Solar system myth-busting!

By Emma Peterson. 

The team at O’Donnell Solar Company debunks common solar energy myths. 

Solar is becoming increasingly accessible and popular among homeowners. Not only is it better for the environment, but it also provides homeowners with a way to both lower and control their electric bill. With the right conditions and when designed properly, solar can help homeowners achieve energy independence. However, as with anything that grows in popularity, there are also a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding solar energy.  

Luckily, the team at O’Donnell Solar Co. is here to set the record straight and separate fact from fiction. Here are some of the solar myths they’ve been hearing, and the truth you need to understand the true potential of solar.  

1 – Solar is only for the sunny side of the street 

A common misconception is that solar is only effective in areas that get near-constant sunshine. This myth comes from a misunderstanding of how solar works. Solar uses photovoltaic energy (light energy) and transforms it into electricity. And the reality is that photovoltaic energy can come from both direct and indirect sunlight. In other words, solar panels still produce electricity on cloudy and even rainy days!  

2 – Money, money, money 

Another common myth is that solar is a luxury purchase only for the wealthy. And while solar is a significant financial investment, with double-digit increases in utility electricity prices becoming the norm, the question has now become, “Can you afford not to have solar?” 

Even with the federal tax credit for homeowners having been eliminated by the OBBBA, state and utility incentives paired with financing options continue to make solar far more accessible today. Further, technological advances in the last decade have simply made solar panel installation more affordable.  

Homeowners who choose to finance their solar purchase can have solar installed with little to no upfront cost. In this scenario, they make a monthly loan payment that generates equity in an asset they own rather than making a payment to a utility in perpetuity for zero return. In this scenario, the panels essentially pay for themselves!  

3 – A maintenance hassle  

Some people worry that with the installation of solar on a roof comes a large uptick in maintenance needs. However, if you work with trusted companies, like O’Donnell Solar Co., who, thanks to their sister company O’Donnell Roofing Co, has the expertise to ensure your roof is in proper condition to install solar panels, you should have no issues with leaks.  

And using high-quality panels, inverters, mounting equipment and standard critter guard, results in a solar system that is highly durable and needs minimal to no maintenance.  

4 – One and done 

With electrical grids around the country experiencing more strain, power outages have and will continue to be a struggle. Gaining energy independence from these grids is often a motivator for homeowners looking into solar panels. However, it is important to note that a solar panel does not equate energy independence. Many standard solar systems are tied to the grid still and will shut off during power outages.  

However, the idea that solar panels can lead to energy independence is not totally unfounded. If you pair a solar system with the right battery storage, such as Enphase or FranklinWH, solar panels can offer energy independence and peace of mind for homeowners concerned about electrical grid stability.  

These are just four out of the seven misconceptions the O’Donnell team tackled! Make sure to check out the other solar myths they’ve busted!