By: Jonathan Martine
Solar is one of the most talked about renewable energy sources. But because of all the information you can find about solar on the internet, there are also a lot of misconceptions. This article will clear things up by debunking the top 5 most popular solar myths (#4 might surprise you).
MYTH #1 – “It’s too expensive to get solar panels.”
NOT TRUE. Studies show that 94% of homeowners save about 20% off of their current utility rates. If you can afford your normal utility bill, then you can afford to go solar and likely keep some money in your pocket at the same time.
MYTH #2 – “I will still pay my full utility bill and my solar bill.”
NOT TRUE. By going solar, a homeowner’s utility bill should drop significantly depending on how much energy the panels produce. While there still may be a small bill the utility company because of being connected to the grid, the total amount paid for energy should be less than without solar. Typical charges for grid connection range from $5 - $20.
MYTH #3 - “I need to buy the entire solar system up front.”
NOT TRUE. With the monthly lease or finance purchase option, a homeowner does not need to come out of pocket with any money. Learn more about your solar options HERE.
MYTH #4 – “I may not live in my home long enough to repay my investment and buyers won’t want solar which will make it harder to sell my home.”
NOT TRUE. Whether you lease or purchase, savings can be seen the moment you go solar. With the $0-down options, you see immediate benefits with lower energy costs each month. Solar also INCREASES the value of your home, should you sell. According to CNBC, “[solar can] increase the home’s value by up to 4.1% more than comparable homes with no solar panels”. In most parts of the country, going solar will actually grow your property value more than a kitchen renovation.
MYTH #5 – “Solar panels will power my home even if the neighborhood loses power”
IT DEPENDS. If a solar system has a battery backup, then you will still have power for a short while. If not, then you will still lose power since the solar system is still connected to the utility company’s grid. Thankfully, power outages are rare events overall and if they happen, they are usually short in length. Additionally, battery backups are costly and not always needed. In fact, more is involved in maintenance. At this time, battery backups are not cost-effective and practical overall.
IN CONCLUSION…
Those are the top 5 biggest solar myths! Which one surprised you? Let me know in the comments down below. Still have more questions about solar energy? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page HERE. Want to stay up to date with more solar information? Follow us on all of our social media platforms linked below. Until next time…
~Jonathan M.
Sources:
Sanchez, Valentina. “Solar Power Can Boost Your Home's Value - Especially in These 10 States.” CNBC, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2019, www.cnbc.com/2019/10/05/solar-power-can-boost-a-homes-value-in-these-10-states-the-most.html.