If you’re new to the world of solar power and are considering switching your home or business over, you probably have a fair share of questions. While there are many resources out there meant to inform you about solar power and all of its many benefits, there are some commonly believed myths about solar power that sometimes discourage people from making the switch. West Coast Solar is here to help you!

West Coast Solar has been serving Northern California since 2007, providing the region with both residential and commercial solar panel installation. Home and business owners throughout the region have been consistently pleased with both our quality of service as well as the products we provide, and we aim to be among the best solar companies in California. Whether you’re looking for residential or commercial solar panel services, West Coast Solar is here to best serve your needs. Reach out to learn more about our services today!

In this blog post, in an effort to better inform those of you who are new to the world of solar power, we’ll take a look at some of the myths that sometimes surround solar power. Read on to discover more.

Solar Panels Are Expensive and the Installation is Complex

One of the many myths surrounding solar panel installation has to do with installation, more specifically that the cost is high and the installation is complex. These are both untrue. While there are upfront costs for solar panel installation, many people end up paying them off in a matter of years, as they end up saving on their energy costs. Additionally, the lifespan of solar panels is considerable, averaging between 20-30 years, so the return on investment is relatively quick when considering how long solar panels last.

Additionally, the installation of solar panels is relatively simple, especially when you call on the expertise of a professional. Working with a professional solar company like West Coast Solar will ensure that your installation process will move efficiently, as we are experts in solar panel installation. 

Solar Panels Require A Lot of Maintenance

Another myth that sometimes tends to come up when discussing solar panels is that they require a lot of maintenance. This is also untrue for a variety of reasons. Firstly, solar panels contain no moving parts, making them require very little maintenance. While they do require some maintenance on occasion, it’s quite minimal when compared to the level of maintenance one has to do on a furnace. 

Solar Panels Cannot Function in Overcast Weather

While we are lucky as Californians to get a considerably larger amount of sunlight each year than other parts of the country, we too have our rainy seasons that are overcast and cloudy. One common misconception about solar panels is that they cannot function in overcast weather. This, once again, is untrue. While overcast days feel dark and grey and have considerably less sunlight in clear view, the sun is still out, albeit obscured by clouds. It’s entirely possible to be sunburned on a cloudy day, and perhaps you’ve experienced this. Similarly speaking, when it comes to solar power, any sun that comes into contact with your solar panels gets converted into electricity, no matter if it’s bright and sunny or completely overcast. Parts of the worldthat are colder and cloudier-from New York and Milwaukee all the way to Germany-all experience considerable savings from solar panel installations. While we see more sun than a lot of other regions, your solar panels continue to work for you, even during stretches of days that are overcast. 

Solar Panels Require Direct Sunlight to Function

Similar to how some people believe that solar panels won’t properly function in overcast weather, some also believe that solar panels require direct sunlight in order to function. This is also untrue. While having access to direct sunlight is preferential for solar systems, solar panels are powered by light as opposed to heat, so the importance of having completely direct sunlight casting onto your solar panels isn’t necessary for their overall functionality. There are things that one can do to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your solar panels, including trimming trees that block the sun’s rays from reaching your roof.

Hopefully, we were able to clear up some of the misconceptions surrounding solar power. At West Coast Solar, we are experts when it comes to solar panel installation and our always pleased clientele are a testament to our tireless work ethic and years of experience in the field. Whether you’re looking to make your dream home more energy-efficient, be a more ethical and environmentally conscious business owner or add value to your home that’s soon to hit the market, West Coast Solar aims to be one of the best solar companies in California. To set up a free consultation, contact us today.