Everything You Thought You Knew About Solar Energy is Wrong.

Nobody ever accused you of being a lousy environmentalist. You recycle with the best of them, drive a hybrid, and even pick up your puppy’s poo with biodegradable bags. But when it comes to solar, you’re likely stymied by everything you think you know. Sure, you’re aware that it’s the best option for the planet, but there’s also what you’ve heard: that you’ll drain your life savings to install a roof full of panels, only to lose power whenever it rains.

But we’ve got good news, Captain Planet, because most of those “facts” about solar are either outdated or just plain wrong. We’ve teamed up with the experts at Horizon Solar Power to dispel the four most common myths about solar energy, from how much it costs to exactly how it works. Who knows—you just might decide that soaking up the sun (and savings) is actually the right option for you!

Myth 1: Solar power only works when it’s sunny

You always look on the bright side of life, but can solar panels do the same? If you believe that solar panels only work on days when the sun’s smiling down, it’s time to get clear on how these amazing energy generators really collect and store power. Solar voltaic systems (also known as PV systems) soak up all kinds of light, from direct sunshine to the UV and infrared rays that still make their way through the atmosphere on cloudy days. Then they store it in battery cells for future use: which is why solar panels can still power your house even during those gloomy stretches of rain.

Myth 2: Solar panels perform better when it’s warm out

You may be at your best when the temperature’s topping seventy degrees, but your solar panels don’t necessarily agree. In fact, solar panels perform better in cooler weather because they work by trapping light, not heat. Snow? No problem: the bright white surface actually reflects light, allowing solar panels to deliver optimal energy output. And as for rain, this can be beneficial to solar power systems as well: the precipitation naturally and automatically cleans the PV system, just like it does your car (usually right after you wash it).

Myth 3: Solar energy systems require a lot of maintenance

“High maintenance” isn’t a desirable term when it comes to potential life partners or additions to your home. You may have heard that solar panels tend to break, requiring frequent visits from a qualified technician, but these self-contained systems have no moving parts and are incredibly durable—which makes sense, given that they’re designed to live outside! Like all power systems they should be inspected regularly, but on the rare occasion that they need maintenance it’s generally covered: by the warranty if you own your system, or the leasing company if you’re renting. The best part? While it’s generally recommended that you clean your solar panels once a year, most homeowners usually let precipitation take care of it. Talk about the rain washing all your troubles away!

Myth 4: Installing solar panels can break the bank

This is a great example of facts changing over time—because if you’d said it ten years ago, this “myth” might have been fact! But solar prices are dropping fast, making it far more affordable for the average homeowner: in fact, last year they dropped a whopping 12%. Moreover, federal and state governments are quickly realizing that solar is the best option for homeowners and the planet. Many offer attractive rebates to homeowners who choose to “see the light,” reducing the cost of solar installation by as much as 50%. For California homeowners, a deal known as a Power Purchase Agreement (or PPA) allows you to receive free solar installation and save a whopping 30% per month on your energy bill when you agree to let a solar energy company install solar panels on your roof...and if you love your solar panels as much as they think you will, you can even purchase them at a deep discount.

And solar doesn’t just let you become Earth’s new BFF for free. It can also save you big bucks on your energy bill in the long run. With a rate of return of 12-15% a year, a solar panel system can dramatically increase your property value while remaining exempt from property tax assessments. Talk about a bright idea!

Could solar panels become the sunshine of your life? You can get a free solar quote and learn if you’re eligible for a PPA at Horizon Solar, California’s #1 choice for quality, cost-effective solar panels. Isn’t it time to see the light?

Photo Courtesy of Pexels by Captain Green