Busting Solar Myths
Only a few Earth Days ago, people felt there was relatively little they could do to combat climate change. But today more and more homeowners are finding their slice of energy independence by installing solar energy at home. This Earth Day, SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive is celebrating by busting the top five myths about solar power.
Myth #1: “Solar is beyond my budget!”
Lyndon Rive: Solar has never been more affordable, and a solar roof can cut the typical household’s electric bill in half. Moreover, federal, state and city governments are offering unprecedented incentives for homeowners to go solar. Today an investment in solar typically delivers greater than 10 percent annual return over its 30-year lifetime. Now that’s a solid investment no matter what shape the economy is in!
Myth #2: “I will lose power when the sun goes down.”
Lyndon Rive: Because you’re still connected to the grid, you won’t have any problem keeping the lights on at night. A solar roof will dramatically reduce your electric bill by turning abundant sunlight into clean power during the day, when electricity rates are highest. When the sun goes down, you draw energy from the utility grid at low, night-time rates.
Myth #3: “It’s too much of a hassle.”
Lyndon Rive: Homeowners should look for an established solar installer that puts special emphasis on simplifying the process for going solar. A good solar installer will take care of all the red tape and guide you through the entire process.
Myth #4: “But these panels will look terrible on my beautiful roof!”
Lyndon Rive: Solar roofs have come a long way in both appearance and performance. The exposed steel frames and black checkerboard panels are out. These days it’s all about sleek, ultra-thin, reflective-black panels that lay flat against the roof surface.
Myth #5: “I’m only one person with one roof. How can I do anything to stop global climate change?”
Lyndon Rive: By going solar, you will be saving money while joining a broad movement fighting climate change. We estimate that over the next 15 years, each solar roof on a typical 3-bedroom home will remove approximately 82,000 lbs of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – equivalent to driving an average car 100,000 miles. And with the typical household saving thousands of dollars on the electric bill over the years, that’s money that can go into the bank, toward your kid’s college tuition, or toward that much-needed family vacation.
Interested in learning more about Solar? Visit Sierra Club Green Home’s Solar Center or click to request a free home solar installation quote.
December 9th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
I’ve been doing a lot of research on solar panels lately, and I really enjoy your site. I’m glad you have so much interesting information on solar panels!
January 19th, 2010 at 11:50 am
I have a Solar City system. It’s amazing. what a great company!
January 19th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Great article! I highly recommend a family owned and operated business located in West-Central Wisconsin. http://www.bubblingspringssolar.com/index.html
January 19th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
There’s so much hype about solar power. It doesn’t benefit me because I live in a cloudy city. Or is that a myth too?
January 19th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Cool info. But I really think if someone thinks that solar power is “too much of a hassle” then they don’t really care enough and they’ll just find other excuses.
January 19th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
One solar roof makes a HUGE difference; I see that now.
January 19th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
my neighbor has solat panels and hes already getting money back its crazy
January 20th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Who cares if your roof looks ugly? It’s not like anyone can see it…
January 24th, 2010 at 1:54 am
nice post. thanks.
April 21st, 2010 at 3:48 pm
For all those considering a solar energy system lease, please read the agreement carefully. In fact, have a lawyer look it over and advise you. There are some pretty onerous terms included which take the shine off of the leasing arrangement for homeowners. For example, what happens if you move? Who owns the system? When do your payments become lower or stop? Is the electricity rate lower for the life of the system or only for an initial period? It may be that you are simply changing to whom you make out the utility bill payment.
August 25th, 2011 at 11:53 am
With regard to Myth#5 you say solar roofs remove 82000 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Doesn’t that make your roof too heavy to be supported by your house?