In the United States alone, there were over one million solar installations in 2016. That number has almost certainly increased exponentially over the past few years. The energy from the sun is nearly boundless, and a solar panel system New Jersey provides an efficient way to collect it and convert it into electricity.
Relatively speaking, solar is still a new technology. As a result, some mistaken beliefs still persist about it.
1. Solar Only Works in Certain Climates
Some people believe that for solar power to work, your home needs to receive a consistent amount of direct sunlight at all times of the year. However, this isn’t true. While solar panels are most efficient at collecting energy when the sun is shining directly on them, they can still collect energy and convert it to electricity on cloudy days or when the rays of the sun hit it indirectly. Therefore, even homes far to the north, when daylight hours are limited in the winter, can collect enough solar energy to keep the lights on.
2. Solar Panels Are Too Expensive
At one time, when photovoltaic technology was still new, the cost of solar panels was prohibitively expensive for most homeowners. However, due to developments that make producing them easier, the cost of installing solar panels has dropped significantly. Since 2009, solar panels costs have decreased every year, meaning that they are far more affordable now than they were at the beginning of the decade.
3. Solar Panels Decrease Home Value
There are many things that you could mount on the roof of your home that would decrease its value, but a solar panel is not one of them. In fact, energy-efficient upgrades like solar panels are highly prized by potential home buyers, meaning that solar panels actually increase home value.
At one time, there may have been a grain of truth to these misperceptions about solar panels. Nevertheless, as more people have solar power systems installed residentially, conversations about them are likely to increase and the myths are likely to fade away.