Commonplace Solar Energy Misconceptions

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Walk around your neighborhood, and you’ll probably see solar panels on the roofs of many houses. Yet, there are still many misconceptions about solar energy out there. To help you sort through the clutter and understand the facts, we’re shedding some light on the most common solar energy myths and misconceptions.

Solar Panels Are Inefficient at Absorbing Sunlight

With the tremendous amount of sunshine across Arizona, averaging 300 days a year, there’s a plethora of power to meet your home’s needs. When you read that solar panels have an efficiency rate of 18% or 22%, you’re most likely wondering why it’s not 100%. Some of the sun’s rays will be reflected off the panel or turned into heat instead of electricity according to the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technology Office (SETO). If your solar panel array system doesn’t supply all your energy needs, the national power grid will supply the rest of the energy required. As a backup, you can install a solar battery storage system when a storm knocks down the power grid in your area or during the night when the sun isn’t shining.

Solar Panels Don’t Work Well in Cloudy Weather

Cloudy skies, monsoon thunderstorms, and other weather conditions can reduce the amount of solar power generated by solar panels, but your home’s solar array will continue working at a reduced level of efficiency. Rain can actually help clear dust from a summer haboob (dust storm) or debris from a storm any season of the year helping to increase panel efficiency levels. Even in higher elevations where snow is a possibility, solar panels are installed at an angle allowing accumulated snow to easily slide off.

Solar Panels Need Constant Maintenance

Solar array systems are designed, manufactured, and installed to be low maintenance. Most solar installation companies suggest an annual inspection to check system performance and solar panels. Plus, there are both manufacturer and installer warranties to protect your investment. The standard warranty for solar panels is 25 years. During this time period, manufacturers will guarantee that panels will operate at or near peak efficiency levels.

Solar Is Too Expensive

The cost to go solar can range from an average of $11,700 for a size of 5 kilowatts (kW) to $16,000 for a standard size 6-kW system in Arizona. This is before any federal, state, local, or manufacturer incentives and rebates are calculated to offset the cost.

Go Solar with Cool Blew Solar

Cool Blew Solar technicians are available to answer all your questions. Call Cool Blew Solar today at 623-234-2836. We’re here to help you capture the sun’s energy.