Solar energy has been used since the 7th century B.C., but it wasn’t until the 19th century that scientists and inventors started using solar cells to generate electricity. While it’s true that photovoltaic (PV) technology is still evolving, solar power is ultimately a reliable form of clean and healthy energy. And an increasing number of people are realising the benefits of installing a system for their homes. But many of them don’t know much about the technology, resulting in a lot of myths being spread around by some uninformed or dubious sources. In this post, we bust some of those myths and set the record straight on how solar power works, why it’s beneficial to install, what type you should use, and more.

Solar Energy Myth #1 The environment is the only reason to install solar panels
Myth! Solar panels are good for the environment, the economy and your wallet. They’re not just a convenient way to heat your home in the winter or power your lights at night—they can protect our health and reduce pollution in our cities. And they don’t just benefit the planet; they help protect you from rising utility costs too. So if you’ve ever considered installing solar panels, now is definitely the time!

Solar Energy Myth #2 Installing solar panels will ruin the appearance of your home and lower its resale value
Myth! Another solar energy myth is that solar panels are an increasingly popular form of renewable energy, and they can be used to power all sorts of appliances around your home. If you’re worried about the aesthetics of adding solar panels to your property, don’t sweat it—they come in a variety of colours and styles that can be customized to match any design aesthetic. For example, have you seen our sleek, all-black solar panels yet? Installing solar panels is also a smart investment because they pay for themselves within just 3-5 years—and not only do they reduce your carbon footprint while providing free electricity for life (or at least up until the average lifespan of a homeowner). They also increase property value due to their long-term viability as an asset. This means that if you ever sell or rent out any properties powered by these systems, they are more attractive to potential buyers and renters.

Solar Energy Myth #3 You can purchase a solar system that generates all the energy you need, including when it’s cloudy or raining
Myth! While solar power is generated by the sun, it is not a reliable source of energy 24/7. Solar panels only work when there’s direct sunlight, and they will only produce some energy when it’s cloudy or raining. If you’re considering installing a solar system to power your home, consider how much energy you use during the day, especially on cloudy days. If you work away from home, the energy generated will go back into the grid whereby you will receive credit for this power. This credit then helps offset your electricity bills for the power used in the evening if you don’t have a battery. Make sure you ask about our latest solar panel products that require minimal sunlight to generate electricity.

Solar Energy Myth #4 Solar energy is unreliable because it’s dependent on the weather
Myth! Another solar energy myth is that solar panels generate electricity, not heat. As long as there is sunlight, solar panels will produce power. Even if it’s a cloudy day and you aren’t using any energy, your system will still be producing energy and helping to lower your utility bills. Solar power can eliminate your electricity bills completely and generate additional revenue for you through selling surplus energy back to the grid. Solar power is not a one-size-fits-all solution, so it’s important to size up your home and assess its needs before deciding whether solar energy is right for you. If you have a relatively small house or apartment that doesn’t require much power, then going with solar might be unnecessary or even detrimental because of all the extra equipment required. On the other hand, if your home has a lot of appliances and electronics that suck up electricity all day long (think: multiple TVs), installing solar panels could save you hundreds of dollars per month on utility costs while also helping protect our planet from environmental degradation caused by fossil fuel emissions.

Overall switching to solar offers a variety of benefits and now you have more choices than ever before. From rooftop systems to solar hot water and even batteries, going green has never been easier or more cost-effective. Plus, with so many government incentives, you are bound to reap some great solar rewards. The most important aspect of solar, however, is finding a reputable company. Like Solahart, which offers quality products and experienced installers.

We hope this article on solar energy myths and has provided you with valuable information about solar energy. If you’re planning to install a system in your home, we hope our advice has given you more confidence in the process.

For a FREE in-home assessment, give the friendly team at Solahart Brisbane South East a call today to find out how you can enjoy the great benefits of solar power.