With all the sunshine we enjoy here in WA, the growing interest in solar panels is understandable. But there’s a lot of misinformation out there.
“Solar panels don’t work when it’s cloudy.”
“Solar panels are high maintenance.”
“Solar panels are super expensive.”
These are a few of the solar panel myths we hear often from our customers, so we’ve dedicated this article to busting these misconceptions.
Here’s a look at 10 of the most common solar panel myths and the truth behind installing solar panels.
Top 10 Solar Panel Myths
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Solar Panels Do Not Work In Cloudy or Cold Weather
Of course, we get plenty of sunshine here in Australia. But we certainly get our share of cooler, cloudier, rainy days too. I’d say the biggest myth we hear is that solar panels do not work on cloudy days or in cooler weather.
Fortunately, the sun’s rays still penetrate the clouds on overcast days, allowing the solar cells in the panels to absorb light particles. A completely overcast or stormy day will prevent energy production, but partly or mostly cloudy days can still generate energy. Solar panels are more efficient in cooler temperatures versus hot temperatures.
For an in-depth look at how solar panels work in varying weather conditions, check out our blog here: How Does the Weather Affect Solar Panels and Production.
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Solar Panels Will Damage My Roof
Many of our customers worry that installing solar panels will damage their roofs. Fortunately, solar panels can actually protect your roof if installed correctly. By covering the roof in certain areas, the roofing material underneath is shielded from the elements and better protected.
When we install solar panels, our technicians make a point to treat your home as their own. We ensure no damage occurs to your roof and clean up the work site completely so we leave your home exactly as we found it.
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Solar Panels Are High Maintenance
Because of their durable construction and tilt, solar panels are low maintenance and easy to care for.
Solar panel systems require minimal maintenance, with the most common issue being the build-up of dirt, dust, and debris. If the solar cells are covered in a film, energy production will be negatively affected.
Most debris will blow right off of the tilted surface and a good rainstorm is often enough to rinse the panels off. However, it is still important to monitor the panels and make sure no debris is covering them.
The frequency of cleaning will depend on your surroundings, the climate, and where you live. Generally, we recommend cleaning your panels about twice a year to make sure no debris has accumulated.
By keeping your panels free of debris and build-up and scheduling an annual inspection and servicing appointment with your installer, you can enjoy an efficient solar system for many years.
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More Solar Panels Equals Higher Savings
“The more solar panels I have, the more money I’ll save.”
This isn’t quite how it works. Covering every square inch of your roof with solar panels will not help you save more money. To get the most out of your investment, you’ll want the right size solar system for your house, roof layout, energy needs, climate, and location.
We work with homeowners and take a wide range of factors into account to design a setup that is the most cost-effective. We recommend contacting our team to determine the residential solar package that will best suit your energy needs, setup, and location.
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Solar Panels Can Power My Home Even If the Power Goes Out
Unfortunately, if you’re connected to the energy grid and the power goes out, your solar panels will not power your home.
Unless you have an off-grid setup, your power will shut out if the grid goes out. We recommend having a backup generator on hand for instances like this.
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Solar Energy Is Too Expensive for Me
In recent years, solar panel installation has become even more affordable. Generating solar energy from solar panels is one of the most cost-effective methods of powering your home and is an investment that will pay itself off over time.
With various rebates and government incentives for Australian homeowners to take advantage of, we can help you qualify to reduce your investment in solar panels.
If you need help finding out what rebates you qualify for or would like a free quote for solar panel installation, contact us and we’d be happy to help.
You can also learn more about the various solar rebates in Australia here:
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Solar Panels and Solar Batteries Are Bad for the Environment
Quality solar panels boast an impressive lifespan of up to 25 years, providing decades of clean energy. However, there are viable concerns about the effects of solar panels at the end of their lifespan.
In Victoria and South Australia, solar panels are banned from being sent to landfills and must be dropped off at e-waste centres to be recycled. Improper disposal of solar panels puts ecosystems at risk of contamination from chemicals and heavy metals.
Additionally, solar battery production also presents environmental concerns regarding the mining process.
Fortunately, there is extensive focus on reducing these environmental concerns regarding solar panel recycling and solar battery production. We expect to see continued improvements in this area, making solar panels even more environmentally friendly than they already are.
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Solar Panels Make It Harder to Sell Your Home
When customers worry that reselling their homes will be harder with solar panels, we are happy to tell them it’s just the opposite. Many buyers see solar panels as a selling point and often pay more for a home with solar panels installed.
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You’ll Stop Receiving Power BIlls After Installing Solar Panels
Solar panel installation will reduce your energy bills but it will not eliminate them. With a standard solar panel system, you’ll still be connected to the grid through your current utility company.
On some days, excess electricity will be generated and credited to your account. On other days, you may need to use electricity from the grid at night when your system isn’t generating energy. This electricity will be pulled directly from the grid and charged by your utility provider.
If you truly want to eliminate energy bills, we recommend a full off-grid solar system. An off-grid solar panel setup is more expensive and involved, but the result is the ability to be completely self-reliant.
A full off-grid solar system requires:
- Solar panels
- Power inverter
- Batteries
- Cables, routers, connections, and other equipment
- Charge controller
If self-sustainability and independence are your goals, contact us about a custom off-grid solar system solution tailored to your exact needs.
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Cheap Solar Panels Are As Good As Expensive Ones
Solar panels are an investment. Opting for the cheapest installer or the cheapest solar panels can end up costing you greatly in the long run.
Opting for the cheapest solar power system can leave you dealing with parts that fail, suboptimal performance, or a system that is not right for your needs.
Cheap or poor installation can result in damage to your roof or dangerous situations if the panels are not secure.
Always choose a reputable solar panel system installer. At Aus Energy Solar, our technicians are highly trained with years of experience and continuous education. We carry only the highest quality solar products, ensuring you can trust the longevity and safety of every system we install.
Is Solar Power Right for Me?
Interested in learning more about a custom residential solar package for your home? We can evaluate your home, setup, and energy needs to give you a custom quote on a residential solar system. Our team is here to answer all of your questions and get you started on your journey to clean energy and reduced energy bills.
Serving Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, and QLD, we’re dedicated to helping Australian homes and businesses take advantage of the benefits of solar power.
