Common Solar Power Myths
There are a number of myths about solar power, even though technology and expertise has increased dramatically in the past couple of decades. Solar energy has become widely accepted in the Valley of the Sun and around the world, but there are still plenty of skeptics out there who believe things that are either outdated or just plain false. Fusion Power is here to set the record straight.
Myth 1: Solar Energy is too expensive
Solar panels will reduce your monthly electric bill significantly. Some of Fusion Power’s customers have been able to cut their summer A/C bill in half, which can be a massive savings when bills are several hundred dollars every month. And if you produce more electricity than you use, it goes into the power grid and the power company credits you.
Additionally, if you purchase your panels (rather than lease), you are eligible for tax credits. The federal tax credit is currently 22% in 2021, while the Arizona solar tax credit is 25% with a cap of $1,000. But wait, there’s more! There is also a property tax exemption if the solar panels increase the value of your home as well as an exemption on the sales tax up to 5.6%.
Myth 2: Solar panels aren’t that great for the environment
Meanwhile the National Renewable Energy Laboratory notes solar panels avoid far more carbon dioxide and other pollutants than are introduced during the manufacturing process. For every 1000kWh of electricity produced, solar panels reduce emissions by about eight pounds of sulfur dioxide, five pounds of nitrogen oxide, and more than 1,400 pounds of carbon dioxide. NREL explains the amount of time it would take to pay back the environmental costs of manufacturing the panels is only about 2-3 years, including the energy it costs to make the aluminum frame and purify the silicone used in the panels.
Myth 3: Solar panels don’t work when it’s cloudy
Did you know you can get a sunburn when it’s cloudy? Clouds obviously block some sunlight, but certainly not all of it. While the amount of energy produced by solar panels goes down when it’s cloudy, your panels are still making electricity. And with an annual average of 299 days of sun in Phoenix, cloudy days are few and far between.
Myth 4: Solar panels require a lot of maintenance
Solar panels in good working order require very little maintenance. Most solar panels in Gilbert and the Phoenix Metro area are installed at an angle, so wind and rain can easily remove any debris or dust. And since snow isn’t likely to be an issue here, you don’t have to worry about snow buildup blocking out the sun.
Myth 5: Solar panel installation can damage your roof
There are a couple things to consider here. First, we have an experienced team who will determine before we even start that your roof and electrical panel are suitable for installation. Often on older homes people will replace their roofs at the same time they install solar panels.
Our team can install solar panels on tile roofs, shingle roofs, flat roofs and more. When we install the panels we take great care to properly and safely secure the panels while protecting the integrity of your roof.
Want to learn how solar panels can reduce your electric bills and help the environment? Give us a call today at 480-676-1433 or email contact@fusionpowerco.com.
