We are amid a thrilling transition away from fossil fuel energy sources and grid power and toward clean energy technologies and off-grid power sources. Even though clean, renewable energy technology plays a critical role in the green transition, the technology is still largely unfamiliar to many. As a result, the solar power and clean technology markets are riddled with misinformation.
Let’s look at some of the most common misconceptions about solar energy, where they come from, and how they are incorrect.
Myth #1: When it is cloudy, solar power cannot provide energy.
People who are new to solar energy frequently believe that it cannot provide energy when it’s cloudy and the sun is not shining. If solar panels require energy from the sun, it seems sensible that they would require direct sunlight to function. As a result, it is believed that solar cannot consistently generate enough power to keep a system running and is thus unreliable.
A misunderstanding of how solar panels work is the notion that solar power is not generated when it is cloudy. Solar energy is generated as long as there is daylight. Furthermore, if you have a ‘smart’ solar off-grid solution, the fact that the sun isn’t shining for a day won’t compromise the uptime of your power system.
Myth #2: Solar can serve as a backup power source, but only the grid can serve as a single power source.
The grid is thought to be more reliable than clean energy sources simply because it has been the traditional power source method for years. The grid appears to have infinite power capabilities, and newer technologies such as solar and wind power are sometimes thought to provide reliable backup power to the grid. Nonetheless, they are frequently regarded as too unreliable to serve as the sole source of power.
Given today’s technological advances, and especially when the off-grid power system is ‘smart,’ this is an unjustified myth. Your power system becomes smart when you incorporate energy storage technology, as well as advanced energy forecasting and management. Furthermore, smart systems can be monitored and controlled remotely, making them more reliable than the grid and a substantially better option for challenging environments. Most importantly, the grid is aging and, in many cases, vulnerable to disruptions caused by severe weather events.
Myth #3: Solar power is more costly than grid power.
The most common misconception about solar power is that it is more costly than the grid. Many people believe that solar power is not worth the investment because it is much more expensive and complicated than the grid.
The perception that solar power is more expensive than the grid stems from solar’s infancy and people’s lack of understanding of the market Solar-powered systems appear to necessitate a larger capital investment (CAPEX) than conventional grid-powered systems. Many people who use grid power are unaware of the true expenses of implementing electrical grid networks and do not have to consider this when installing a solar streetlight. On the other hand, off grid-power can be less expensive or comparable to installing grid infrastructure in a new location. Solar systems have low operating costs (OPEX), and the continual cost of power transmission/generation is removed.
As a result, expensive maintenance site visits, which are common with grid systems, are bypassed. Solar systems are more affordable in the long run because ongoing expenses are minimal, whereas grid power requires significant ongoing operation and maintenance expenses. As battery and solar technology advances, the cost-advantage of using solar power will become even more apparent.
Myth #4: Solar technology is extremely inefficient.
Solar panels are viewed as extremely inefficient, necessitating a large number of panels and a significant amount of space in order to equalize grid power. The reality is that technology has advanced quickly since solar panels became more prominent. As a result, solar panels are much more efficient than they were previously, and technology will continue to advance.
Finally, for many consumers, solar power is still a relatively new technology, and the market is rife with misinformation about the technology. But even so, as off-grid power becomes more important in our green energy transition, it is critical to dispel myths in order to foster industry growth and adoption of clean energy technology.
