Any Truth To The Common Misconceptions of Commercial Solar?
In speaking to businesses every day about the reliability, lower cost and efficacy of solar, we have encountered several misconceptions about solar energy.
Here are some examples:
1. Solar only works when the sun is shining. I still need power when it’s raining
Solar technology can be leveraged in virtually any condition, including rainy and cloudy days, because sunlight still reaches the panels.
Essentially solar panels extract energy from light, not heat, therefore allowing the panels to work even more efficiently in cooler temperatures than warmer ones.
In contrast, heat interferes with the conversion of sunlight into electricity, making cooler days more ideal for the generation of power.
In addition, battery energy storage can be connected to your solar panels and provide energy even at night when the sun is out.
This is your clean-energy backup, as opposed to conventional backup generators—if the power goes, your power will stay on.
2. Solar requires a lot of maintenance
The panels have very few moving parts and generally do not require a great deal of maintenance to function reliably.
Solar panels do require periodic inspection to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated overtime.
Panels are manufactured to withstand harsh weathers, so you have nothing to worry about on those really stormy nights and extremely hot days.
Tier 1 solar panels have a useful life of up to 25 years.
3. My company is too small to have solar
Solar installations can be designed to fit the specific needs, ranging from commercial facilities to homes.
The smaller the company or residence is, the lower the number of solar panels that would be required.
Consequently, less capital would be expected, making it most ideal for a solar system to be installed and ready for use.
What’s more, lease-to-own monthly fees or solar tariffs are widely available upon enquiry, instead of footing the upfront capital requirement of an installation.
4. Solar panel installation will damage my roof
Though solar panels can be mounted on the ground or on carports, they are very often installed on roofs.
Justifiably anyone would be concerned about the effects of this installation to their roof and possible damages it could cause.
However, solar panels actually benefit the portion of the roof they cover by absorbing the harmful UV rays that degrade roofing materials indirectly protecting and preserving your roof.
On many roofs, the solar panel installation process involves drilling holes to secure the solar panels, but these mounts are protected using a metal “flashing” to ensure that your roof remains undamaged and leak free.
5. Panels can only be on roofs
Panels can be mounted on other surfaces as well.
In the event that the roof size or space is not enough for the projected load of the facility, solar panels can also be mounted on carports, which serve the dual purpose as canopies for parked cars and a means to generate energy for your facility.
Solar panels can also be ground mounted.
The most important thing is that these panels are in proper view of the sun with no obstacles that could cause shading.
For more information regarding how solar and battery energy storage systems can help your business save money while using more reliable power, feel reach out to the Infranergy team here.
