Top 10 Myths about Solar

10. Solar is way too expensive for me
Some states in the US have not embraced solar power technology and have very limited rebates and incentives. In addition, many of these states have artificially low electricity rates which slows the adoption of renewable energy due to the large cost difference. However, there are many states that offer amazing incentives (up to 50% off the cost) to people who want to go solar. To find out what is on offer in your state visit our state rebates page. In many cases you could be cash flow positive after installing a solar power system. That means that your total monthly outgoing electricity costs will be less than when you were drawing all your electricity from the grid.

9. If I don't have any home equity or money to put down up-front I can't get solar
Financing a home solar power system with a home equity loan can be a great tax advantage because you can deduct the interest payments on the loan. But don't despair, if you don't have access to equity there are many other options like solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) or solar leases which have zero down options. There is also a new financing tool called PACE, Property Assessed Clean Energy, which is being offered by cities and municipalities around the country. PACE loans are funded by the government and you repay them through slightly higher property tax payments over 20 years.

8. If I wait a few years solar technology will be much cheaper
While is it true that solar panels have come down in cost over the past few years there is a floor. The majority of the cost of a solar power system is in the installation. The other thing to consider is that the rebates and incentives offered by cities and utilities are not going to around forever and have already been considerably reduced over the past 1- 2 years and as many would point out this has been offset by the reduction in the cost of solar panels. Therefore, we are probably going to see solar prices holding steady for a while. So if you are ready to get solar you might as well start saving money on your electric bill and paying off your solar system now.

7. The manufacturing of solar panels results in more pollution than the clean energy they generate
This myth is definitely false and is backed up by a DOE study that reports solar power systems have energy paybacks of 1 to 4 years (depending on the type of PV technology) (see Figure 2). In other words, it only takes 1 to 4 years of operating the solar power system to repay the energy that was required to manufacture the panels. On top of that panels have an assumed life of 30 years and therefore 87% to 97% of the energy that the PV system produces will not result in any pollution or depletion of resources.

6. Solar panels require continual maintenance
Solar panels have no moving parts and only require the occasional cleaning to remove leaves and dust. If you decide to get solar through a PPA then you won't have to worry about maintenance at all.

5. My utility is going to offer green energy from 100% renewable sources so I should just wait and buy it from them. It's just the same as generating my own anyway
While it is true that many utilities are sourcing more and more energy from renewable generation if you decide to buy all your energy from them then you are still subject to future electricity rate increases. Installing solar panels and generating your own electricity is effectively locking in your electricity at a low rate for the next 25-30 years.

4. Solar panels are going to make my house look ugly
If you really hate the look of solar panels, then you should check out the latest solar products like solar shingles which are totally integrated into your roof. They do cost a bit more but they will still pay for themselves over their operating life. Also consider that a solar system is going to make your home more valuable and in turn more marketable when or if you need to sell. Think about it, they just might grow on you.

3. I don't think I am going to live in my house long enough to make my investment back
On the contrary, there are studies from the US Housing Department that report that for every $1000 saved in operating costs your house value increases by $20,000. Of course if you go solar through a PPA there are ways to transfer the contract to the new owner or even take the system to your new house. If you are lucky enough to get financing through a PACE program once you sell and move the new owner will be the one paying the higher property taxes and getting the benefits of cheaper energy so it is a win win.

2. Because I live in a cloudy, raining or foggy place solar panels just won't work
Solar panels will still generate electricity in cloudy or foggy climates. As you would expect they don't generate the same amount of electricity compared to a system that is always in direct sunlight but none the less over their 25-30 year life they will still be worth the investment. Just take a look at Germany, which is the world leader in solar and is pretty far from a tropical sunny climate. Just so you know, solar panels like direct sun but not heat. The panels will actually operate more efficiently in cooler climates.

1. If I don't have a southern roof exposure it isn't worth investing in a home solar power system
While it is true that a southern facing roof does increase the effectiveness of solar panels, other exposures can still have good electricity generating potential. Your best bet is to talk to a solar professional who can advise you whether solar makes sense for you and give you an estimate of the costs and savings you can expect.