5 myths about solar energy
1. Most of the energy I use is for lighting and electronics. If I always make sure to turn everything off when I’m not using it then I will be able to save a lot of money.
The truth is the bulk of our energy consumption goes to space heating—58%. Next is water heating, which requires 24% of the energy we use. The next 13% of our energy is used to provide electrical power for our lights and electronic devices within the home. The remaining 5% is all used for cooking. With a solar energy system from GCI Energy you can produce clean electricity from solar energy with no carbon emissions and provide all your energy from the sun.
2. If I go off the grid with solar and something happens to my system then I will have no electricity. Now I will also need to have batteries to store my electricity.
The truth is most people go “Semi-Off Grid” by using, “net metering”. Net metering is a great way to cut down on your electricity bills, yet still have power available at night and during long spells of gray, cloudy days.
Net metering allows you to get credits back from the electric company for excess electricity that your solar panels produce during the day. Then you simply use the electricity from your local utility company at night and on days when there is not enough direct sunlight.
You won’t need to store banks of DC batteries in your basement or garage. You won’t be completely “off grid”, but you can save significant amounts of money on your monthly electric bills. Some months you may even have a zero balance or negative balance.
3. If I install solar panels on my home my property taxes will increase.
The truth is many states have laws that prevent your property taxes from rising due to the increase in value of your home from a solar investment. So if you install a $40,000 PV solar system, your county can’t reassess your property and charge you extra taxes for having a home that’s worth $40,000 more. Very few other investments qualify for this exemption, and because it’s basically being paid for by the government, it’s a tax break.
4. There is no way I can afford to install solar panels on my home.
The truth is there are many ways to make installing solar affordable. One way is by taking advantage of tax credits, which are subtracted from the amount you owe on your state or federal taxes. Also GCI Energy offers a $0 down financing option and a $1,000 instant discount.
5. If I go green with solar I’m not really going to help the environment that much.
The truth is when you generate solar electricity you don’t need transmission lines and all the associated inefficiency. Solar is right there, where you use it. When you install a 3kWh active solar system, you’re offsetting the need for that much power from your utility company. But you’re saving about 9kWh of total power consumption because of inefficiencies. Therefore, you’re actually saving much more than 3kWh, as well as the associated carbon footprint. Solar is a best renewable energy that we know of today and it helps the environment out tremendously.
