Solar Fact or Fiction

There are many myths when it comes to solar energy…here’s the facts about many common misconceptions:

Fact	Fiction	FAQs	Why
		Solar energy is better for the environment, and it can help combat global warming	PV Systems produce no atmospheric emissions or greenhouse gases
		Solar Energy is a renewable energy source	It might go away at night, but we will always have it
		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.)
		Solar Systems only work where there is abundant sunshine	Anywhere the sun shines a solar system will work (system size will vary)
		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
		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
		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
		The process for getting solar power is long and complicated	Check out our How to Buy Solar guide for info, tips and project timeline
		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.
		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