Solar energy, like everything else on this planet, has had its fair share of myths that just don’t seem to go away, and can’t trace back to any logical reasoning behind the myth’s appearance. As such, myth busting is something that needs to be done frequently to ensure that the right information gets to the people, especially in regard to something that is so vital to the environment going forward. For this end, here are a few myths and facts about solar panels and solar energy in general that need to be debunked for the greater good of the environment and the people.
Busting solar myths is imperative; seeing as how solar energy is on the rise for the past few years and the potential is even higher now, these myths could serve to disillusion the people from this wonderful alternative to dirty energy, and drive people away from solar energy. At such a time when the environment needs it the most, myths and facts about solar panels and solar energy need to be cleared.
Solar Energy myths and the facts
This will aim to bring about the facts that the myths try to obscure, and give logical reasons as to why a myth about solar energy and solar panels might be a myth and not actually based on any sort of reality. Lets start.
A classic myth, most likely bought about by the reasoning ‘if we cant see the sun, sunlight must not be present’. The fact is simple and logical: sunlight is present all times during the day, no matter how much cloudy or rainy the season might be. As such, solar panels DO work even in rainy or cloudy days; however, the energy generation will be affected by the fact that optimal sunlight isn’t present. In that case, the energy generated would be a lot lower than what your solar energy system could potentially generate during a sunny day.
Another myth which stems from the high initial cost associated with the installation of solar panels and solar energy systems in general. Yes, solar panels and solar energy systems are costly. However, to call them financially unviable would be a myth: the fact is that the savings that you get from solar easily offset the costs. Plus, you don’t actually pay the whole amount of the energy system upfront: several companies, like Beacon Energy, offer incredibly lucrative payment options to help make solar energy feasible and available for the masses.
Not at all. The fact is that solar energy systems, including solar panels, are robust enough to routinely cross at least two decades of operation and efficient energy generation. That too, on minimal maintenance. In essentiality, there are two maintenances that solar energy systems and solar panels specifically have to go through; one is your everyday wipe-down, using a soft brush/ clothe and some detergent, which can be done monthly or even twice a year. The second one is a bit more comprehensive and involves a maintenance crew. But this maintenance isn’t frequent, and additionally gives your assurance that your solar energy system is in peak functioning efficiency.
Another myth that could use some myth busting. The fact is that solar energy is one of the most environment-friendly energy sources out there; throughout the process of even manufacturing the equipment and during the generation process, no pollutants are introduced and neither is the environment harmed in any way. With that in mind, lets look at the other renewable energy sources:
Fukushima and Chernobyl are bywords for nuclear disaster, whereas wind power generates noise and takes up valuable real estate. Which makes solar energy not only the most feasible energy option out there but the cleanest and the least environmentally-charged one of them all.
With a maximum efficiency rating of around 30 per cent, this one is not a myth rather a statement that needs clarification. The best solar panels will generate around 30 per cent of what they are exposed to in the terms of sunlight. Which does not paint them in a good picture; but that 30 per cent is enough for the consumption of a nominal household and that’s the key to this specific myth.
This percentage of efficiency is enough for a household, and while several companies have developed PV modules that go beyond that, they aren’t commercially viable and will take a long time in getting to the consumer.
Conclusion,
Most of the myths and facts about solar panels and solar energy revolve around the fact that solar isn’t what its portrayed as. However, with companies like Beacon Energy, you can get a good idea of how much solar energy is beneficial not only for the environment, but your finances as well. In a country like Pakistan, where power blackouts have become the norm, solar energy is the best way to offset the high prices and utility bills and save oneself from the misery of having to sit in the sweltering heat without power.