Ahead of the First Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Summit India, CSP Today catches up with Anoop Mathur from Terrafore, who will be speaking at the Summit.Solar Fact or Fiction
There are many myths when it comes to solar energy…here’s the facts about many common misconceptions:
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Fact |
Fiction |
FAQs | Why |
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Solar energy is better for the environment, and it can help combat global warming | PV Systems produce no atmospheric emissions or greenhouse gases | |
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Solar Energy is a renewable energy source | It might go away at night, but we will always have it | |
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Solar energy can do everything right now | Solar technology has room for advancements, but it can do a lot (power your home, heat your water, improve air ventilation, etc.) | |
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Solar Systems only work where there is abundant sunshine | Anywhere the sun shines a solar system will work (system size will vary) | |
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The government will share the cost of your PV System | 30% of the total system cost will be covered by the Residential Credit for PV systems turned on between 2009 and 2016 | |
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Solar devices require more energy to manufacture than they produce | Manufacturing energy costs versus the energy production payback for solar modules is generally less than 4 years | |
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Solar energy can’t meet any significant fraction of the U.S. or world energy needs | >PV technology can meet electricity demands on any scale | |
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The process for getting solar power is long and complicated | Check out our How to Buy Solar guide for info, tips and project timeline | |
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PV Systems are too expensive | Solar is not too expensive, but it isn’t cheap. Just think of it as paying upfront for energy and then reaping the benefits for decades to come. Although advances in rebates, incentives/tax credits and technology have certainly been made, there is room for improvement in the future. | |
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You can make a fortune on any extra energy your system puts back into the electrical grid | You will get reimbursed for any extra power your system produces if you are hooked up to the grid, however these rates are very low so please don’t expect to make a fortune this way |
