Solar technology myths

Due to misinformation, some myths exist about solar energy that have been disproven over the years. Technological innovations are responsible for many advances that have made solar a cost-effective means of generating electric power. Following are a few examples. 

 Myth: Solar energy is too expensive for most people

 Fact: The claim that solar energy is too expensive is outdated and continues to be proven wrong. The average cost of solar panels fell 75 percent between 2009-2014 alone, and some analysts predict the cost of PV panels will drop another 25 percent by 2018. The result is that in many areas around the world, electricity from solar is as cheap – or even cheaper – than electricity from coal, oil, or natural gas. This makes clean energy like solar one of the world’s fastest growing industries. Solar already makes up more than 20 percent of the world’s electricity generation. Bonus: when you use solar energy to do things like power homes or schools, you’re helping protect humans from higher carbon emissions, air pollution, and the devastating impacts of climate change. 

Myth: Carbon dioxide isn’t the main cause of global warming

 What about solar variations? Fact: 97 percent of climate scientists are in total agreement that human activities are the cause of the global warming we are experiencing now. Scientists knew our planet was changing some time ago, primarily due to carbon pollution from the burning of dirty energy like oil, natural gas, and coal. Alterations in the radiation the sun emits – known as “solar variation” – affects the climate too. But scientists account for this and analyze the contributions these changes make to our climate, which today are negligible compared to those from carbon pollution. It’s clear that man-made carbon dioxide pollution is overwhelmingly responsible for the global warming we’re experiencing now.

Myth: Clean coal is the answer. Why should we invest in solar when we have clean coal?

Fact: There’s no such thing as “clean coal.” Solar power, however, is a clean energy technology that is powering thousands of homes and businesses today. In reality, “clean coal” is a false solution. Coal is a dirty fuel no matter how you look at it. The coal mining process blasts away mountaintops and leaves toxic slurry ponds behind. Burning coal results in emissions that are harmful to human health, like mercury and smog. Worldwide, more carbon pollution comes from the burning of coal than any other source of energy. 

Myth: Solar power isn’t worth it because it won’t work in locations that are cloudy or cold

Fact: Solar power works even in cold or cloudy places. In truth, solar panels are just as effective in cooler temperatures as in hot ones. While it’s true that clouds can affect the efficiency of solar panels, they can still produce enough power to be efficient sources of electricity. Germany, for example, is a country that is not considered warm or sunny but is still the world leader in solar energy. 

Solar power is here to stay, and the sooner you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power. Go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. It tells you how much solar power you need, and how much you can save.

Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.