The Truth Behind Common Solar Energy Myths

More Missouri homeowners than ever are taking advantage of residential solar power’s benefits, yet there is still misinformation about this energy alternative. We’re setting the record straight on the top 10 solar energy myths.

Myth #1: It’s Too Expensive

Tacking large panels to your roof to harness the sun’s energy certainly sounds like an expensive proposition. The initial requirement isn’t cheap, but it’s a lot cheaper than you may think. Over the past decade, residential solar system installation costs have declined considerably.

10 years ago, a residential solar installation could cost upward of $50,000, whereas today, the same system will cost around $25,000. Advances in technology, a growing number of producers, and the accessibility of many government-funded rebates and incentive programs make solar panel ownership more affordable than ever. 

Myth #2: I Won’t Make My Money Back

Ok, you’re willing to pay upfront, but you’re still skeptical you’ll ever see that money again, right? Consider that the payback period on most homes is four to six years — well below the 20+ year lifespan on a solar panel. Energy-conscious homeowners can get a taste of that return on investment sooner by running high-energy appliances (like dishwashers, washing machines, and hot water systems) during the day. We have a feeling the decrease in your electric bill will make the time go by much quicker.

Myth #3: The Tax Breaks Aren’t Worth It

Most states offer robust tax break incentives to homeowners and businesses alike for adding solar energy capacity. State and federal tax incentives made available by the Inflation Reduction Act can help you see a return on your solar panel investment in as little as two years! Under the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can claim a 30% Investment Tax Credit or a $2.75/kWh Production Tax Credit.

Myth #4: Solar Panels Require Constant Care

A good-quality solar panel is designed to last for multiple decades, drastically reducing the need for maintenance or repair; besides an annual cleaning and inspection by a professional, not much needs to be done. And with few moving parts, expensive replacements are extremely rare. This kind of durability has helped solar energy’s popularity skyrocket in recent years.

Myth #5: The Panels Will Damage My Roof

Assuming everything is installed properly and professionally, this myth is false. If you think about it, it’s obvious: Solar panels are designed to be fully protected from harmful elements like snow, rain, and debris. Since they cover your roof, your roof receives this same protection.

Myth #6: My Non-Asphalt Roof Can’t Handle Panel Installation

While asphalt is the most common shingle used on residential roofs in Missouri and can easily handle solar panel installation, it’s not the only game in town. Solar panels can be installed on almost any roof, from metal to tile, tar to gravel. Flat roofs can handle solar panel systems as safely as their sloped counterparts. While some materials are easier to work with than others that require a more intricate installation, they all have what it takes to support this game-changing energy source.

Myth #7: No One Will Buy My House With Panels on It

Solar panels may not be everyone’s top choice for an alternative energy source, but they will positively affect the resale value of your home. When properly installed, solar panel installation won’t damage the roof or detract from curb appeal, and there is no excessive maintenance burden that might dissuade a potential buyer. Many real estate agents find buyers excited to list these environmentally conscious homes because an increasingly eco-conscious market highly desires them.

The bottom line is that eco-conscious home buyers want to purchase homes with installed alternative energy sources. On average, buyers are willing to spend 4.1% more for homes with solar panels than those without. This is increasing because home buyers are weighing the long-term cost of rising utility bills against the cost of installing solar systems. This gives homes with existing solar systems an advantage when they go on the market. 

Myth #8: Solar Energy Only Works in Warm Weather & Won’t Save Me Money

Temperature is not a determining factor for solar panels. It’s the amount of sunlight that powers them, not the heat. As a result, solar panels work in all climate types. Missouri experiences an average of 206 sunny days every year. This makes our state an excellent environment for solar energy generation. And you won’t have to worry about losing power on dark, cloudy days. Modern solar panels connected to solar battery systems still work efficiently in less-than-optimal conditions.

And the long-term cost savings are genuine. Solar panels can shrink your electric bill by half, sometimes even down to zero in sun-abundant periods. If the sun shines, your solar energy system will trim your utility bills down in size.

Myth #9: The Panels Will Look Ugly on My Roof

Every homeowner has different tastes, and the aesthetics of solar panels have evolved over the years to account for this. Today, we have more design flexibility than ever to install panels in a streamlined and secure manner. We can use custom materials that seamlessly blend the installation with your existing roof. This minimizes the aesthetic impact and is a far cry from the bulky boxes that were common 30 years ago. If you’re still unsure about how they’ll look, panels can be mounted on the ground instead if your yard allows it.

Myth #10: Solar Energy Is a Fad That Will Eventually Fade

The sun has warmed our planet for billions of years and bathed every shore with free energy. Yet, it’s only in the past few decades that we’ve been able to efficiently and effectively harness this energy to produce electricity. Since we know our need for electricity will increase alongside increases in fossil fuel costs, we’re confident that our dependence on solar energy will continue to increase as well. 

Nationwide, more and more homeowners are enjoying solar energy’s convenience, reliability, and savings. As of the end of 2022, there were nearly 3.9 million residential solar systems in the U.S., which has increased around 37% annually since 2005. 

Don’t Be Fooled!

Don’t let these common misconceptions stand in your way if you want to learn how solar power can work for your home. Solera Energy is dedicated to helping people across Missouri understand the many benefits this amazing technology can bring to their lives. Our team, including some of the best minds in the solar industry, is standing by to answer your questions and start your solar energy project.

Call Solera Energy at (844) 302-6388 or contact us for sustainable solar solutions for your Missouri home!