Busting Common Solar Power Myths
by Jackie TranIt’s time to dispel all those old, lingering myths about solar power. Solar technology has changed quite a bit in recent years!
Across Canada, you see more and more homeowners and businesses adopting solar power technology to help save money, provide reliable energy, and reduce dependence on traditional power grids. There’s a very good reason for this! Solar power technology has advanced remarkably in recent years, and innovation continues to redefine what solar power systems are capable of. However, there are still many persistent myths about solar power that influence a good number of Canadians to be unnecessarily skeptical about how it works, and what the real benefits of solar power are. Well, today we’re going to debunk these solar myths with the facts you need to know, and we will help to explain why transitioning to solar really does make a lot of sense.
Let’s get started with what is perhaps the most common solar power myth that we still hear about all the time!
Truth: Solar panels are effective even in cloudy and overcast conditions.
The ability of solar panels to generate a significant amount of power is not dependent on entirely clear skies. After all, you can still get a sunburn when it’s cloudy because UV radiation can penetrate cloud cover. In fact, even on cloudy and overcast days, modern solar power systems continue to generate a substantial level of electricity even when the sun isn’t shining brightly. Advancements in photovoltaic solar cell technology allow solar panels to harness energy from diffused sunlight, which makes them effective even in locations with temperamental weather, such as Canada. With the right solar system configuration, production efficiency can still reach up to 75-90% on cloudy days, which isn’t really much of a decrease at all.
Myth 2: Solar power systems require a lot of maintenance.
Truth: Solar panels are built to last and require very little maintenance.
Solar panels are incredibly durable! They require minimal upkeep to function properly and are designed to remain efficient for up to 30+ years of reliable energy production. Today’s solar panels are constructed with robust materials to withstand even the harshest outdoor weather and environmental conditions. Proper installation and occasional maintenance and cleaning are all that’s required on the part of the homeowner to keep solar panels performing efficiently for decades. Once the system is up and running, you’ll be amazed at how worry-free solar power can be.
Myth 3: Solar power systems are very expensive.
Truth: Solar power is more affordable and accessible than ever.
Like any other technology, advancements in materials, designs, and manufacturing processes continue to drive down the cost of solar panels while simultaneously increasing the efficiency and durability of solar systems. This means that today’s solar energy solutions offer a lot more bang for your buck than systems of the past. In the face of rising energy costs, the payback period for solar systems continues to shorten, and the ability to feed excess solar energy back to the grid for credits on your energy bill makes solar even more appealing. In addition, there are also many incentives and rebates offered by municipal, provincial, and federal governments to help assist homeowners to invest in alternative energy solutions like solar power. You can also take advantage of flexible financing options to help further reduce the upfront costs of solar power panels. In the long term, solar power is definitely a smart investment.
Learn more about Canadian solar rebates, incentives, and tax credits.
Myth 4: Solar panels can affect the curb appeal of your home.
Truth: Solar panels come in many different designs to suit your home and style.
As we’ve said, technological advancements have changed a lot of aspects of solar panels, including their appearance. Better materials and innovative designs have produced solar power panels that are much thinner, sleeker, and more stylish than the bulky, unsightly solar panels of years past. For example, the Maple Leaf 570w Bifacial All-Black Solar Panels are a mere 30mm thick, weigh just 31.5 kg, and offer a very subtle appearance when mounted on homes that have black shingles or other types of dark roofing materials. Modern solar power panels blend seamlessly into the architecture of most homes, or they can alternatively be mounted on standalone ground mounts away from the home if there is enough space available on the property.
Myth 5: Solar power is not reliable enough.
Truth: Solar power can be more consistently reliable than some energy grids.
The demand for electricity continues to grow in communities across Canada, and in many cases the aging power grid infrastructure is struggling to keep pace. Some regions of Canada are facing the need for rolling energy restrictions during periods of high demand, making solar power a very proactive solution for homeowners in these areas. Whether you choose to go entirely off-grid, or remain connected with a hybrid solar power system, you’ll never have to worry about unreliable power grids again. Modern solar power solutions with compact energy storage battery systems provide a consistent and dependable source of electricity. Energy production may fluctuate with weather patterns, but newer battery storage technology, such as the Maple Leaf Moose LiFePO4 Battery, ensures reliable power no matter what’s going on with the grid in your local area.
Myth 6: Solar power panels have lots of toxic chemicals in them.
Truth: Solar panels mainly consist of common materials such as copper, aluminum, glass & other substances used in many types of popular electronics.
