Myth 1: Solar is too expensive
Fact:
Perhaps the single most well known myth about solar power is that it is too expensive. The cost of solar power has dropped substantially over the last few years and continues to do so; solar panel prices have fallen 80% since 2008. The myth only looks at the current price of solar or uses price assumptions over the last 5 years. Solar as a form of electricity generation is more cost effective in sunny areas of the world such as Barbados and the Caribbean.
When reviewing the price of a solar PV system, consider that it is one of the very few purchases that you can make for your home that will actually pay for itself. On top of that, installing a system increases the value of your home while giving you a competitive edge when selling as the new home owner is not susceptible to electricity price increases.
Myth 2: Solar power requires batteries
Fact:
Under BL&P’s Renewable Energy Rider program, electricity generated from renewable energy sources result in credit being accumulated on the customer’s account. You still remain connected to the grid. On days when your solar PV system produces more electricity than your home is using, excess electricity will be exported to the grid. At night, on rainy/cloudy days, and on days when your home uses more electricity than your system is producing, you will draw electricity from the grid.
In this way, the grid is effectively acting as a very large battery which “stores” your excess electricity and then allows you to tap into it when required.
Although not required in most situations, batteries are an option for those who would like them for increased independence from the grid or for a backup solution.
Myth 3: When the power goes out, my home is still powered
Fact:
When the power goes out, grid-tied systems go out too. Inverters in grid-tied systems are required to disconnect from the grid for safety reasons. It is not safe to send electricity back onto the wires while BL&P line workers are working to fix the problem. Once grid power is restored the inverter reconnects.
Myth 4: Solar is a just a fad
Fact:
On the contrary, solar electric systems can be more reliable than the utility company. They have no moving parts and off-grid systems are not subject to power outages. In fact, solar technologies are used to power many vital systems: aircraft warning lights, railroad crossing signals, navigational buoys. NASA, the U.S. military, the oil and telecommunications industries have been using solar power for decades because it is so dependable. Thousands of homeowners around the world are going solar including businesses such as Google, Apple, Facebook, Costco, Staples, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Walgreens, Armstrong Agencies, Bico, Banks Breweries, and Williams Industries.
Myth 5: Solar system size and cost is only based on a home’s size
Fact:
System size and subsequently cost is based primarily based on how much electricity you are using, not simply the size of your home. A small house with many lights, electrical devices, a pool pump and air conditioning will consume considerably more electricity than a larger house with fewer lights, no pool pump and natural air cooling. Home size is not correlated to energy consumption, a system designer needs to know the amount of electricity (kWh) that is being used.
Myth 6: Solar panels will become more efficient, so I should wait
Fact:
Although solar power is a technology it does not improve in the huge leaps and bounds that cell phones and computers do. Media likes to sensationalize new potential solar technology, however the fundamental technology is the same as it was in the 1960s. The incremental changes in efficiency have been slow and steady. As a result, there is more benefit in starting to save money on your electricity bill today than waiting; the time for solar power is now.
Myth 7: Solar does not work when it is cloudy
Fact:
Solar panels operate most efficiently in direct sunlight; however, they still produce power on a cloudy day just not as much. Typically a system will produce about half as much energy on a cloudy day as on a regular sunny day.
Myth 8: Solar panels make electricity from the sun’s heat
Fact:
There are two major types of solar panel technologies.
Solar hot water panels, or solar thermal panels or solar collectors capture the sun’s heat to provide hot water for domestic use. These are the very familiar collectors and tanks that are seen on Barbadian homes, businesses and hotels and have been around for over 40 years.
The second type of solar panel is the photovoltaic (PV) panel, also known as a solar-electric panel or module. These panels are smaller and much lighter-weight. The “photovoltaic effect” enables the sun’s light to make electricity.
As with many sunny places around the world, Barbados has the double opportunity to produce both hot water from the sun’s heat and electricity from the sun’s light.
Myth 9: Solar cannot compete with fossil fuels
Fact:
Almost all of the electricity generation in Barbados is from fossil fuels, particularly Bunker C and diesel fuel. The effective cost of regular grid electricity is about $0.65/kWh and increases over time with the Fuel Clause Adjustment.
Solar electricity on the other hand is about 60% less at $0.25/kWh and is not subject to volatility in fuel prices as sunshine is free! As the price of solar panels decrease and fuel prices increase, solar will continue to gain a greater share of the generating capacity in Barbados and globally.
Myth 10: Solar will look ugly on my roof
Fact:
Solar PV panels are the smaller, thinner, better looking relative of the commonplace solar hot water heater seen on Barbadian rooftops. There are a few options in terms of frame colour and cell technology for increased aesthetics. In the future it will be unusual to have rooftops without solar thermal and solar PV panels.
If rooftop solar is still not visually appealing, there are creative ways to hide the panels in well designed architecture.