Are Those Solar Power Myths Really True?
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If you've always dreamed of being the masked crusader who creates tomorrow's better world, the right role for you right now is that of the "Solar Power Myth Buster."
Hang on, though. Before you grab that cape and head out, here are a few solar power facts to arm yourself with:
Myth #1: Solar Power costs too much. Never tell anyone they're wrong. Instead, ask if you can schedule an appointment for a solar power installation appraisal for them. Let them know you don't want to dissuade them from holding onto their beliefs, but if they're willing to allow an open discussion, you'd like to either reinforce or dispel that belief before it gets shared with others, or keeps them from having a healthy, clean...and free power source. Let them know the appraiser will assess with them:
What is the cost of a traditional heating, air conditioning system and hot water heater today compared to a solar installation?
What is the per-watt price for electricity, or unit cost of natural gas, oil, or whatever other fossil fuel that might be used in their area?
On average, the costs of coal gas and oil (power plant sources for generating electricity) have gone up 5.5 percent per year since 1970. If you know your per watt or per unit price for energy today, what will it be in the next 5, 10, 15 or 20 years? With a solar power system, especially if it is off the grid, it will most likely be...free.
What's their current home power equipment guarantee? Solar components are guaranteed to last between 25 to 30 years. Most of today's standard furnace, air conditioning systems...and hot water heaters...are guaranteed to last for 10 years.
Can you get tax credits, incentives and rebates when you install a fossil-fuel conventional system? You can if you have a solar installation.
Myth #2: I'll have to have a conventional system in addition to a solar system because we don't always have sunshine. Yes, this is a possibility. You may require a small back-up system. But...it's not an absolute. Both Germany and Japan have very days of sunshine than most areas in the United States. And, they have a larger reliance on solar energy. It is possible, if you live along the northern tier of the United States that you might require more solar panels to produce the same amount of energy that would take fewer panels in the Southwest, but you could still get the same result. Plus, with a back-up battery system, you should be able to generate enough electricity to function for several days even when it's very cloudy.
You can also include in your solar design a passive-solar stone fireplace with a wood insert, or another option might be to add another renewable energy power source...the wind turbine.
Myth #3: I'll have to reduce my energy consumption. Don't totally dispel this myth, because it's a good idea. We could all benefit from a little energy management, and learn to consume less. In fact, we could all start down that path by turning off lights and computers when they're not in use, switching to CFL light bulbs, and other small energy reduction steps. But you don't have to. The difference is how much money you want to spend up front. Yes, a bigger solar system will cost you more money. You'll need more panels, more batteries, and more inverters. However, you know that big utility bill you have now because you're a big electric consumer? You won't have that, and it won't go up 5.5% a year, year and year. Once you're system's paid for, your energy is free. And instead of getting bigger, your carbon footprint's getting smaller. How good is that?
Myth #4: The solar panels on my roof will destroy the aesthetics and reduce my home value. First, let's talk for a minute about the different systems. Yes, solar hot water systems that sit on a roof can be unappealing for a certain percentage of the population. However, solar electric panels typically use much less space and are much more attractive...in fact there are now solar panels shaped like roof tiles making them nearly unnoticeable. And...forget about reducing your home value. Solar electricity raises the value of your home. You can sell your home faster...and for more money.
Myth #5: What's keeping solar popular now is government incentives. It won't be around once the incentives aren't. Simply not true. Solar power is staying. Its time is right, and its time is now. Global warming is creating the impetus for a strong citizen movement that won't relent, and won't give up, until future generations have an opportunity to see a bright, clean world.
So now that you have the facts, my Solar Myth Buster, go forth and do great things!
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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