Solar Myths Busted: 6 Things Homeowners Should Know
Imagine slashing your electricity bill while contributing to a cleaner, greener planet—all from the comfort of your own home. Sounds too good to be true? Think again. As residential solar power surges in popularity, many homeowners still find themselves tangled in myths and misconceptions. Let’s clear the air by debunking the most common solar myths, so you can make an informed decision about harnessing the power of the sun for your home.
Myth 1: Solar Panels Don’t Work on Cloudy or Rainy Days
Many homeowners believe that it must be sunny outside for solar panels to work. While it seems logical, this is an incorrect assumption, as solar panels work in virtually any weather condition. This is because all solar panels need to work is sunlight. The sun is so powerful that sunlight still reaches the earth, even in rain or snow. In fact, solar panels tend to perform the best in colder conditions because heat can interfere with converting sunlight into electricity. This is why solar panels are still effective in Alaska, even with fewer daylight hours.
Myth 2: Solar is Too Expensive for the Average Homeowner
Residential solar power isn’t as expensive as people think, but it is an investment. On average, the typical residential solar system costs under $30,000. Although this sounds like a lot initially, it doesn’t need to be paid immediately. Several financing options include subsidized solar energy loans, solar leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). You may also be able to add solar as part of a mortgage loan. With PPAs or solar leases, consumers may not need to put any money down to go solar.
Myth 3: Solar Power Doesn’t Save That Much Money
If you’re worried that solar panels won’t save you much, think again. While the initial investment might seem steep, the long-term savings on your energy bills can be substantial. In fact, depending on where you live, you could save up to $100,000 over the lifetime of your solar system. The best part? The higher your local electricity rates, the more you’ll benefit from making the switch to solar. It’s a smart investment that pays off over time.
Myth 4: Solar Panels Will Damage My Roof
Properly installed solar panels will not damage your roof and, in some cases, can even extend its life. It is essential to work with a qualified electrical professional to install your residential solar system. Solar panels are typically anchored with lag bolts that can serve as structural reinforcement for your roof. Electrical professionals use flashing to seal the solar panel mounting points, preventing water leakage from inclement weather.
Be sure to check the condition of your roof before installing solar panels. If your home’s roof needs replacing in the next few years, you may want to do so before installing solar panels. Otherwise, you can face increased costs when it’s time to replace your roof, as the solar system will need to be removed and reinstalled.
Myth 5: Solar Requires Too Much Maintenance
How much work is it to keep up with residential solar? Typical upkeep is minimal and includes occasional cleaning and inverter checks. In areas with limited rainfall, cleaning off any debris, dirt, or bird droppings on the panels is beneficial to ensure efficiency. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations before cleaning solar panels. Many solar panels offer system monitoring features so homeowners can see how much electricity the system produces. If there are issues or underperforming panels, call a professional electrician to address them.
Myth 6: Solar Panels Won’t Increase My Home’s Value
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, investing in residential solar panels will likely improve the value of your home. In addition, a recent study revealed some impressive numbers. According to Zillow, homes with solar installations can see an increase in resale value of up to $5,911 for every kilowatt of solar panels added. Another study even estimated that solar power could boost a home’s value by as much as 4.1%. It’s clear that investing in solar energy doesn’t just save you money—it can also enhance your property’s worth.
Call a PPNW Electrician for Solar Panel Installation in Oregon & Washington
Now that we’ve busted six top myths, you may be considering going solar! It’s critical to work with skilled electrical professionals who are qualified to install residential solar systems properly.
Powering Pacific Northwest electrical pros are licensed, bonded, and safety-minded. Our contractors and electricians specialize in solar panel installation, diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs. You can rest assured that our team will do the job right.
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