Although solar panels for homes are rapidly gaining popularity, we sometimes see potential buyers believing certain myths about them, especially regarding power generation, maintenance and environmental impact. These myths are often as far from reality as could be, so we’ve decided to clear them up in this article.
Myth No. 1: Solar panels have a short lifespan
Fact: Modern photovoltaic energy panels will last you 25 to 30 years, and even after that, they are still usable – it’s just that their efficiency is reduced. Developments in manufacturing technology have made today’s solar panels durable, with high degrees of weather and fire resistance. Make sure you talk about the panel warranty when you make your purchase.
Myth No. 2: Solar panels require a lot of maintenance
Fact: The only real maintenance required is occasional rinsing with water to get rid of dust on the panel surface. This is because solar panels have no moving parts like motors and gears.
Myth No. 3: Solar panels are bad for the environment because of production techniques
Fact: While some greenhouse gases are emitted during the production of photovoltaic energy panels, there are zero emissions during the actual operation of the equipment, unlike coal and gas. If you consider the entire life cycle of solar PV, they are far better for the environment than conventional sources of power.
Myth No. 4: Used solar panels are thrown into a landfill
Fact: Solar panels are recyclable. After its lifespan is completed, the panel is disassembled into its components (metal frame, glass sheet, copper, silicon), and each is processed individually. Of course, since the vast majority of solar in India has been installed in the last decade and a typical panel has a 25-year life, recycling of panels is not yet a well-established industry. According to the IREA, by 2030, the world will cumulatively have enough raw material recoverable from decommissioned photovoltaic energy panels to produce 60 million new panels.
Note: The process is slightly different for thin film CdTe technology – but one company in the US has already developed a method to extract cadmium and telluride from these panels.
Myth No. 5: Solar panels need massive amounts of roof space
Fact: You can get about 1 kW of power from 100 sq. ft. of roof space. Most bungalows have at least 500 to 1000 sq. ft. of open roof, meaning a 5 to 10 kW system is easily possible for individual homeowners. Factories can install much more. To know exactly how much potential your roof has, get in touch with us today and schedule an appointment with our team.
Myth No. 6: Solar panels will stop working if it’s cold or cloudy
Fact: Even on a cloudy day, plenty of light is still reaching the Earth’s surface, so your panels will continue to work. As for the cold – low temperatures are actually better for photovoltaic energy panels as long as the sun is still shining (after all, they absorb light and not heat). Cooler temperatures help conduct electrons faster, meaning that the panel works at a higher efficiency as it gets colder.
Photovoltaic technology has come a long way in recent years. Panels are more efficient, cost less and are much easier to install. For most people, who want to cut down on their electricity bills or achieve independence from their local grid, a solar panel setup combined with an inverter and a battery makes sense. If you’re planning on installing solar panels for your home, office or factory, do get in touch with us at the earliest, and we will be happy to answer your questions.
