Written by: Emily Joswiak • June 8, 2023• Lifestyle

Common Misconceptions About Solar Panels Debunked

Several misconceptions surround solar panels. This isn’t surprising since it’s a relatively new technology, but it’s up to us to debunk them.

Solar power is taking the world by storm. Solar panels dot every suburban residence, and businesses use solar power farms and floatation devices to power their operations. People are even using solar chargers to charge their phones! Despite all these things, misconceptions surround the purpose and capabilities of solar power. We’ll debunk some common misconceptions about solar panels to help you come to the correct conclusion about this technology.

Solar Power Only Works on Sunny Days

Many people believe that solar panels are perfect for sunny days but useless when clouds roll in. Solar technology is useful in many weather conditions, including snowy and rainy days. They don’t operate at full capacity during these times—you’ll likely get about 70 percent of the output you would normally get on sunny days.

Solar panels perform best in sunny and cold climates. This is because heat can interfere with sunlight conversion into electricity. The only time solar panels don’t draw power is at night. One of the benefits of solar battery storage for your home is that you can take advantage of solar energy during nighttime. Then, you’ll have power all day and night!

Solar Panels Aren’t Efficient Enough

You might hear that solar panels have an efficiency rate below 25 percent. Some sunlight will turn into heat instead of electricity, or sunlight might reflect off the panel. Solar cell materials can’t absorb every form of light on the spectrum, such as infrared. Inefficiency is a common misconception about solar panels. Solar energy is actually improving each year with further research, so solar panels are far more efficient than you think.

Solar Panel Installation Is Too Expensive

Residential costs for solar panel installation can be anywhere from $16,000-$35,000. That said, you don’t have to pay for everything in a lump sum before installation. Many solar financing options are available, and you can pay in small chunks over time. Many city and state tax rebates and incentives can offset costs, making solar power more than worth its upfront cost.

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Last modified: June 8, 2023