Today, more than ever, people are trying to find ways to cut energy costs and decrease the amount of energy they are using overall. Using solar energy is a great way to accomplish both of these goals. Even though solar power has been used for a long time, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding it. Let’s look at a few of these misconceptions and get the facts straight.
Using Solar Energy Is Too Expensive
This is a popular myth that has actually discouraged many people from tapping into the solar energy possibilities for their homes. As solar energy technology has evolved, the costs of solar panel installation and use have dropped tremendously. The U.S. Department of Energy now reports that the average cost of solar panels has actually come down almost 60% since 2010. They also report that the cost of solar electric systems, in general, has dropped about 50% in that same time. These are significant cost reductions. This means that the idea of solar being too expensive is no longer a viable argument
Solar Power Is Only Accessible When the Sun Is Shining
It’s easy to see why people might be confused by this particular myth. After all, solar power does come from the sun. The truth is that as solar energy technology has evolved, there are now new ways to conserve this type of energy and store it. This means that while the sun is shining, a lot of solar energy is generated. Not all of this energy will be used, so some of it can be stored and then used later during periods of time when there is not as much sun shining. This is called leveraging energy. Another way to leverage solar energy is to use both solar and traditional energy sources.
Solar Energy Is Not Efficient
For many years this argument has been used to discourage people from switching from traditional energy sources to solar energy. It’s true that in the early days of solar energy technology, the tech was not as efficient. This is true for every type of technology, though. As technology has evolved, the efficiency of solar-powered systems has increased greatly, so it’s time to put this concern to rest.
Opting for solar power is a viable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable way to have your energy needs met. Now that you have a better understanding of this type of energy, contact Suntegrity Solar to learn more about incorporating it into your home or business.