Property owners can generate renewable energy with solar panels, significantly cutting down traditional utility bill costs, so why are people resistant to the idea of upgrading to these renewable energy solutions?
This reluctance is frequently due to the many misconceptions about how solar power systems function. If you have concerns about switching to alternative energy, clear up your doubts by learning the truth behind some of these myths.
What Are Common Misconceptions About Solar Power Systems?
1. Solar Panels Only Work in Certain Weather Conditions and Temperatures
Although solar panels collect more energy on days when the sun is out, they still work when the weather is not bright and sunny. There are ultraviolet (UV) rays in the atmosphere, even on overcast days, so you can still get power during rainy periods.
Many systems have backup batteries to store excess energy on sunny days, allowing you to use reserved power during prolonged overcast periods. Using a solar panel doesn’t mean you are entirely “off the grid” either. Your property will still be connected to the grid, allowing you access to more traditional forms of power via your utility company if necessary.
2. Solar Storage Systems Are Too Expensive
While solar panels do come with a high upfront cost, there are still saving potentials. Some companies offer financing to help with the initial investment, and based on your location, your local government or energy providers may even be able to help. These possibilities vary by state, so you should research whether your solar panel installation can be subsidized via state or federal tax incentives and rebates.
Though it may come with a high upfront cost, going solar will save you money in many ways. As electric rates increase, you are protected from rapidly growing electric bills since you rely more on electricity from your solar panels and batteries than from a utility company.
The long-term costs of these systems are low, generally lasting 30 years or more. Many even come with warranties of at least 20 to 25 years. The long lifespan and low maintenance costs allow plenty of time for the initial investment to pay off through energy savings.
3. Panels Need Frequent Maintenance and Replacements
Some homeowners worry the cost of solar panels won’t be worthwhile if they need constant maintenance or frequent replacement. However, modern panels are incredibly durable and only need regular inspection and cleaning, meaning they don’t require much time or money to maintain. As explained above, solar panels can last around 30 years, so replacements are unlikely to be a reoccurring cost.
4. Excess Solar Energy is Wasted
If you have a solar panel system for your home or business, any excess power you don’t use flows back to your utility grid. Holu Hou Energy’s HoluPower xP Energy Storage System will instead store your extra solar in a series of batteries for later use. These batteries enable property owners to make the most of their solar panels by saving energy for a rainy day, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
5. Solar Isn’t Feasible for an Apartment or Condo
Many people fear that they won’t be able to utilize solar power because they don’t own a house, but thanks to technological advancements, there are a variety of strategies to make sharing solar panels practical. Installing Holu Hou Energy’s HoluPower xP Energy Storage System with EnergyShare Technology at your multi-unit complex means any excess power will be shared between units. If there is a surplus of PV generation that one unit doesn’t need, the remaining energy is sent to a unit with a higher consumption rate instead of sending the excess to the grid. Some property owners may also benefit from community solar programs.
6. Panels Can Damage Roofs
Panels are flat and lightweight, so they should not strain your roof significantly. They are designed to connect to your home’s exterior and won’t damage your structure if installed by qualified professionals following the manufacturer’s guidelines. If your roof is damaged, repair or replace it before installing panels. A good quality roof will prevent the need to remove and reinstall solar devices.
7. Large Appliances Can’t Run on Solar
A leading benefit of utilizing solar Energy Storage Systems is that you have control over where the load goes. Depending on how much energy your solar battery is saving and where you decide to use it, anything from a stove and refrigerator to an air conditioner can run on solar, often simultaneously. Each appliance in your home draws a different amount of power, so the choice lies in your hands about which devices you choose.
8. Solar Panels Aren’t as Eco-Friendly as They Say
It is easy to assume that the production of solar panels and their afterlife do more harm to the Earth than their sustainable energy does good, but thankfully that is not the case. The impact of manufacturing solar systems is far less than other traditional energy sources because the process produces fewer greenhouse gases. They are designed to last up to 30 years, commonly made with non-toxic Crystalline PV cells, which are composed of natural resources including sand, silver, and aluminum.
Solar panels are often thought to be thrown into landfills once they have lived past their usefulness, but that is not usually the case! Most are sent to solar-specific recycling plants to find new life.
Ready to Go Solar?
If you’re interested in solar panels and batteries that meet your unique needs, contact Holu Hou Energy. Our solar contractors have designed systems to suit home and business owners across Hawaii and the Mainland since 2019. We are happy to discuss your solar concerns and answer any questions you have.
