With the prospect of fossil fuel-based energy crises and human induced climate change looming, the demand for renewable energy technologies like solar power is growing. Unfortunately, there are currently many myths which hold solar power back from reaching its full potential. We are here to dispel some of these. Read on to find out more, and check out LEDwatcher.com for comparison of different solar lights.

First myth: solar power doesn’t work when it is cloudy or cold and rainy

Actually, solar panels are capable of supplying plentiful energy even in colder environments and those with high cloud cover. Developments in solar panel technology and battery and storage systems, mean solar power can be effective in all climates – some examples of countries where solar is already meeting a sizable proportion of the population’s energy requirements are the UK, Germany, Italy and China.

Second myth: solar power is too expensive and not viable economically

As a matter of fact, solar panels are becoming more and more affordable all the time as uptake increases and technology and production methods improve. Over the last decade or so the average solar panel costs have fallen by about 60%. It is now almost cheaper to generate electricity from solar panel than it is from coal – particularly when you factor all the external and hidden costs of fossil fuels into the mix! In many countries, there are government tax credits and other financial incentives encouraging the uptake of solar panels by making them more affordable to the average households and businesses. In addition, in many countries, if you happen to generate solar sourced electricity beyond your own requirements, you will actually be paid for feeding the excess back into the grid.

Third myth: solar is too hard to install and maintain

Actually solar panels are pretty straightforward to install so long, that is, as you are utilizing reputable, reliable manufacturing and supply companies. You may actually receive a government credit or discount for choosing certain companies to help you install your panels. Furthermore, most modern solar panels are constructed in a way that they are able to withstand rugged weather conditions, and are quite easy to clean whenever any dust, grit, snow etc does find its way on them. One exception: if you have a battery-based solar system, it will be a bit more work to maintain.

Fourth myth: solar panels will damage your roof

This is another blatant myth! Actually solar panels will protect and preserve the parts of your roof that they cover. The panels can also be easily removed and then replaced if the underlying roofing happens to be damaged and needs repair.

Fifth myth: roof mounted solar panels make it hard to re-sell your home

Actually, in a lot of cases having solar panels mounted on your roof will enhanced the value of your home. Numerous studies have found that homes with solar panels sell FASTER than those without, and fetch a better rice also. In particular, where the installation of solar panels on a home’s roof is accompanied by feed-in tariff schemes and the like – where you get paid for generating solar power – this makes the home even more appealing to prospective buyers who would also reap the benefits of the scheme.

Sixth myth: clean coal makes solar power unnecessary

Coal mining can never be ‘clean’, despite all the recent talk about ‘clean’ coal. Solar will always be a more environmentally friendly energy option than coal.

Seventh myth: solar panels negatively impact the environment, once they have reached the end of their lifespan

In fact, once solar panels reach the end of their life cycle (about 40+ years), most of their components can be recycled. Some companies will even take them off your hands for you and recycle them for free.