Myths and Truths About Solar Energy

March 15, 2022

Solar energy is a renewable resource that is being adopted as a replacement for fossil fuels by countries all over the world. Many technologies can directly harvest it and use it to generate solar electricity, which can then be used in homes and businesses all over the world.

Did you know that more energy from the sun falls on the earth in one hour than everyone on the planet uses in one year? Sunlight is converted into usable energy for buildings using a variety of technologies such as solar photovoltaics for electricity, passive solar design for space heating and cooling, and solar water heating.

There are only a few valid reasons not to use this abundant source of energy. Myths about renewable energy are becoming more common as these technologies spread across the globe. Therefore, it is critical to distinguish between the truths and myths surrounding solar energy. The best way to bust these myths is to attend the Renewable Energy Conference, 2022.

The Efficiency of Solar Panels

Myth:

One of the most common misconceptions about solar energy is that solar cell materials cannot absorb all of the different types of light that make up sunlight, such as infrared light. The world-record efficiency for a solar cell at room temperature under normal sunlight is 39 percent, but these cells are too expensive to be cost-effective for home solar panels.

Truth:

As the Renewable Energy Conference will tell you, The sunlight that shines on the earth in one and a half hours has more power than the entire world consumes in a year. With this massive energy supply, commercially available solar panels provide plenty of power to meet your home’s needs at a cost comparable to or less than the cost of the electricity supplied by the grid in most parts of the country. 

Climate Required to Harness Solar Energy

Myth:

It is a prevailing misconception in countries like India that PV (photovoltaic) cells convert heat into electricity rather than sunlight. Therefore, it is also believed that solar energy cannot be produced at all when the sun is blocked by the clouds.

Truth: 

Solar technology can be used in virtually any condition, including rainy and snowy days. Solar panels perform best in cold and sunny climates because heat interferes with the conversion of sunlight into electricity.

Best Location of Installation of Solar Panels

Myth:

Another common solar energy myth is that installing solar panels on the roof is the best option. Rooftop installations generally provide better protection for solar panels because they are located in an inaccessible area, but they also have some significant drawbacks.

Truth:

The truth about solar energy is that ground mounting options are an excellent choice for solar panel installation. According to the Renewable Energy Conference, they offer design flexibility in terms of size, tilt, and azimuth angles for solar arrays. Maintenance is also simple, and ground mounting allows for much better solar panel cooling. Furthermore, no changes to your roof are required, and tracking systems can be installed to improve performance.

Ease of Switching to Solar Energy

Myth:

Another common misconception is that converting to solar power is difficult and time-consuming due to a lack of awareness about the cleanest energy source on earth.

Truth: 

The truth is that switching your energy supplier from a fossil fuel agency to an experienced renewable energy supplier is a seamless process. These suppliers only purchase power from solar energy resources to provide their customers with a green and renewable solution for their energy needs.

Cost-Effectiveness of Using Solar Energy

Myth:

It is believed that because solar panel installation costs are higher, they will also be more expensive in the long run. Another myth is that for your solar panels to produce electricity, they must be cleaned regularly, which can be inconvenient and, in some cases, costly.

Truth:

While the cost of a residential solar system can range from $15,000 to $35,000, you are not required to pay the entire amount at the time of installation. Several solar financing options allow you to pay over a period of time. Tax breaks and rebates from local, state, and federal governments help offset the costs. Also, solar panels require next to no ongoing maintenance because they are long-lasting and dependable.

Conclusion

With so much conflicting information out there, it can be difficult to make critical decisions about relying on solar energy for our daily needs. Going solar is one of the best things one can do to save the planet. The utilization of solar power does not give rise to air or water pollution and emits no greenhouse gasses. 

So, stop believing all those solar and renewable energy myths!  Find out all about making the big switch to sustainable energy resources at the 2nd Annual Tech-Enabled Energy Transition Forum powered by GlobalBSG! This is the best and most informative Renewable Energy Conference you will ever attend!

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