Solar energy is constantly rising in popularity, especially here in the Rocky Mountains. However, there are quire a few facts about solar panels that need to be cleared up. Let us shed some light on the subject! Here’s the answers to the top 5 questions about solar panels that exist today.
Do solar panels work on a cloudy day?
Have you ever been out hiking in the Colorado mountains, and despite the cloudy weather, you still got a bright red sunburn? It’s exactly the same with solar panels. Even though the day might be gray and rainy, solar energy still comes through the clouds. Even in Seattle, with more than 150 days of precipitation a year, solar power is thriving. Thus, even in the grayest of days, homeowners are still able to receive power from solar energy.
Do solar panels work in the winter?
Coloradans know what it’s like to live through a heavy winter. Because of this, many might discard the idea of installing solar panels on the basis that they won’t work in cold climates. However, this is just a misconception. Solar panels harness the sun’s energy, not the temperature, so solar panels work fine no matter the time of year. In fact, solar panels have even been known to work better in cold climates. Because conductivity increases with the cold, Colorado winters are actually the best time of year to produce solar energy.
Do solar panels work at night?
While it is true that solar panels only collect energy during the day, this does not mean that the power goes down with the sun. Thanks to science, two main technologies exist for powering homes at night.
Net Metering
The first technology, net metering, works like a bank. When solar panels collect surplus energy throughout the day, the grid supplies credits to the owner. Then during the night, homeowners are able to use their credits to power their homes
Solar Plus Storage
Likewise, another technology that can be implemented is solar plus storage. Simply store the surplus energy either in a battery or on the grid for availability during the night. This creates a round-the clock technology that keeps homes powered, even after the sun sets.
Do solar panels require a lot of maintenance?
One common thought is that solar panels take too much money and effort to maintain. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, most solar panels outlive their warranty by years. Additionally, myths that say solar panels need a high maintenance tracking system or that solar panels do damage to roofs are false. The only maintenance that solar panels regularly require is hosing them off once a year. That’s it!
Do solar panels cost too much money?
Perhaps the biggest misconception surrounding solar panels is that they cost too much for the average homeowner. However, after doing the research it is easy to see that solar energy actually saves consumers money through its quick return rate. Plus, almost every state, including Colorado, offers tax incentives and rebates on solar panel installation, which further reduces the cost. Ultimately, the idea that solar panels do not pay for themselves is simply a myth.
Now that you know “watts up”, are you ready to reap the benefits of solar energy? If you are interested in saving money while encouraging sustainability through solar energy, contact CRJ Contractors for an estimate. We are proud to be your local solar energy company, and we are based right here in Colorado Springs. Give us a call for a free estimate!
