Myth 1: Solar panels are not recyclable
This is false, solar panels are recyclable. They are made mostly out of glass with an aluminum frame, both well established materials to be recycled. The solar panel recycling industry is now emerging, as current solar PV systems reach their end of life.
Read more: Mirletz, Hieslmair, Ovaitt, Curtis & Barnes, Ars Technica, EPA
Myth 2: Solar panels take more energy to produce than they will output
Super false. Modern silicon solar panels have approximately a 2-year energy payback period, and a useful life of over 25 years. The total energy return is over 10x invested. This contrasts oil and gas energy returns, which due to increasingly energy-intensive extraction methods have dropped to under 5x energy return.
Read more: Murphy, Raugei, Carbajales-Dale & Estrada, Byline Times, NREL
Myth 3: All solar is made in China
Misleading. While Chinese companies have majority market share, protective tariffs and domestic subsidies are leading to more American investment. Shaw Solar installs primarily Q-Cell panels. Q-Cell is a Korean company that has invested heavily in US production, with large factories both in Dalton and Cartersville, GA.
Read more: Atlanta Journal, EPA, energysage
Myth 4: Solar panels don’t work in the winter
Definitely False. Solar output is overall lower during the winter due to fewer daylight hours, but the panels actually work more efficiently while the sun is out. Both colder temperatures and higher surface albedo due to snow contribute to this increase in efficiency. Snow covering panels can reduce output, but slides off easily once they begin to warm.
Read more: Renewable Energy Magazine, Ecoflow
Myth 5: Solar is unaffordable
False, in recent years solar has become very affordable for homeowners and businesses. Panels have dramatically fallen in price and there’s a 30% federal tax credit. For homeowners, programs like RENU offer low, fixed rate $0 down loans. For businesses, REAP grants can reduce project costs by over 90% when combined with tax incentives.
Read more: SEIA, CO Clean Energy Fund, WSJ
Myth 6: I won’t live in the house long enough to reap the benefits
Misleading. In the Durango area, the average payback period for a solar system is 7-8 years. Even if you plan to sell your house before then, you’ll likely benefit from a notable increase in property value. A study by Zillow showed houses with solar systems sold for 4.1% more, translating to a $29,800 increase for the median Durango home. Note: this increase in property value is exempt from CO property taxes.
Read more: Zillow Research, Colorado DPT, SolarReviews
Myth 7: Solar panels will damage my roof
False, with professional installation there is virtually no risk of roof damage from installing solar panels. In fact, solar panels are durable and will help protect and preserve your roof. It is important, however, to consider the condition of your roof before installing, which we will evaluate during our free site visit. If you would prefer, we are also proficient in ground-mount systems.
Read more: Secured Roofing and Solar, Ecoflow
Myth 8: I need to buy an expensive battery to go solar
False, batteries are not required for solar installations. Most systems are grid-tied, which allows you to feed your overproduction into the grid and get paid for it through net-metering. Installing a battery has compelling benefits though, such as providing power when the grid is down or avoiding purchasing electricity during expensive, peak rates.