5 Solar Truths You Didn't Know
Did you know an American home is going solar every 96 seconds? Yet many Americans are still unaware of solar’s changing story and success. Solar power is affordable now and a great investment in today's market. Solar Over Louisville challenges you to see that myths about solar energy persist and may have prevented you or your business from seeing the opportunities that investing in solar can bring as the return on investment continues to improve. So we’re taking a look at where solar is today, and exposing the truth about solar. Here are 5 solar truths you didn’t know.
1. Solar costs have come down.
The cost of solar has fallen dramatically in recent years and with financing options and making use of tax credits and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) many people and businesses today can save money by getting most of their electricity from a solar system. Since just 2006, the average price of a solar system has dropped 70%. And, while solar was once out of reach for most, these changes in the market have made it far more accessible. In fact, the fastest uptake of solar in the U.S. is now among the middle-class.
2. Solar is efficient and the technology is ready for mass adaption.
Solar cell technology has been capable of supplying enough energy for the average homeowner for decades and new advancements continue to be made every year. With today’s lower costs it is a great time to “go solar”.
3. A solar system on your home will make it easier to sell.
Energy costs are expected to rise up over time as pressures to move away from fossil fuels grow. Solar counterbalances this and therefore adds value to your property, making it easier to sell. The capacity of solar systems to produce energy and save money for the homeowner make the systems an attractive feature.
4. Maintenance is quite minimal.
There are no moving parts on solar panels so there is little or no maintenance involved with the ongoing use of a solar power system. The solar panels are typically guaranteed by the manufacturer for 25 years and are expected to last 30-50 years. This produces additional money savings with only minor declines in performance over time. The inverter is typically guaranteed for ten years, and expected to last 20 years; it may need to be replaced 1-2 times over the lifetime.
5. Solar works on cloudy days and in northern climates
One common argument against solar is that the sun isn’t always shining. However, technical solutions and other strategies are making that less of an issue. Solar panels are able to pick up the diffuse lighting present on cloudy days. Anyone who sees how much solar energy Germany has installed, or the list of top solar states in the U.S., can see that solar works well even northern regions.