GVEC Home® has been selling complete solar panel systems in South Central Texas since 2013. We’ve seen a lot of changes in the industry and in the product since then, and there’s a lot of outdated, incorrect and misleading information out there. Here are some common misconceptions about solar panels debunked.
1. Installing Solar Panels Will Damage My Roof
It’s reasonable to be concerned about whether solar panel installation and the product itself could damage your roof. However, if panels are installed per manufacturer guidelines, they will in no way cause damage. Similarly, if your roof is still under warranty, that warranty will remain unchanged with proper installation. At GVEC Home, our team of professional installers go above and beyond manufacturer guidelines with every solar panel install. If your roof is damaged, in need of replacement or within a few years of the end of its lifespan, adding a solar panel system is inadvisable. You’ll want to repair or replace the roof first, or consider a ground-mounted system.
2. Solar Cells Only Work on Sunny Days
Modern solar panels are more efficient than ever, and a cloudy day won’t prevent them from producing electricity. Admittedly, production does drop slightly under cloudy conditions. However, in South Central Texas, we enjoy, on average, over 300 days of sunny skies every year, so most panel owners probably won’t notice much impact.
3. Solar Is Too Expensive
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the cost of owning a solar panel system, including installation and price per kilowatt, has dropped over 70% since 2009. The past few years have seen solar become competitive with traditional power sources, too—something not possible throughout the first six or seven decades of modern solar technology. It’s also easier than ever to finance a solar panel system. GVEC, in fact, offers convenient, on-bill 0% interest financing for members. For non-members or those who don’t qualify for the on-bill financing, we offer additional financing options.
4. Solar Panels Are Ugly
“Ugly” is a subjective term—always has been, always will be. Still, it’s not a word we generally hear from GVEC Home customers in describing installed panels. Modern panels are sleek, yet inconspicuous, with a look that can add an ultramodern vibe to the home.
5. Solar Panels Don’t Last Very Long
Modern panels are extremely tough and durable, with the electricity-generating components protected beneath thick, industrial-grade glass. Panels are designed to withstand the impact of hail up to one inch in diameter and other harsh weather conditions. These products are constructed to last for decades. In fact, every solar panel system sold through GVEC Home includes a 25-year warranty.
6. Solar Will Decrease the Resale Value of My Home
Modern solar panels not only add a clean look, but also help lower and control energy costs while offering certain money-saving rebates and credits for the homeowner. All this adds up to increased home value and decreased selling time. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that homes with solar panels sell 20% faster than homes without them and for 17% more.
7. Solar Panels Require Lots of Maintenance
Modern panels are sturdy, durable and virtually maintain themselves, requiring only a light cleaning with water to remove any dust or debris that might build up.
8. Solar Panels Don’t Work in Cold Weather
Interestingly, the opposite is true for this misconception: Solar panels work very well in cooler weather. It’s important to remember that panels generate electricity through sunlight, not heat. As long as there’s plenty of sunlight, cooler temperatures increase the transmission efficiency of current through electrical wiring, boosting panel output.
9. Every Solar Dealer is Pretty Much the Same
Who you work with on your solar purchase matters—you want to work with someone you can trust. You’ve no doubt heard the old saying that if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This bit of wisdom applies to solar panel systems, too. If a solar contractor makes lofty claims about eliminating your electric bill, you’re best advised to be skeptical. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy significant savings and greater energy independence from a solar panel system, though. For solar guidance you can trust, call GVEC Home. Our cooperative values demand a people-over-profits mindset, and we never make promises we can’t keep.
GVEC Solar: Here to Help Untangle the Misconceptions About Solar Panels
These aren’t the only misconceptions about solar panels out there, of course. If you read or hear something about solar you think doesn’t sound quite right, please call us at 855.898.8807 and speak with one of our solar solutions specialists.
Our specialists aren’t paid on commission, so they’re not driven by the need to sell, but only to inform and arm our communities with accurate, up-to-date information about solar panel systems and battery storage solutions. They’ll help you untangle the facts from the misconceptions about solar panels. If you decide to use that information to make a buying decision with GVEC Solar it won’t be because of a high-pressure sales tactic–we guarantee it.
