Common solar myths and facts, debunked.

Are you in the dark about solar? There are plenty of solar myths and facts floating around the internet, and things can get a bit confusing. Maybe you heard that solar panels only work when it is sunny. Or, that solar isn’t worth it. To start off, both of those are false! Bison Roofing & Solar is here to help clear things up for you. We began as a roofing company, and branched out into solar shortly after. With over 10 years of experience, we know the ins and outs of the entire industry! 

Common solar myths and facts.

 

It’s amazing how news – good or bad – can spread like wildfire. Sometimes it’s true, and sometimes it isn’t. When it comes to solar, there are a number of facts that are interesting to learn. Without further ado, here are some of our favorite solar facts:

Solar Fact #1: Solar Energy is an Abundant Resource. 

Did you know that in just one hour, enough solar energy hits the surface of the earth to power all of humanity’s needs for an entire year? It’s insane to think about that fact, knowing that such an abundant resource is readily available to us and we don’t take advantage of it. 

Solar Fact #2: Every Solar Roof Directly Helps the Environment.

Every homeowner that installs solar energy is directly responsible for a better environment. This goes for the air we breathe, climate change, and carbon emissions. If everyone were to go solar, we would drastically improve the conditions around the world. Do your part!

Solar Fact #3: Solar Electricity Has Been Around for Longer Than You Think.

Did you know that solar energy has been around since the 1800s? Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect in 1839. This is the ability to create electricity from the sun’s rays – the foundation of solar electricity. The first solar panel cell was invented in 1941, and the first commercial solar panel was put out in 1954. 

Solar Fact #4: Electrical Cars Can Be Powered by Solar Panels. 

Have an electrical car? This fun fact is rarely talked about or known. You can fully charge your electrical vehicle with solar panels. When you pair electrical panels with an electric car, you are saving nearly your entire carbon footprint. 

solar myths and factsNow for the solar myths. Lots of misinformation exists out there. At Bison Roofing and Solar we want to make sure you are armed with the correct information. We understand going solar is a big decision, so let’s set straight some common solar myths.

Solar Myth #1: Solar Panels Don’t Work Unless It Is Sunny

Full, direct sunlight makes solar panels work at their best capacity. However, they are still pulling energy from the sun even when it is cloudy or raining outside. Here in South Florida, we have abundant sunshine and optimal conditions for solar energy production. However, you can rest assured that even when the weather conditions aren’t ideal, your solar panels are hard at work. 

Solar Myth #2: Solar Panels are Expensive.

Think you can’t afford solar? Think again. Bison Roofing and Solar requires NO down payment. You can choose to put money down, pay for your system in full, or make monthly payments. These monthly payments take the place of your regular monthly electric bill, and are usually lower than what you pay to FPL. So, no matter which way you cut it, solar saves you cash. 

Solar Myth #3: Solar is Adding Another Bill to Your House

No one likes additional bills. Solar isn’t an additional cost or yet another bill you have to pay on a monthly basis. Rather, it is a reallocation of your money. Instead of paying FPL, you will be paying for your solar panels. No need to worry about paying more bills!

Solar Myth #4: Batteries Will Supply Your Home with Electricity in the Event of a Power Outage.

Batteries may not be able to provide electricity for your entire home in the event of an outage. Buying batteries to supplement your solar energy is expensive. Your return on investment simply is not there. You are much better off buying a quality generator in case the FPL grid goes down. It is always good to have a backup plan, but at this point, the technology isn’t available to make batteries worthwhile for their price. 

We hope this helps clear up common solar myths and facts. If you have any further questions about roofing and/or solar, we are here to help you!