You may be thinking about purchasing solar panels in order to save money on your electric bill but have been putting it off because you’ve heard some negative information about them. Unfortunately, some homeowners don’t wind up purchasing them because of misinformation that they’ve heard about them. Here are seven myths about solar panels that you need to know.
1. They Are Expensive
When solar panels first came out, they were a lot more expensive than they are now. However, prices have dropped dramatically, and many homeowners find that they are very affordable. Something else to keep in mind is that because you’ll use less energy, you will likely make your money back in a few years.
2. They Take a Long Time to Install
The amount of time it takes to install solar panels will greatly depend on the size of your roof. The good news is that this isn’t a project that will take weeks to complete. In many instances, solar panels can be installed in less than a day.
3. They Aren’t Made for Extreme Weather Conditions
Solar panels are a lot more durable than you may think. It’s not uncommon for them to be able to withstand winds of 170 miles per hour. They also tend to hold up well in areas that are extremely cold and hot or receive a significant amount of rainfall every year. What this means is that no matter where you live, your solar panels can withstand even the harshest of weather.
4. They Require a Great Deal of Work
As a homeowner, you probably already have a lot on your plate and don’t want to deal with having to maintain solar panels. Fortunately, they don’t require a lot of maintenance. While you should make sure that there isn’t any dirt or debris on them, you only need to do this every several months.
5. They Won’t Work If It’s Cloudy
A lot of people don’t realize that solar panels don’t need hours of direct sunlight in order to work efficiently. When it’s cloudy out, some sunlight does still shine through. Because of this, solar panels will still be able to produce electricity.
6. They Will Lower The Value of Your Home
One of the biggest myths about solar panels is that they will reduce the value of a home. However, many homeowners find that they actually increase their value. Another perk is that when it comes time to sell your home, it may actually sell quicker just because of the fact that your home has solar panels already installed.
7. They Can Cause Roof Damage
If you have an experienced technician install your solar panels, you won’t have to worry about roof damage. In order to lessen the likelihood of any roof damage in the future, it is imperative that you maintain them properly. This will ensure that they remain in good shape and that you are able to spot and address any issues quickly.
As you can see, there are a lot of myths about solar panels. While solar panels can sometimes have a bad reputation, much of the negative information you’ve heard about them isn’t true. Solar panels can be a great investment and can help you save money on your electricity bill each month.
