Debunking Common Solar Energy Myths

When you decide to power your commercial building or facility with solar power, you have to confront solar energy myths and facts and determine which is which. Let’s look at some common solar myths and the facts behind them. Once you understand the facts, you’ll be equipped to start your clean energy, solar project.

Myth #1: Your Solar Energy System Does Not Generate Power on Cloudy or Cold Days

Fact: Solar energy systems do generate power on cold and cloudy days. This myth may persist because people believe that solar energy systems need both light and heat to generate concentrated solar power. In reality, solar energy systems don’t use heat to generate power at all. Instead, they use the photons in sunlight to generate solar energy. These photons are still present even on cold and cloudy days, which is why your solar system generates clean energy even under those conditions.

Myth #2: Solar Energy Is Too Expensive to Invest In

Fact: Solar energy prices have been dropping rapidly over the past decade. For example, 200 kilowatt (kW) commercial photovoltaic cell (PV) solar systems fell from $5.36 per watt in 2010 to $1.85 per watt in 2017, according to the Department of Energy. Why have solar costs fallen so dramatically in recent years? Innovations in solar technology have made solar energy production and energy storage much more efficient and inexpensive than it once was. If you partner with an experienced solar consulting company, they can help design a solar system that fits within your budget and meets your clean energy needs.

Myth #3: You Should Only Put Your Solar Installation on the Roof

Fact: Rooftop solar panel installations offer great benefits. For example, they are low-access areas, so things like foot traffic won’t disrupt the solar panel system’s operations. Rooftop solar installations also prevent shading problems that can arise when panels are installed in areas where trees and other buildings could block their ability to absorb sunlight.

However, rooftop solar installations may present difficulties. For example, rooftop solar panel systems can be more expensive to install than ground-level solar installations since rooftops have such limited access. It can also be more difficult to perform maintenance on rooftop installations because of their limited access and working on a large system can be more challenging in a limited space. Ultimately, your solar developer will work with you to determine the best location to install solar panels. If a rooftop installation doesn’t work for you, Helios Energy™ can help you install your solar panels in another suitable location.

Myth #4: Solar Power Systems Need a Lot of Maintenance

Fact: Solar power systems can be very low maintenance energy systems. They do require monitoring to make sure they run smoothly, which can often be done remotely. Otherwise, you can just leave the system alone and let it convert solar energy into power for your facility. However, if your facility is located in a dusty or sandy area, it is recommended that you wipe the panels down every two to three months to keep them clean. Overall, solar panel maintenance isn’t very demanding.

Myth #5: Solar Panels Will Damage Your Roof

Fact: Solar panels do not damage roofs. In fact, they protect the sections of roof that they cover. People may think that solar panels damage roofs because they sit on top of the roof, but that isn’t the case. Solar panels are mounted on top of the roof, not directly attached to it, so they can be moved or removed as needed.

Take Advantage of Solar Energy With Helios Energy

Reach out to Helios Energy™ today if you understand these solar energy facts and are ready to develop a solar project for your facility. We work with a number of renewable energies such, as LED lighting and HVAC solutions, that may ideally work in tandem with a solar system to optimize your clean energy solution. When you collaborate with Helios, we become your long-term partner that assists in developing and installing your first project and then helps determine how to make future integrations of other renewable energies to meet your evolving clean energy goals. Helios Energy™ has the experience and knowledge you need to take advantage of clean energy and energy efficiencies to reduce your electricity bills and overall energy consumption.