Solar power has become one of the world’s greatest forms of renewable energy but despite the increased popularity and growth there are still a number of common myths circulating about solar power.
Many of these myths came about in the early 2000s when the technology was just getting started and may even have been true for a handful of early providers, while others have never been true, and clearing up these myths is an important factor in persuading others to begin making use of solar power.
The efficiency of solar panels
One of the most common myths is that coal is still more reliable as an energy source than is the case with solar power.
Many people have fallen for propaganda suggesting that solar power will not work at night, or in bad weather or during the months of winter. The reality is that solar panels will continue working in sunshine, cold weather and when it is cloudy.
The efficiency of solar panels is not inhibited by cloudy weather and during such time enough power can still be produced to make it viable as an electricity source. Solar power systems are still efficient in cooler nations such as the United Kingdom and Germany.
Another rather bizarrely common myth is that solar power stop working in extremely high temperatures. While an elevated temperature may result in a slight reduction of the efficiency of solar power, there is no specific temperature at which solar panels will suddenly cease to function.
Ironically given some misconceptions, cold weather can increase the performance that solar panels are able to give.
The simplicity of solar panels
Another common myth is that the installation of solar panels is very complex and that they will require a great deal of maintenance. In truth, so long as a reliable manufacturer is used the installation of solar panels is actually quite straightforward.
A system that is connected to a utility grid, which is the case with many electricity systems, actually also makes solar panels even simpler to maintain. Simple cleaning with water to remove trapped debris, dust or snow is the only maintenance that will be required, with panels designed to cope with bad weather such as hail and sleet.
One rather strange myth about solar power is that the installation of solar panels will actually damage the roof of your home. Actually the roof will benefit from the installation of solar panels as the panels will actually help to protect and preserve it.
The panels are mounted on top of the roof rather than being directly attached, meaning that if the roof is damaged the panels are easy to remove to allow for repairs, while sealant is usually used to fill any gaps between the panels and the roof.
Perhaps the oddest myth of all is that having solar panels will make it more difficult to resell your home. This is simply the complete opposite of the truth, with the majority of studies clearly showing that homes without solar panels sell far less quickly than those with them.
