There's been a surge in interest in solar energy in recent years. Along with this surge in interest have arisen many myths and misconceptions, many of which are taken at face value and, despite the lack of any concrete evidence to support them, prevent people from investing in solar and/or renewable energy, or even investigating the possibility further.
Here are 10 of the biggest solar energy myths, along with the reason(s) why they are, in fact, myths.
1. Solar energy is too expensive.
Traditional forms of energy in the U.S. are kept unrealistically cost-effective thanks to subsidies from the U.S. government. Of course, in amongst all the dazzle of cheap energy are lost the facts that these subsidies are funded from our taxes and that these forms of energy are a major contributor to global warming.
Solar energy is clean, renewable energy and a photovoltaic system can pay for itself within 5 to 10 years, after which the energy it supplies is free. Solar electric systems have no moving parts and cause no pollution. Having a solar electric system installed on a home can add to the home's value.
2. We'll have to give up some of our conveniences.
Not so. A solar electric system can be designed to provide some or all of your electrical needs if you live on the grid, with the remainder of your needs being supplied by the grid, so that you'll be able to run anything with a solar system installed as you would without one. Even if you live off the grid, the system is designed to cover the maximum amount of electricity needed at any given time, meaning practically anything goes.
3. Solar panels use the sun's heat to produce electricity
Solar panels use the "photovoltaic effect" to generate electricity, i.e. photons of light strike silicon cells inside a panel, causing a small electrical charge. So, it's light, not heat, that solar panels use to generate electricity.
4. If you have a solar heating system, you'll have to have a fossil fuel backup
There's no need to have a fossil fuel backup since there are other options. First of all, reduce your electricity usage (get rid of phantom loads, take shorter showers, etc.); if you live in a warmer region, use passive solar to supply heat from a thermal mass within the house; finally, go totally solar and leave fossil fuels behind altogether.
5. Batteries used in solar electric systems end up as toxic waste
The lead-acid battery industry does a great job of regulating and recycling its products. In fact, in most states in the U.S., retailers are compelled by law to accept batteries for recycling.
6. Making solar panels creates a health hazard
The solar manufacturing industry is very tightly controlled and regulated as far as emissions standards and toxic waste is concerned. Solar panels produce no emissions during operation, which is a factor to be considered when looking at the overall toxicity of a particular technology.
7. Solar panels only work in warm, sunny weather
First of all, if this was the case, why would a country with such variable weather as Germany be one of the leading investors in solar energy? Solar panels can and do work anywhere, even in cloudy conditions; it's just that their efficiency is reduced. So, if you live in a less sunny climate, one solution is to use more panels to generate the electricity you need.
8. Solar panels use more energy when being built than they'll ever generate
Solar panels generate enough clean electricity within their first 2-4 years of operation to cover their manufacturing costs. And, since most panels have a 20-25 year warranty, they'll continue producing free electricity for many years after that.
9. Grid-tied PV is dangerous for utility lineworkers
The danger referred to in PV systems as far as lineworkers are concerned revolves around the inverter. Fortunately, with modern inverters, this danger is minimal since inverters today have built in safety mechanisms that cause them to automatically disconnect under certain conditions, including grid failure. Not only that, but utility workers are trained to deal with this type of equipment when conducting line maintenance.
10. If I wait to install a solar power system, it will cost me a lot less
Actually, far from true, because, while you're counting the money you'll save as the cost of panels and other solar equipment, you'll be spending exponentially more money on energy from your utility, since traditional fossil fuels are growing more scarce, and, as they do so, going up in price faster than you can say "Let me go solar NOW!"!
Amongst the many myths and legends currently circulating around solar energy, these are the 10 most common, so please, rest easy and consider these well and truly BUSTED!
Here are 10 of the biggest solar energy myths, along with the reason(s) why they are, in fact, myths.
1. Solar energy is too expensive.
Traditional forms of energy in the U.S. are kept unrealistically cost-effective thanks to subsidies from the U.S. government. Of course, in amongst all the dazzle of cheap energy are lost the facts that these subsidies are funded from our taxes and that these forms of energy are a major contributor to global warming.
Solar energy is clean, renewable energy and a photovoltaic system can pay for itself within 5 to 10 years, after which the energy it supplies is free. Solar electric systems have no moving parts and cause no pollution. Having a solar electric system installed on a home can add to the home's value.
2. We'll have to give up some of our conveniences.
Not so. A solar electric system can be designed to provide some or all of your electrical needs if you live on the grid, with the remainder of your needs being supplied by the grid, so that you'll be able to run anything with a solar system installed as you would without one. Even if you live off the grid, the system is designed to cover the maximum amount of electricity needed at any given time, meaning practically anything goes.
3. Solar panels use the sun's heat to produce electricity
Solar panels use the "photovoltaic effect" to generate electricity, i.e. photons of light strike silicon cells inside a panel, causing a small electrical charge. So, it's light, not heat, that solar panels use to generate electricity.
4. If you have a solar heating system, you'll have to have a fossil fuel backup
There's no need to have a fossil fuel backup since there are other options. First of all, reduce your electricity usage (get rid of phantom loads, take shorter showers, etc.); if you live in a warmer region, use passive solar to supply heat from a thermal mass within the house; finally, go totally solar and leave fossil fuels behind altogether.
5. Batteries used in solar electric systems end up as toxic waste
The lead-acid battery industry does a great job of regulating and recycling its products. In fact, in most states in the U.S., retailers are compelled by law to accept batteries for recycling.
6. Making solar panels creates a health hazard
The solar manufacturing industry is very tightly controlled and regulated as far as emissions standards and toxic waste is concerned. Solar panels produce no emissions during operation, which is a factor to be considered when looking at the overall toxicity of a particular technology.
7. Solar panels only work in warm, sunny weather
First of all, if this was the case, why would a country with such variable weather as Germany be one of the leading investors in solar energy? Solar panels can and do work anywhere, even in cloudy conditions; it's just that their efficiency is reduced. So, if you live in a less sunny climate, one solution is to use more panels to generate the electricity you need.
8. Solar panels use more energy when being built than they'll ever generate
Solar panels generate enough clean electricity within their first 2-4 years of operation to cover their manufacturing costs. And, since most panels have a 20-25 year warranty, they'll continue producing free electricity for many years after that.
9. Grid-tied PV is dangerous for utility lineworkers
The danger referred to in PV systems as far as lineworkers are concerned revolves around the inverter. Fortunately, with modern inverters, this danger is minimal since inverters today have built in safety mechanisms that cause them to automatically disconnect under certain conditions, including grid failure. Not only that, but utility workers are trained to deal with this type of equipment when conducting line maintenance.
10. If I wait to install a solar power system, it will cost me a lot less
Actually, far from true, because, while you're counting the money you'll save as the cost of panels and other solar equipment, you'll be spending exponentially more money on energy from your utility, since traditional fossil fuels are growing more scarce, and, as they do so, going up in price faster than you can say "Let me go solar NOW!"!
Amongst the many myths and legends currently circulating around solar energy, these are the 10 most common, so please, rest easy and consider these well and truly BUSTED!
If you're ready to get involved in the Green Revolution, and want more information and/or help getting started, including a FREE report, Ray Boreham invites you to click through to the only solar power resource you'll need. You'll find a wealth of information and tips on solar and renewable energy at http://www.all-you-need-is-solar.com/
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