Even though the financial benefits of solar energy are indisputable, some people still doubt its profitability.
Here at My Green House we want to debunk 5 of the most common myths about solar energy so that you have a clearer vision of its possibilities.
1. “Photovoltaic solar energy is expensive”
Until just over a decade ago, it’s fair to say that solar panels and photovoltaic installations were expensive. However, since then, technological advances have lowered their costs considerably.
In fact, a solar power installation costs 80% less today than it did 10 years ago, while the total price of installations has decreased by 99% since the 1980s.
Moreover, this lower price is coupled with higher efficiency. How is this possible?
Firstly, because of the development of this technology over the years. And, secondly, because more and more solar panel manufacturers are investing in R&D and improving the efficiency of their products and components.
2. “It takes several years to make a solar installation profitable.”
Installing solar panels is a medium-term investment.
However, it is worth noting that the falling costs of the components and the incentives to promote solar energy mean that repayment times are becoming shorter and shorter.
In fact, European aid for self-consumption and IBI rebates from some local councils haven’t only stimulated the growth of the market, but they have also made it easier to reduce amortisation periods to 6, 5, and even 4 years.
3. “Solar energy generation comes to a halt on cloudy or rainy days.”
Even though solar panels produce more energy the more direct the impact of the sunlight and the longer it falls on them, it isn’t imperative that the sun is always shining.
What’s more, your solar panels still produce energy and make savings on cloudy days because they take advantage of both direct and indirect sunlight.
A similar thing is true for rain. Even though raindrops can reduce an installation’s production capacity, they also wash away dirt and dust, enabling the panels to capture sunlight more effectively.
However, we shouldn’t forget that the optimum weather conditions for energy production are temperatures at or below 25 °C, with high radiation peaks, even on cloudy days.
Our conclusion? Adverse weather is not a handicap for photovoltaic systems.
4. “Solar panels require a LOT of maintenance”
Photovoltaic installations don’t require very high levels of maintenance (which is an advantage), but they do require regular checks to ensure that all their components are in good working order and to clean the surface of the panels.
This is especially important in hot, windy, or polluted areas, where accumulated dust and dirt can cause energy production to decrease by up to 15%.
We recommend that you clean the panels once or twice a year, removing leaves and other debris. You should only use water – don’t use potentially harsh products or abrasive materials.
If in doubt, it’s best to call in a professional to keep your installation in peak condition.
5. “Solar panel manufacture causes a lot of pollution”
This is another widespread solar energy myth. However, the truth is that the solar panel manufacturing process is not excessively polluting, as they are made from silicon, aluminium, glass, and copper. Moreover, 95% of these materials can be recycled and reused.
Along the same lines, we should also mention that the useful life of solar panels is between 25 and 30 years.
If we take into account that they generate the same amount of energy needed to make them in just two years – and even if their performance decreases over time – we are talking about a truly efficient product.
In addition, a single photovoltaic panel on your roof can save 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide pollution over its lifetime.
The sun is a clean, abundant, and inexhaustible energy source. Installing solar panels is becoming safer, more efficient, and more profitable, thanks to companies like My Green House, who design and implement installations adapted to each client’s individual needs. If you want to join this sustainable energy model, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free, personalised consultation.
