The Most Common Misconceptions Regarding Solar Energy
Solar energy is one of the most commonly known types of renewable energy. While it is well-known, there are still many misconceptions regarding this. It is important to know what these misconceptions are and what the truth is.
Solar Panels Do Not Work In Cloudy Or Snowy Conditions
There are many people who assume you need full sunlight for solar panels to work. This is untrue and these panels can work in the cold, cloudy conditions of winter. The technology that powers these panels will actually work better in cold environments compared to hot ones.
If there is cloud cover, the efficiency of the panels will not be compromised. The amount of energy you get on winter days will be the same as that generated on sunny summer days. Many panels also have systems that melt snow that settles on them to gain access to light.
Solar Panels Are Not Economically Viable
At one point, it was extremely expensive to install solar panels and this made it impossible for the average person to have them. These times are long past and between 2009 and 2015, the costs of solar panels have decreased making them more affordable. On average, the cost of solar panels has decreased by 30%.
In terms of the wider economy, solar energy is more viable than any other form of energy. It has bee found that solar energy is cheaper to generate than energy from coal. This makes it a good option for the economy as a whole.
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Solar Panels Are Hard To Install And Need A Lot Of Maintenance
Solar panel installation can be simple if you work with the right manufacturer. The company you purchase the solar panels from will generally offer an installation service as well. This is something you need to consider using, particularly if you want to make use of any grants for having solar panels.
When it comes to maintenance, there is less to do than many people assume. Solar panels do need to be cleaned to remove dust and debris that accumulates on them. However, the construction of the panels generally makes this easy. Solar panels are also designed to withstand harsh weather which reduces the maintenance needs.
Solar Panels Will Damage Your Roof
If you want solar energy for your home, you may assume the panels will damage your roof. This is something that many people assume, but it is not true. The section of the roof under the panels actually benefit from them because they are better protected.
Additionally, solar panels are not attached directly to the roof. There will be a gap between the panel and the roofing material. The metal mounts for the panels are protected by coverings which protects your roof even more.
At The End Of Their Life, Solar Panels Are Bad For The Environment
A lot of people have this misconception that once solar panels reach the end of their life, they will not be good for the environment. This is incorrect and solar panels will last for 25 years at the most. Once they reach the end of their lifespan, the solar panels can be recycled.
Some solar panel manufacturers will recycle your old solar panels for free. Of course, this will depend on the manufacturer you use.
There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding solar energy and solar panels. Many of these misconceptions are based on the past when solar panels were not as accessible. Other misconceptions come from a lack of understanding of how solar energy works and how it is generated. If you are unsure about solar energy, you should look for the truth regarding it.
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