Written by Brittany Mauriss and Taylen Peterson

If there’s one thing green bloggers can’t stand, it’s a half-cracked solar misconception. So let’s get a few things straight. Here are the solar myths and the facts that put those myths to shame.

#1 – Myth: Solar systems only work in really hot areas of the world

Photo Credit: About.com

Busted: Not only can solar systems work in most areas of the world, but Germany, the world leader in solar energy, lies farther north than most states in the EU. While solar panels will be able to gather more energy in super sunny areas, solar energy works even for people in Alaska, where the sky is crazy dark for months at a time. So whether you live in crispy Arizona or the cold, dark corners of the upper Midwest, solar power is always possible!

#2 – Myth: More pollution is generated manufacturing solar panels than can ever be offset by solar energy

Photo Credit: Washington Independent

Naysayers are really getting sneaky with this one. Studies show that the average PV system only takes one year to offset the pollution generated by its own production. So your 30 years of fruitful renewable energy will produce totally clean power for approximately 29 of those years. Not bad at all. Plus, think about all the dirty energy that you’re not producing with conventional fossil-fueled electricity. For each clean kilowatt of solar electricity you generate, that’s 9 grams of sulfuric oxide, 16 kilograms of nitrous oxide and 600-2,300 kilograms of carbon dioxide that you – just you – are not pumping into the atmosphere. I thank you, and my future babies thank you.

#3 – Myth: Solar power is way too ridiculously expensive

Photo Credit: Pure Cash

Busted (sort-of): We’re not going to jerk you around on this one. While home solar power is still not as cheap or easy as sticking with the status quo, it does pay for itself with a little patience. Every time the industry sees another breakthrough in cell efficiency and a rise in consumer demand, solar inches that much closer to your front door. Quite the opposite holds true for traditional energy sources, however, as they will continue to increase in price and become harder and harder to come by. Think about it – with federal incentives and rebates available in every state, now is the time to get your hands on some hot photovoltaic action!

#4 – Myth: Solar power cannot contribute enough energy to meet the nation’s needs

Photo Credit: Map-a-Watt

Busted: The good thing about our sun is that it’s really, really big. All parts of our country receive enough sunlight to power both commercial and residential electricity. But OK, OK, suppose that our pristine coal mining towns of Illinois refuse to besmirch their scenic countryside with unsightly solar panels. In such a case, we’ll need to take a half-step outside the box. Good thing that a 100-by-100-mile patch of land in Nevada could generate enough solar electricity to power the entire United States of America. And that ain’t no myth.

If that area were broken up by state, that’s still only 17-by-17-mile plots of land. That space is available today in every state via rooftops, parking lots and abandoned industrial sites across the country. Whichever way you slice it, solar power makes crystal clear common sense.

#5 – Myth: If covered with solar panels, the Sahara Desert could power all of Europe

Photo Credit: BLDGBLOG

Busted (sort-of): A long running rumor, this idea was mentioned by Arnulf Jaeger-Walden of the European Commission’s Institute for Energy. He stated that less than half of 1% of the desert would need to be covered in order to power all of Europe, showing that on the surface, this myth is possible. However, the odds of it happening are quite slim. Fighting back preservation groups, getting permission from one or more countries in Northern Africa (along with continued cooperation), securing a grid in place for bringing that energy across the Mediterranean Sea and between all the countries, and determining how to govern and use that energy across multiple sovereign countries are all roadblocks to this actually happening. Our prediction? Not happening anytime soon. Look for countries to continue supplying their own alternative energy.

#6 – Myth: Solar power systems are simply unreliable

Photo Credit: WIRED

Busted: Check it out – solar electric systems run silently and contain no moving parts. Those two attributes alone give them a one-up on your sputtering old Chevy. Solar systems are rigorously tested and certified by various government and private organizations.

While you’re at it, consider motive. As part of the global green energy movement, major solar manufacturers build these systems to try to offset the (quite possibly irreversible) effects of global warming. They’re not out there to make a quick buck, seeing as parts and training are incredibly expensive. Talk to any solar installer about their work and they’ll share their passion for industry trends, exciting new developments and a love for actually educating homeowners about the intricacies of solar. It takes a special kind of contractor to care so much.

#7 – Myth: You can create your own solar panel through DIY websites

Photo Credit: Hack N Mod

Busted: Theoretically, it is possible to create your own solar panels with the proper tools and skill sets. For the average handyman, however, these two things are mutually exclusive. In order to receive the proper training needed to complete these “step-by-step” guides and obtain the tools for the job, you will have spent as much, if not more, time and money than if you had just hired a professional solar installer in the first place.

In summation, solar rules all.

THE END

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Posted on October 22nd in Solar Information by Taylen.