Don’t Let These Common Solar Energy Myths Steal Your Sunshine

While the recent shift toward cleaner energy sources, such as solar, is excellent for powering our economy and our future, it doesn’t come without doubts, concerns and misconceptions. The digital era we’re in makes it so easy to spread misinformation, and not everyone has the time to backtrack and verify online information sources. This makes many homeowners in BC apprehensive about switching to solar power, and we understand the hesitation. Future West Solar has all the accurate knowledge about solar power for your home, and we’re here to help put the rumours to rest once and for all.

Common Solar Energy Myths to Watch Out For:

1. Solar panels don’t work when it’s cloudy or raining.
   On gloomy days with entirely or partially overcast skies, we prefer being cozy and staying indoors. However, your solar panels are still working away to generate power. Granted, solar panels work better with direct sunlight, but they can still capture and convert indirect or diffused sunlight into solar power. As for rain, solar panels are generally waterproof, and rain helps to keep your panels operating efficiently by washing away any dust or dirt.

2. Solar panels don’t work in cold temperatures.
   Contrary to popular belief, solar panels work at peak efficiency on cold, sunny days. This is because extreme heat can interfere with the conversion of sunlight to electricity, as solar panels collect light, not heat. So, even when the temperature is significantly icy, the solar system panels can still absorb the sun's rays. Plus, since we’re situated in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun is closest to us during the winter months, making for optimal power generation, though sunny days are few and far!

3. Solar panels are not that efficient.
   This statement couldn’t be further from the truth. On average, solar panels are about 22% efficient; while this sounds alarmingly low, it’s not. Solar cell materials are unable to absorb ALL the types of light within sunlight, such as infrared light; the light that can’t be absorbed gets reflected off as heat. Additionally, most people aren’t aware of how much power the sun actually produces. Just one and a half hours of sunlight holds enough power to suffice a year’s worth of the world’s energy needs and then some! So, even at an efficiency rate of 22%, your solar panels can generate plenty of power to meet your home’s requirements at or below the cost of acquiring power from your local utility provider. 

4. Going solar is just too expensive.
   According to Radio-Canada, in the past two decades, the price of solar power has dropped by nearly 90%! The advancement of technology and increasingly available tax credits and government rebates help lower financial pressure, too. As of late June 2024, the government of BC announced that BC Hydro will now be providing rebates for rooftop solar panels and battery storage so that more people across the province can generate electricity. Upfront costs for installing a solar system can be a bit steep, ranging from $15,000 - $30,000, but coupled with financial incentives and long-term cost-savings, it is a worthwhile investment. 

5. Installing solar panels is complicated.
   If you think the process of solar panel installation for your home will be too stressful, overwhelming, or lengthy, think again. Our solar experts at Future West Solar can successfully complete a solar system installation within as little as 2-3 days. We’re a team of industry pros and promise to make solar simple. So, be sure to choose reputed solar installers near you for a hassle-free experience.

6. Solar panels will damage my home’s roof.
   This is another big myth. Solar panels actually protect your roof from elemental damage like hail stones and even shield it from harmful UV rays. When installed, solar panels are just mounted on the roof and can easily be removed if needed. However, it is vital to check the roof's structural integrity before proposing, designing, and installing solar arrays. Future West Solar will evaluate your Okanagan home’s eligibility for solar panels as a preliminary step in switching to solar, so you won’t have to worry about a thing.

7. Solar panels don’t last long.
   Solar panels generally last 25-30 years. They are highly durable, reliable, lightweight, resistant to weather damage, and fire-secure. Solar panels, inverters, and batteries even come with warranties; however, the warranty timeframe will vary depending on the manufacturer. Future West Solar provides a 25-year warranty for solar equipment, with local service readily available in Kelowna and Chilliwack when you need it.

8. Residential solar panels require too much maintenance.
   They don’t. Since solar panels are built to last and weather-proof, they require minimal maintenance. At the most, they can occasionally be rinsed with water to get rid of debris, leaves, and dust. But the rain will do that for you, so put your feet up and relax.

9. Bye-bye, electricity bills.
   Running your home on sunshine doesn’t mean you can completely bid farewell to your electricity bills; however, you will definitely have lower bills from your utility provider. If you sign up for the net metering program offered by BC Hydro or Fortis BC, the surplus solar energy generated can be sent back to the public grid, for which you can receive credits. These credits can then be used for your energy requirements when solar power generated is low, for example, during winter months. So, while you will still have electricity bills, you will enjoy significant savings.

Do you have more myths you need debunked? Our passionate team at Future West Solar is ready for you. We’ve helped hundreds of homes switch to solar power in the Okanagan region, and you can be one of them, too! A greener world is important for a brighter future, so don’t wait. Contact us today, and we’ll help power your life with solar energy.

Future West Solar is a full-service solar company, from assessing your home’s eligibility to expert installation and after-service care; we aren’t satisfied until you are. We don’t take shortcuts and will never leave you hanging, and that’s our promise. With world-class equipment and our talented team, you'll experience the smoothest process of running on sunshine. Feeling inspired? Contact us today!