Top 5 Myths About Solar Power

Here are the top 5 myths about solar power! As we review the myths, we’ll

also go over solar power facts so that all relevant information is available:

1. Solar power is too expensive. Actually, the price tag for solar panels

has been cut in 1/2 recently, and both federal and state tax credits and

other incentives help you save up to 80% of the retail cost. Factor in both

the improvement in home value ($20 for every $1 saved annually in electricity

costs) and the benefit of treading a bit more lightly on the environment, and

you’ll recoup your investment a lot more quickly. Oh, and don’t forget

how much lower your utility bills will be!

Considering solar power? You are in the right place

For a handy way to determine the cost of solar panels, use one of several

solar calculators.

2. Solar power will not work where I live. You must be subscribing to the

point of view that it has to be sunny for solar to be effective. Nope. All

you need is UV light (admittedly, the efficient is greater when you have

clear, sunny skies). In fact, Germany is the leader with respect to solar

energy. We all know that the country is not a sunshine-laden country.

Traditionally rainy locations, such as Seattle, Washington and London have

done a great job incorporating solar power, as well.

I am willing to bet that you can rely on solar power where you live too!

3. Solar power is inefficient. Again, the industry has made great strides

in this regard in recent years. It is important to consider that there are

two main ways that you can use solar power: on your own home, with solar

panels or solar roof tiles, or through a utility-scale solar plant. With the

former, you pocket all the profits from going green – that is, a lower

utility bill, and improved home value. With the latter, however, you can

enjoy a smaller carbon footprint and the assurance of electricity prices not

rising as supplies dry up… the sun will not stop shining anytime soon.

Two types of utility solar plants have been developed: solar fields and

concentrated solar power. We are fast approaching grid-parity – that is,

the point at which solar power does not cost any more than coal or other

fossil-fuel based power. In the meantime, government incentives and the

interest of people like you will keep the industry moving forward.

4. Solar power is ugly. Many are concerned about a blight on their rooftop

with large solar panels. Of course, others see the panels as a badge of

honor: as in, "look what I am doing to save the environment."

Regardless, if you don’t see the beauty in solar panels, you can still

convert to solar energy at home with solar roof tiles or solar shingles. New

technology allows solar power installations to blend in seamlessly with your

roof. Then, its up to you to brag about going solar.

5. Solar power isn’t better for the environment. Much ado is made about

– IMHO – nothing. People that traditionally support coal or oil claim

that silicon used for solar panels is dangerous. But the reality is that

solar power is considerably less polluting than its counterparts. According

to an article in ScienceDaily:

"In a finding that could help ease concerns about the potential

environmental impact of manufacturing solar cells, scientists report that the

manufacture of solar cells produces far fewer air pollutants than

conventional fossil fuel technologies. Their report is the first

comprehensive study on the pollutants produced during the manufacture of

solar cells."

Of course, the short-term thinking of opponents to solar power do not

consider the long-term implications of continuing to rely on limited

fossil-fuels, as opposed to renewable energy that will be there for as long

as we are – including solar power.

The bottom line here is a suggestion to do thorough research. Sure, there

are some disadvantages to solar energy, but I believe that the benefits

outweigh the downsides. There are definitely myths circulating about solar

power. Sift through all the information you can find, then make a measured

decision.