The demand for renewable energy resources is on the rise to combat inflation, global warming, and climatic chaos. Solar energy solutions are a possible alternative to fight against the high priced grid power supply, extensive power outages, and climate change. Solar energy offers multiple benefits to both commercial and residential customers, but various myths and misconceptions make it confusing for people to opt for this sustainable source of energy.

For that reason, we will focus on the most common myths that revolve around solar energy and solar panel technology. 

1- Solar Energy Systems are expensive and not cost-effective 

Reality: Solar system prices in Pakistan widely differ from one company to another. Some organizations are only importers and distributors of this technology. There are only a few companies that genuinely work in the solar energy field, with their in-house team working and manufacturing the hardware, and developing end-to-end solution. Going solar is one of the best decisions and a long term secure investment that a homeowner can make. Modern technology based solar energy systems can result in enhanced savings every month and give a quicker ROI than anything else. Over the years, the prices of solar energy systems have also declined.

Among all the other benefits, energy storage units and net-metering add a lot to the savings and non-stop energy supply. For that reason, solar energy systems are way more economical than traditional energy sources. 

Investment in Solar Energy means ongoing savings for many years to come, allowing you to be financially ahead in a shorter period of time. The trend of shifting to solar energy is going to continue with the hike in electricity costs and is becoming the need of the hour due to the ongoing environmental crisis. 

2- Solar energy systems and solar panels require a lot of maintenance 

Reality: Solar panels and the installation of their respective system is a straight forward process as long as you are buying from a reliable source and organization. Solar engineers are trained to conduct the site survey and then install the system, either on the ground or on the roof.

Solar panels need regular cleaning to remove the accumulated dust, debris, or snow, in case you are living in cold climate areas. Other than that, solar panels are built to withstand the harsh climate. Furthermore, if you don’t live in an area close to industries, you can clean your solar panels every six months. Solar inverters and batteries are placed inside the home, so they don’t need any such cleaning.

Additionally, companies with complete end to end solution provide periodic maintenance so cleaning of panels isn’t an issue at all. 

3- Solar panels only work in summers

Reality: Solar energy production does not depend on the region’s temperature or the prevailing season. Solar energy generation depends on the kinetic energy of small particles, Photons, which contain light and convertible energy. It is, therefore, important to remember that solar panels need light energy, not the heat from the sun, to generate electricity. If you get sufficient sunlight, even amidst the cold temperature, the solar panels will work efficiently.

4- You can’t store solar energy for night consumption

Reality: There are two types of solar energy systems in the market. The grid-tied systems and hybrid systems. Grid-tied systems are connected to the grid and do not come with the energy storage system. On the other hand, hybrid energy systems come with energy backup units. If you are looking for a solar energy system that can also provide for the night-time electricity requirement, then hybrid systems are the right option. The excess energy produced during the day can be net-metered as well as stored in the backup system. That way, you can get electricity day and night.

5- The Return on Investment for the solar energy system is far too long.

Reality: A good quality solar energy system with updated technological features can serve your energy needs for 25-30 years. Solar energy system saves you from inflation and power outages, as well as adds up to the savings with net-metering. You can get zero and even negative energy bills! Such attributes make solar worth it. You can get the return on investment in nearly 5-8 years of its lifespan. Solar energy is a practical and economical choice and an investment that will put money in your pocket for many years to come.

6- The life expectancy of Solar Energy System 

People weigh the investment in solar energy systems with a lifespan of only 5-6 years. But that is completely wrong. The minimum lifespan of the Li-ion battery itself is 10 years. The life expectancy of the whole solar energy system is 25-30 years. Even after that, it is not that the system will stop working. It is predicted that the optimum performance might decrease after that time. But the solar energy system will function even after that. Solar panels and systems can work for decades, given that they are cleaned and maintained regularly. 

Another misconception is that switching to solar power is hard and complicated. However, the truth is that it is pretty simple. You just have to switch your traditional energy supplier to an experienced renewable energy solutions provider such as SkyElectric with its SkyElectric Smart Solar plus Storage System. SkyElectric primarily focuses on providing clean green energy to Pakistan with a deep understanding of the energy market. 

Most of the arguments are outdated and based on incorrect information. One should stop believing false solar energy myths, research on the required solution at hand, and recognize the benefits one can reap from the shift to solar energy.