3 Popular Misconceptions Surrounding Solar Energy

By Author: Andrew Bain
Total Articles: 72
Comment this article

The concept of renewable solar energy has continued to grow in recent years, and more people are buying into the idea. Of course, this popularity and success cuts across all renewable energy systems today, especially solar energy sources, which are evolving and developing at an even quicker rate. According to recent energy reports, solar power sources have overtaken natural sources in new power generation capacity. It is said that solar contributes more than 30% of the total new electric generation capacity worldwide in recent years.
Moreover, various modern technological advancements have contributed significantly to boosting solar systems' efficiency and making them more resistant to shade from buildings, trees, and other elements. Ultimately, this has improved the energy percentage produced by solar systems for household consumption. Besides, many solar installation companies today offer solar system monitoring to allow homeowners to view real-time and historic solar system output data.
Considering the technology's dynamic nature and the many advancements it has recorded in recent times, many pieces of information ...
... about it that were true some years back are no longer correct today. As such, they can now be considered myths. This article will discuss some of these myths and the truth about them. Read on to find out more.
Misconception 1: Solar PV systems Require Constant Maintenance and Repairs
Because they are often mounted outside, many people have been made to believe that solar PV systems will require tons of maintenance and repairs. Consequently, some people are still skeptical about adopting the technology. But then, this belief is not valid for modern solar PV systems.
Considering that grid-tied solar electric systems do not have any moving parts and do not come with batteries, they barely have any maintenance needs. Moreover, most solar systems are built to be quite durable, with a design life of about 25 to 30 years. This quality is why most solar panel manufacturers offer 20 to 30 years warranties for their products.
However, it is recommended that you check your solar panels for dust or debris a few times yearly. When necessary, clean them with a garden hose, and you can continue enjoying optimum energy output.
Misconception 2: Solar Power Systems are Quite Expensive
Another myth about solar energy systems that have been peddled for many years now is that they are too expensive. Well, this information used to be true for the technology a few decades ago. However, it is no longer valid, as solar energy costs have plummeted in recent times.
Advancements in solar technology and environmental monitoring solutions have contributed significantly to promoting the system's energy production rates. This development has made it possible for the technology to produce more power for residential use at lower costs. Also, pieces of solar equipment are being mass-produced by manufacturers today, causing significant drops in their prices.
Misconception 3: Solar Panels do not Generate Enough Power During the Winter
One of the most popular myths about solar energy systems is that they do not generate enough electricity during winter. But then, there is not much truth in this belief.
Solar energy systems can generate sufficient electricity during winter and the cold unless covered in ice or snow. It does not matter the sun's position in the sky, or whether the days have become shorter, your solar system will still generate enough power for you and your family throughout winter.
Conclusion
It is no longer news that renewable solar energy systems have become more widely accepted worldwide in recent times. However, there is still some misinformation about the technology that people believe. This article has discussed some popular myths about renewable solar energy and the truth about them.

Managing director of leading Australian cleaning company, Worth Every Cent Cleaning.