Debunking Solar Energy Myths: The Truth About Renewable Energy
According to the data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, solar power accounted for 3% of the total electricity generation in the country in 2020, and 4% in 2021. Solar is expected to continue to grow and is projected to account for more than 5% of the total electricity generation this year, and can reach up to 25% by 2050.
Despite this promising growth, there are still a lot of misconceptions about solar energy. Some people believe that solar energy installation is too expensive, while others think that it’s not reliable enough. In this blog post, we will debunk some of the most common solar energy myths. Read on to learn the truth about solar power.
Myth #1: Having More Solar Panels Can Reduce Energy Bills
This is a common misconception among new solar panel users. They believe that if they have more solar panels, they will consume less energy from the grid, and thus, their electricity bills will be lower. However, this is not always the case.
See, the number of panels to be installed takes into account your average daily energy consumption and the solar irradiance or brightness received at your location. Once your chosen solar company has determined the exact number of panels you need to cover your energy needs, any addition beyond that number will not provide any additional benefits in terms of energy bill reduction.
So while it may be tempting to add more panels during solar energy installation to save on your energy bills, it’s important to remember that this will not actually result in any additional savings. In fact, this can even lead to over-generation and decreased electricity production during peak hours.
Myth #2: Some Amount of Solar Energy Ends Up in the Grid
The truth is, when you produce solar power using your own solar panels, it goes directly into your home and is used there. Any excess solar energy that is not used by your home gets exported to the grid, and you get credited for it.
Just think of this solar energy as a way to offset your future energy usage. So, if you produce more solar power than what you currently need, you can use that credit in the future when your solar panels are not producing as much power (i.e., at night or on cloudy days).
Myth #3: Solar Energy Installation Can Damage Your Roof
People often think that the installation process will damage their roof and that they will have to spend extra money on repairs or replacements down the road. However, solar panel installation can actually extend the life of your roof by protecting it from weather elements like rain, snow, and hail. It works as an extra layer of protection for your roof and can even increase its resale value.
Myth #4: Solar Energy Is Not Reliable Enough
One of the main reasons why people are hesitant to switch to solar energy is because they think it’s not reliable enough. They believe that solar power can only be produced when the sun is out, and therefore it’s not a dependable source of energy.
However, this simply is not true. Solar panels can still produce electricity even on cloudy days. Even as this is not a major concern here in Arizona where it’s sunny most of the year, it’s worth mentioning that solar panels will continue to work well even if the weather is not ideal.
Ready To Go Solar?
If you were on the fence about solar energy, hopefully, this article has helped to debunk some of the myths that have been preventing you from making the switch. At iVee League Solar, we believe in the benefits of solar power and are passionate about helping property owners make the transition to solar energy.
If you’re interested in solar energy assessments and installation for your home or business, we would be more than happy to help. Contact us today to get in touch with our solar professionals.
