Top 8 Common Solar Panel Myths Debunked

Among a group of people, solar panels are sure to elicit a wide range of passionate responses. But there is a lot of misinformation out there about solar panels that people believe to be true.

Solar panel technology first materialised in the 1950s and has significantly advanced since then. Even as technological advances, the stigma attached to them remains largely unchanged.

The most pervasive misconceptions about solar panels must be dispelled.

1. Solar Panels Are Too Expensive

Sixty percent of homeowners in a 2022 EcoWatch survey agreed that solar panels are too expensive. The cost was also the top reason why homeowners said they would not consider installing them.

We’ll start by saying that solar panels aren’t cheap. But, the cost has dropped by roughly Rs20,000 in the past decade. The average cost of a home solar panel system is expected to fall from Rs1,00,000 in 2010 to around Rs60,000 in 2021, as reported by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

Meanwhile, retail electricity prices are on the rise, with the average electric bill expected to reach Rs2700 by 2021, up from around Rs810 in 2010.

You have to think of solar as an investment that will pay for itself over time. Between energy savings, tax credits, rebates and solar financing options, many homeowners find that going solar is much more affordable than previously thought.

2. solar panels can only produce energy during daylight hours.

According to our own survey, 40% of homeowners think solar only works when the sun is shining.

Since clouds aren't completely see-through, some sunlight can still reach solar panels.

"The electricity generated may be lower than on days without clouds, but the sunlight that is diffused through cloud cover is significantly different than sunlight that is blocked by solid objects like tall buildings."

Studies have shown that on cloudy days, solar panels produce only 10–25 percent of their normal energy output.

3. solar panels can lower the value of a home.

There are those who say solar panels will lower a home's market value. On the other hand, our survey found that 70% of homeowners think solar panels are good for resale value and 63% of homeowners would pay more for a home equipped with solar panels than one without.

4. Lack of Sufficient Efficiency of Solar Panels

Some homeowners may be put off by solar panels after learning that their efficiency ranges from only 20% to 22%. Is there a reason it isn't at full capacity?

Why? Because there's really no reason for it to be. Energy from the sun is significantly more powerful than conventional electricity.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that a single day of sunshine could provide enough energy to run the entire planet for a year.

That means solar energy can easily meet the energy needs of your home.

According to preliminary research, a 9 kilowatt (kW) solar panel system could provide enough power to completely meet the needs of the typical Indian household. Although this does depend on the home's energy storage capacity and the type of solar panels installed.

Monocrystalline solar panels, such as the one offered by Bigwit Energy, are highly efficient and ideal for residential use because they can be installed in relatively small areas.

For homes with limited space, monocrystalline panels are highly advantageous because their greater efficiency allows them to generate more power from a smaller roof than less efficient panels.

5. Solar panels can only be installed on private property.

As a renter or business owner, you can benefit from solar energy in a number of ways, including the installation of plug-in mini solar panel systems and the use of solar-powered appliances. However, taking part in a community solar programme is the best option.

With community solar, renters and others who don't own their homes can still reap the benefits of solar power by sharing an array. These systems are installed off-site and their output is made available to customers via subscription or ownership.

Joining a community solar project is a great way to lower your electricity bill and your carbon footprint, even if you can't take advantage of solar incentives.

6. Solar panels are bad for roofs

When you put something on your roof, you run the risk of it getting broken. However, if you've heard a horror story about how solar panels damaged the roof of a neighbor's aunt's friend's cousin, know that this is an extremely rare occurrence, and usually the result of a poorly executed DIY installation.

If your roof is suitable for solar installation, a professional solar company will conduct an inspection. Homeowners considering solar energy systems should also inquire about the installation process and request evidence of procurement from solar installers, such as the type and grade of concrete used, the adhesive quality, the structural strength, etc.

Solar panels are typically not permanently fastened to a roof. You'll typically find them mounted and flashed to keep the elements out. Once installed, solar panels can prevent damage to your roof from weather, such as hail and ultraviolet rays from the sun.

7. Solar panels do more harm than good for the planet.

While solar panels have many fans among us, we won't gloss over the fact that their production poses no threat to the natural world.

Currently, manufacturing solar panels requires a great deal of fossil fuels and precious metal mining, both of which add to pollution and global warming. Recycling solar panels is another issue that hasn't been resolved fully.

Solar panels aren't perfect, but they're much better for the environment than the alternative. The emissions footprint from burning coal is 18 times that of solar, and the emissions footprint from burning natural gas is 13 times that of solar.

Furthermore, solar leaves no emissions in its wake, making it a crucial tool in the fight against global warming. In addition, we expect the manufacturing process of solar panels to become even more environmentally friendly as technology improves.

8. Solar Panels Don't Have a Good Aesthetic

It's debatable whether or not this is an urban legend. Some homeowners use this reason to justify their refusal to install solar panels. Our market research shows that 31 percent of potential buyers find solar panels unattractive.

Second only to the high cost of installation, homeowners' dislike of solar panels' visual impact was cited as the most common reason for not installing them.

There is still a long way to go before solar panel systems are aesthetically pleasing, but they have come a long way since their inception in 1954.

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If you want to be the part of BigWit solar rooftop family, you can give us a call on 7082955224 or send us a mail on sales@bigwitenergy.com. BigWit Energy is one of the best solar companies in Chandigarh, Mohali, Punjab, Panchkula and all of North India and we offer EMI plans of upto 3 years for our customers pan India!

Alternatively you can schedule a callback from us at your preferred time over here.