The one thing that’s currently spreading faster than Corona is the rumour mill, Fake news has become a reflection of our society and it certainly hasn’t spared Solar Energy. Let’s take a look at some of the most common misconceptions that people have about Solar Power. Here’s presenting our all time top ten hits
1. Solar Panels do not work in overcast conditions
Fact: Cloudy hai fir bhi benefit kar sakte hai, The technology involved in solar panels allows them to work efficiently even in overcast conditions. The cold does not stop solar panels from functioning and provide enough power for your needs. Solar systems have been performing in cold countries like Germany, UK, Italy. I’m sure they can handle dilli ki sardi
2. It’s too costly
Fact: Well you’re partially right and yet completely wrong, I know the statement doesn’t make sense but neither does comparing Solar costs to a monthly electricity bill. Solar systems have a lifetime greater than 25 years and adding to it the attractive subsidies being offered currently, your solar system might end up saving more money for you than you could ever imagine.
3. It’s too high maintenance
Fact: Don’t judge a book by its cover! solar power systems look bulky,difficult to maintain and yet are the complete opposite of what they look like. We prefer to see them as a gentle giant, and you don’t have to pamper them from time to time. Once installed they’re fine by themselves, maybe pick a leaf out of their book for social distancing?
4. How do I resell my home?
Fact: Well, we’re not real estate experts but if you offered us a home that saves me a tonne of money on electricity I think I’d be more than willing to take up the offer. I’m pretty sure when Marlon Brando said “I’m going to make you an offer you cannot refuse” he was thinking about Solar rooftops, prove me wrong
5. Solar Panels are bad for the environment after their lifetime is used up
Fact: There is a strong degree of truth to this one, Although Solar panels after their lifetime can be recycled. This depends on the manufacturer, some may charge you others might not, we’re talking about 25 years into the future. We’ll have enough time to think this through once we’re done saving the planet.
6. Solar Systems require expensive batteries
Fact: Again, some degree of truth but not entirely. It all depends on the kind of system you use, in an On-Grid system you’re connected to the grid and there is no need for a battery. You can save up a lot as the excess power you generate is used up by the grid in exchange for credits. Win-Win. If you’re in a place with good grid connection you don’t need batteries
7. 25 years is a long time, I’m not going to make my money invested
Fact: Traditionally Solar power systems reach a break-even point in about 6-15 years, well if even that sounds like forever to you the good news is that with the current state subsidies and net-metering solutions your solar rooftop could break-even in a time as short as 2-4 years. They would also increase the value of your home so you might end up making more money on the house than you imagined
8. Solar Panels Technology will improve, I’ll wait it out
Fact: That sounds like a fair argument, technology is on the rise and changing by the minute. In our case though the technology that we have currently is the same that we had back in the 1960s. So, yeah you may be right but if time value of investment is critical for your gains, wise up.
9. Solar Panels are hypocrites, they use up more energy to manufacture than they produce
Fact: One of the clean energy junkies, “embodied energy” is the energy used to manufacture a product. Typically a solar panel will generate enough clean energy to pay for its embodied energy within a span of 3-4 years with increase in panel efficiency, We might see this number come down even further. Don’t worry we’re absolutely clean!
10. Solar Panels work during power cuts
Fact: Again this depends on the system that you use, in a traditional rooftop system which is usually On-Grid the system will not work. This is to save the system from generating excess power and damaging itself, In a hybrid/off-grid system they would work courtesy of batteries. Given the cost difference we’d say, you can always enjoy a little power cut.
Do give our blog a read for all your solar-related questions. You can also check out other interesting updates on solar on our Facebook page (facebook.com/zunroof)
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