| This article explores the four big solar myths. These | | | | Actually, the photovoltaic effect (creating electricity |
| are common misconception about how solar energy | | | | from sunlight) was first discovered in 1839. The first |
| works and what you need for solar energy to work | | | | solar panel was made in 1882. Solar energy is not |
| for you. Once you know these myths, you can get a | | | | exactly new on the scene. |
| much better idea of whether solar energy will work for | | | | Also, the major development of solar panels was |
| you. | | | | during the space race. Solar panels were needed to |
| #1. You need a hot climate for solar energy to work. | | | | power the satellites orbiting the earth. |
| Actually, you need sunlight for solar panels to work. | | | | If you can imagine a situation where it was more |
| Photovoltaic (solar electric) panels actually work slightly | | | | important to create a reliable technology, I would like to |
| less efficiently in hot weather. They like being cold. | | | | know it too. |
| So while hot weather can be helpful for your solar hot | | | | Photovoltaic panels have no moving parts, and their |
| water, for electricity from the sun, cold weather isfine. | | | | maintenance requires being washed maybe once or |
| Proof: Germany is one of the top installers of solar | | | | twice a year. And this is only because dust slightly |
| energy. They have less sunlight than most of northern | | | | reduces their efficiency. |
| America. | | | | Solar panels are reliable, tested technology. |
| Japan is also a major installer of solar panels, and their | | | | #4. You need a huge roof for solar panels. |
| climate is temperate. | | | | Actually, unless you live off the grid, it's best not to |
| #2. Solar Panels are Expensive. | | | | install a giant solar panel system. |
| Let's compare this with something else: owning a | | | | Most people who live on the grid will see great |
| house. | | | | benefits from a small system, sometimes even one |
| Houses are expensive too, yet people buy them. The | | | | that takes care of 20% of their bill. |
| reason people buy houses is because owning a house | | | | This is because of the billing structure of power |
| is an investment. | | | | companies. |
| People buy houses becausea) it's better paying a | | | | This billing structure is called tiered rates, and is |
| mortgage than it is is paying rentb) at the end of | | | | designed to penalize heavy power users. It means that |
| paying the mortgage, you still own the house, and it | | | | usually the last 10-15% of your bill (depending how |
| has increased in value. | | | | much power you use) will be charged at a higher rate. |
| So, to finish the comparison, when you own a solar | | | | This is where solar power comes in. With a small |
| panel, you cana) use the power bill savings to pay off | | | | system, you can eliminate that last, expensive part of |
| the solar panel, andb) once the solar panel is paid off, | | | | your bill. This is called a 'peak shaver' solar installation. |
| you still own the solar panel. It's still paying your power | | | | Literally, it shaves the expensive 'peak' rated power |
| bills. | | | | off your bill. |
| And it has increased the value of your house. | | | | So even with a small solar panel system you can get |
| This is why the expense of solar panels is better | | | | excellent bill savings. |
| looked at as an investment. | | | | That's the 4 big solar energy myths covered. |
| #3. Solar Panels are New, Untested Technology. | | | | |