Contrary to what you might have heard, solar energy is a reliable and viable source of power. Even with the increasing popularity of solar panels, there are still many myths about solar energy which need to be debunked.
Myth 1: Solar Energy is Expensive
Not true! Actually, solar power is cheaper than both coal and nuclear power.
Firstly, the negative impacts of burning fossil fuels for energy, such as water pollution, climate change and human health problems, result in a huge amount of hidden costs. Solar power doesn’t cause any of these problems.
Secondly, non-renewable energy has input costs. For instance, you need to buy or mine coal for a power plant to generate electricity. Renewable solar energy, on the other hand, has no input costs. Sunlight is free after all.
Myth 2: Solar Panels Can’t Provide 24/7 Electricity
Also known as: there’s not enough sunshine in the UK. Not true!
Solar panels don’t actually need direct sunlight to work. Though they might be up to 50% more effective with strong rays, solar panels are still able to generate enough energy from cloudy skies. Not convinced? Germany are the world’s leading solar power producer, and you can’t say that they’re known for their tropical weather!
Myth 3: Installing Solar Power is Complicated
Not true! Most solar companies can sort that for you.
Once you have a quote for solar panels, which is free from most companies, they can answer all your installation questions. Companies providing solar power, like us, can take care of permits, inspections and all that paperwork before installing the panels on your roof or elsewhere for you. No need to worry!
Myth 4: Solar Power Doesn’t Really Work
Not true! It’s already working in countries around the world:
- Germany: Renewable energy accounts for 25% of Germany’s electricity and they are aiming for 80% renewable energy by 2050.
- Spain: Spain is the world leader in solar thermal power (CSP). In 2012, Spain had a capacity of 1GW, which is 65% of the totally installed CSP capacity in the world.
- China: Solar power and wind power generated 104 billion kilowatt hours of electricity in China in 2012.
Myth 5: It’s too Early to get Solar Power, it Still Needs Improving
Not true! Solar power is not a new technology any more.
Solar power technology is actually over 100 years old. The difference between then and now, is that solar power is now viable. Solar power technology has developed massively in terms of efficiency and cost reduction. In fact, now is the perfect time to invest in solar power!
Now these terrible myths have been debunked, are you thinking about switching to solar energy?