panels without having to completely remove the attachment hardware from your roof.

Roof flashings are always used by reliable solar system installation experts wherever possible to provide a primary weather seal. They also use specialized sealant as a secondary layer of weather seal.

Read: Top 5 Things To Consider Before Having Solar Panels Installed On Your Roof

Solar Panels Do Not Function During Winter

The fact that solar panel systems require sunlight to produce electricity makes people think that they cannot provide electricity if there is no sun on a given day. This has led to another common myth that if you live in an unusually cold area in Canada that receives many snowstorms, then your solar panels will generate less solar energy compared to summer.

This is untrue because solar energy systems actually work more efficiently during the winter season due to colder air temperatures. Although the productivity of solar systems reduces due to less intense sunlight in the winter months, solar arrays are still capable of generating electricity year-round.

Snow-covered solar panels after a blizzard will not generate solar energy as they won’t be able to catch any sunlight. However, as power production in winter is a priority for the PV systems’ design, the solar panel array can be tilted at an angle to ensure that the snow will automatically slide off when the sun comes out.

Read: How Can Solar Power Systems Ensure A Better Future?

About Us

At Sundawg Solar, we provide quality solar energy system installation in Saskatchewan. We can help your home, business, or farm become more sustainable and energy-efficient. Contact us for more information regarding rural solar power system installation and other services.