Solar power panels are made from materials that are already found all over your home. They are safe to touch, install, and live in the presence of. Solar power panels are mainly made from aluminum, glass, copper, and other common materials. There are small amounts of substances such as cadmium and lead used in the soldering of circuitry, however, these are also used in virtually all other types of popular electronic devices. You’ll also find plastic, rubber, and other metals in solar power system components such as electric cables, inverters, and steel racking.
Myth 7: Solar power systems are difficult to install.
Truth: Complete solar power kits & modular designs simplify the installation process significantly.
Complete solar power kits like those available here at Solar Power Store help to streamline and simplify the installation process. These all-in-one bundles include everything needed for a successful solar power system installation, from panels and inverters to batteries and mounting hardware. These kits include detailed instructions, and Solar Power Store offers expert customer and technical support to help homeowners easily transition to solar energy without hassle. Many homeowners choose to install their systems themselves, but you can also choose to have your complete turnkey solar power system installed by our solar professionals. We can handle everything including the initial design of your system, the permitting process, installation, setup, inspections, and approvals.
Myth 8: Solar power only makes sense for off-grid living.
Truth: Saving money on your energy bill and becoming energy independent are big advantages of hybrid solar power systems.
Solar power is not limited to remote, off-grid locations. Additionally, you don’t need to commit to only using solar power if you choose to install panels. Grid-tied and hybrid solar power systems allow homeowners or businesses to generate their own electricity while staying connected to the power grid. Excess energy that is produced during sunny days can be fed back into the grid for credits on your utility bill, which further offsets your energy costs, or stored in your very own energy storage system (ESS) battery array. It’s a win-win solution for both homeowners and the environment!
Myth 9: Solar panels can decrease the value of your property.
Truth: Solar panels often increase property value and home appeal.
Investing in a modern solar power system often boosts the resale value and desirability of a property. A study done by Zillow in the USA showed that homes equipped with solar power panels often sell at a premium compared to non-solar homes. Potential buyers are increasingly drawn to properties with solar power systems due to their energy efficiency, reliability, and long-term cost-saving benefits. If you’re in the market for a new home, chances are good that the appeal of very low energy bills and consistent, dependable power are going to be key influencing factors when deciding which homes to consider.
Myth 10: Solar power systems don’t work properly in cold climates like Canada.
Truth: Modern solar power technology is designed to perform in all kinds of extreme climate conditions.
Just because the temperature gets chilly in the winter in Canada, it doesn’t mean the sun stops shining. Photovoltaic (PV) cell technology relies on light to generate electricity, not heat. Regardless of the drop in temperature throughout the seasons, Canadians can expect their solar power systems to perform reliably and consistently. In fact, the PV process of light-to-energy can even work more efficiently at cooler temperatures. All of this leads to the conclusion that solar systems simply make a lot of sense for Canadians from coast to coast.
Myth 11: Solar panels exposed to harsh environmental conditions can degrade quickly.
Truth: There are solar panels that were installed in the 1970s that are still functioning today!
As with literally anything and everything else, it is true that solar panels do gradually degrade over time. However, it’s not nearly as drastic as you may have been led to believe. A well-made, high-quality solar panel will typically wear at a rate of around just 0.5% a year. This means that solar power panels that have been in operation for 25-30 years will still operate at 85% or better efficiency. That’s amazing when you think about how rapidly so many other types of machinery and equipment degrade and become obsolete. Compared to other types of energy-generating equipment, solar panels are some of the most durable and reliable pieces of technology available today.
Make the Switch to Solar Power Today!
Solar power is a compelling solution to the ever-growing energy needs of Canadians across the country. Technological advancements have driven the demand for solar power systems forward as they excel as a great option for clean, dependable, and cost-effective energy for homeowners and businesses alike.
Here at Solar Power Store, we proudly present a complete range of cutting-edge, high-quality solar power products including solar panels, inverters, batteries, and ground mounts that are helping Canadians to embrace sustainable energy solutions. By harnessing the sun’s power, you can not only meet your energy requirements and save big on utility costs, but you can also feel proud to be lowering your carbon footprint and contributing to a greener tomorrow.
Choosing an experienced provider is essential to ensuring a smooth and successful transition to solar power. At Solar Power Store, we offer comprehensive support during every step of the process. From technical guidance and equipment selection to facilitating permit applications and designing tailored layouts for your property, our experts work closely with you to guarantee the best possible solution. Based in Barrie, Ontario, all Solar Power Store products are conveniently shipped from within Canada, and you’ll receive world-class customer service from our Canadian support team.
It's time to embark on your solar journey today! Contact us to discover how effortless it can be to integrate solar power systems onto your property.
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