Solar Panels Don’t Work In High Temperatures
Even though temperature increases negatively affect solar panel efficiency, there is no specific temperature at which they stop working. The photovoltaic (PV) module, which is the assembly of solar cells, is tested in a lab at 25°C (about 77°F) temperature. In the real world, however, solar cell temperature can be up to 20°C (about 68°F) above the ambient air temperature. Contingent upon their installed location, panels’ output efficiency can be reduced by 10-25 percent as a result of heat. Power loss is found out with the help of Power Temperature Coefficient, which is 0.4 percent per Celsius degree being above 25°C.
The negative effect of high temperature can be easily minimized by having the panels installed a few inches above the roof. It will help to create a convective airflow, which in turn, will cool the panels. Also, heat absorption can be reduced by installing panels that are constructed with materials light in color. Finally, the movement of combiners and inverters to the shaded part behind the array can also lower the impact of high temperature on energy production.
Solar Panels Don’t Work When It’s Cloudy
Cloudy weather does not indicate that sunlight is completely blocked. Therefore, solar panels do continue working and produce enough power. Modern technologies are there to ensure the effectiveness of solar panels even when it is cloudy. Though the solar power generation is reduced by 60-80 percent, it varies depending on the time of the day as well as the cloud type. Moreover, there might be cases when cloudiness can lead to increased solar production. The logic behind this is that the generated energy is impacted by solar radiation, which can be reflected or soaked up by the clouds. Consequently, the density and thickness of the cloud determine the amount of radiation passing through the clouds. As a result thin cloud layers that scatter the sunlight increase solar energy generation. It usually happens early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
Solar Panels Will Work During A Blackout
If the solar power system is connected to the electrical grid during a power blackout, it should be shut down for the safety of the electricity workers, who try to fix the damaged lines. Thus, solar inverters must stop generating power by being automatically deactivated. It should be done within two seconds of a blackout being detected. In case of hybrid systems, however, batteries are used to store energy and enable the system to be isolated from the power grid during a blackout by providing some backup power. Moreover, it is even possible to have full backup power with the help of the multi-mode inverters.
Solar Panels Use More Energy To Manufacture Than They Produce
The materials used for manufacturing solar panels do require embodied energy, which is used to extract and purify the different substances. Nevertheless, the energy generated by a typical solar panel usually repays the embodied energy within no more than 4 years. It is noteworthy that the significant increase in panel efficiency as well as improved manufacturing methods may lead the payback time to be even less than 2 years. Therefore, the embodied energy will be repaid multiple times, as a solar panel usually lasts 20-30 years.
Solar Panels Are Toxic And Can’t Be Recycled
To begin with, about 96 percent of globally installed solar panels are made up of silicon solar modules, which in turn, are composed of aluminum, glass, and plastic. These are non-toxic materials being recycled in huge quantities. The reason behind this misconception may be the older generation of solar panels that were in circulation long ago (until around 2010). The obsolete thin-film panels contain cadmium in a very small proportion inside the panels’ fragments and cannot leach out when they are broken for recycling. As solar panel recycling is considered to be an emerging industry, there are a lot of facilities that are being built all over the world.
Solar Energy Is Too Costly And Is Not Economically Viable
Statistics show that investments in solar panels have increased over the last decade, which is mainly because they have become more affordable. Particularly, the average solar panel cost has declined by about 30 percent and the overall solar panel installation cost has dropped by more than 70 percent. It is important, however, to be well aware of the amount of energy consumed and make use of the more energy-intensive appliances throughout the day. The size of the solar system as well as the way it is designed can also impact the possible reduction of electricity bills. The shade of trees, for instance, may cause poor performance especially when string inverters are used and the shade impacts the whole string. Those are some of the reasons why one should buy solar from the best solar panel company and make sure that high ROI as well as quick payback are guaranteed.
Installing Solar Is Quite Complicated And Requires A Lot Of Maintenance
The simplicity of solar installation is connected to the reliability of the manufacturer and is supposed to be pretty straightforward. When it comes to the maintenance of the system, it is not complicated at all, as the way the panels are constructed allows them to hold out against harsh weather. They just need a periodic light cleaning 2-4 times per year. Cleaning should be done with water for making sure that dust, leaves, or other debris are not blocking the sun’s rays. It does not require much work and a garden hose or a leaf blower is enough for having a clean solar panel system.
Solar Panels Will Cause Damage To Your Roof
Solar panels do not cause any damage to the roof as long as they are installed properly. So, it is important to go solar with such a service provider, who knows how to build a solar panel system in the right way. Another factor that needs to be considered is the initial condition of the roof. If there are any issues, they should be fixed before the panel installation. As the panels are not directly attached to the roof, their removal will not damage the roof as well. Moreover, in case of proper installation solar panels even benefit the covered portion of the roof by protecting it.
Reselling Your Home Will Be Harder With Solar Panels
Actually, the home solar system enhances the value of the property. Studies show that homes having solar panels installed are sold faster than those without the system. Therefore, the solar panel system cost becomes a source of savings even when you decide to resell your house. You can make your offer more attractive by focusing on environmental responsibility, lowered electric bills, as well as other possible financial incentives.
Solar Panels Are Bad For The Environment After Their Lifetime Is Used Up
It could have been the case if there were no recycling facilities for PV panels. More than 60 million tons of solar panel waste would be lying in landfills by 2050.
So, it would hardly be considered a sustainable way of energy sourcing. Fortunately, recycling is completely possible and is currently done. When panels reach maximum lifetime use, they can easily be recycled by making sure there is no negative impact on the environment.
Author of the article: Nvard Hakobyan
