Common Misconceptions About Solar Panels

The use of solar panels is on the rise as more and more consumers are looking into renewable options for their energy needs. Solar energy has a wide array of benefits ranging from being sustainable to significantly reduced energy bills.
The use of solar panels is, however, still new, and there are a lot of misconceptions and myths still associated with it. This can cause you to be caught in a web of confusion when you decide to convert your conventional energy system to a solar power system.
This article addresses the most common misconceptions about solar panels so that you can gain clarity.

Roof Damage

This is a common myth associated with solar panels. Most people are averted from installing solar panels because they think the panels will damage their roof. This is not true at all. If your panels are installed correctly, there is no chance of your roof being damaged; rather, the panels protect the portion of the roof over which they are installed.
Furthermore, it is always a good idea to thoroughly inspect your roof before the installment of solar panels. This way, any prior damage to the roof can be easily repaired. If, however, your roof does undergo any damage while the solar panels are installed, then it is quite easy to make repairs.

Warm Sunny Weather Is A Must

Perhaps the oldest and most common misconception regarding solar panels is that they are only capable of generating electricity while the sun is shining bright. On cloudy days the panels cease to produce energy.
It is true to some extent that solar panels depend on the sun’s energy to generate electricity but there is a storage option that is in-built in the panels and that allows them to function optimally even on the days when the sun is not out.
Nowadays, most modern solar panels are designed to absorb the sun's radiation, and these panels work better in climates where the temperatures remain slightly lower all year round.
They work on the principle that electrical conductivity increases with a decrease in temperature. Hence, the temperature has no impact on the usefulness of solar panels.

High Installation Cost

Another common reason why most people are a little apprehensive about installing solar power systems in their homes is that they think the installation cost of the panels is too high.
The total cost is dependent on several factors—these range from the size of your house to the variant you want to install. Although the cost of the initial installment of solar panels can be a little high, the reduction they can bring about in your energy bills can compensate for the high initial cost.
Installing solar panels is an investment for you. If you make this investment once, it can most likely pay you off for a long time to come. Even if you decide to sell your house, the solar panels will increase the value"> of your residential property.

High Maintenance Cost

Most people believe that the maintenance cost of solar panels comes with a hefty price tag. However, that has little truth in it. Solar panels, once installed correctly, do not need expensive or frequent maintenance.
As they do not have any moving parts in their mechanism, therefore, all that is required for them is regular cleaning. This will remove the dirt and debris that accumulates on the panel’s overtime and ensure their proper functioning.
Other than that, all that is required is a mid-interval inspection to rule out any malfunctioning of your solar power system.

Compromised Efficiency

Most consumers complain that solar panels only have 22% efficiency, which does not equate to 100% efficiency. Indeed, most solar power systems cannot function at 100% efficiency.
That is because the solar cells present in solar panels made for commercial or residential use can only absorb a certain wavelength of sunlight. Sunlight is made up of a combination of a lot of different wavelengths of energy.
Solar panels are not capable of absorbing all of that energy. However, the amount of radiation that the sun projects down in almost an hour is sufficient to fulfill the energy needs of a household for an entire year.
Keeping this in mind it is safe to say that solar panels are quite efficient even if they function at only 22% of their full capacity.

Conclusion

Solar power systems have evolved the way energy requirements were met in the past. With the environment-friendly benefits associated with the use of solar panels, they are increasingly becoming a favorite for most homeowners.
As with all new things, solar panels also have a plethora of misunderstandings attached to them. By clarifying your mind about these myths, you can make the best choice regarding solar panels for your house.