As the world’s population has been growing rapidly over the years, the demand for efficient, cost-effective, reliable, and everlasting renewable sources of energy has also been increasing exponentially. Solar energy, among other renewable sources of energy, has been a promising way of meeting the ever-increasing energy demand. It has been used worldwide to sustain the lives of many less fortunate families and spur economic growth in developing countries. However, there have been several misconceptions about solar energy leading to barriers to understanding its operations.
This article gives you more information about the truth and myths about solar energy to help you know the facts in order to make the right decisions while considering this form of energy as an option to solve your energy crisis. The most common myths and facts about solar energy include the following:
Solar systems are too expensive and not viable
On the contrary, having a residential solar energy system is cheaper in Australia than buying electricity from a local power supplier. An effectively designed solar system can pay its cost back within three years. Through the site’s available space, angle, shading, and direction, a competent designer will calculate the production estimate of your standard system and give you payback for it within the period.
Installing a solar system is complicated.
Ideally, installing a solar system produced by a qualified manufacturer is simple and easy to install. You only need to follow all the installation guidelines provided. However, if you don’t understand the process, invite the experts to efficiently do the work for you.
Solar systems require a lot of maintenance
This is one of the most widespread myths about solar energy. However, most residential solar panels are nearly maintenance-free. They are made of materials with strong resistance to harsh weather conditions. You only need to clean the panels with water to remove accumulated dust or debris that may affect the system’s performance. The only minimal maintenance that may be needed is for the inverter, which is manufacturer’s specific.
Solar energy can still power a home when the power goes out.
This has been one of the confusing misconceptions about solar energy. Actually, in the event of a blackout, the grid-tied system will go out too. This is because it is risky to allow the electric currents to flow through wires when electricians are fixing the problem. So the inverter is designed in a way that it will automatically go off once the grid shuts off to prevent the flow of electricity from the solar system. However, Solarcraft is configured with a Battery Energy System with a great capacity to store energy that can be used to power a home during the shutdown.
Selling your home won’t be easy with solar panels
The solar panels will actually improve the value of your home. A study conducted in the United States has shown that homes with solar panels actually sell faster than homes without solar panels. The same case is true in Australia.
Solar panels can work at night.
The operation of the solar panel is dependent on the presence of sunlight. They produce energy based on the amount of sunlight they are exposed to. But others can connect a battery to the solar panel to store sufficient power for use at night. When this is done, the panel’s metering system helps regulate the power accumulation during the day to prevent excess storage in the battery.
Solar panels cause great environmental pollution
Most solar panel manufacturers hardly use other energy sources that have potential harmful environmental effects. Their solar energy plants produce no greenhouse gases or air pollution elements. Essentially, most solar panels are designed and manufactured to last for 25 years and can be recycled thereafter. This clearly indicates how safer these products are to the surrounding.
Solar panels can damage the roof
Solar installation experts always mount the panels perfectly without damaging the roof. In fact, the roof portions covered by the panels are protected from any damage. Sealant is constantly used to fill the gaps that may exist between the roofing materials and the panels. Always ensure your roof is free from any damage before the panels are mounted.
From the above discussion, it’s evident that there are many misconceptions about solar energy. However, the fact remains that solar energy is one of the best forms of renewable energy we have today. With many industries and private entities adopting the use of solar energy, it’s true to say that solar is true power.