Introduction
Following the frequent collapse of the national grid in recent times, there has been an increased demand for alternative power sources in a bid to escape the pandemic of unreliable power supply currently making waves across the nation.
This quest for alternative power sources has led more people to consider solar energy a viable means of meeting their energy needs. As is common with most things, the increased interest in solar energy has led to a widespread circulation of information, some of which is unfortunately not true.
In this article, we address common myths surrounding solar energy, clear up misconceptions about solar panels and systems, and equip you with the right information. Let’s dive right in!
Common Myths About Solar Energy
1. Solar Installation Is Expensive
Like other new developments, there is this notion that solar energy is expensive and only suitable for rich people. However, this is entirely untrue, as the effects of not having a reliable power source far outweigh the initial cost.
For instance, remote workers in Nigeria who need a constant source of electricity to work effectively cannot afford to rely on the national grid as it might cost them their jobs. Business owners with tight production deadlines also cannot afford any interruptions with electricity, as it leads to downtime, which would cause the business to lose money.
Additionally, considering the rising cost of fuel and diesel, the unreliable state of the national grid, and the cost of repairing and maintaining generators, going solar is one of the best decisions you can make for your sanity.
2. Solar Panels Only Work on Sunny Days
We’ve established that solar energy simply harnesses the energy contained in the sun’s radiation to generate electricity. This means that the power for producing electricity is mostly generated during the day when the most radiation is emitted from the sun.
Since solar panels are designed to be the most efficient with sunlight, people often assume they are ineffective on cloudy days or during the rainy season. However, solar panels do not generate electricity solely from sunlight but also from diffused light, direct light, and indirect radiation.
Thus, your solar panels constantly generate electricity even when it is not sunny.
3. Solar Panels Will Damage My Roof
In reality, solar panels do the exact opposite. Areas covered by the panels tend to be the most protected from extreme weather conditions.
Moreover, solar panels are securely and carefully mounted by highly experienced professionals at Ecopulse to ensure that your roof is not damaged after installation. They also inspect the roof before installation to ensure its structural integrity and avoid problems down the line.
4. A Solar System Cannot Power My Entire Home
The average Nigerian often believes solar systems cannot adequately power their homes and appliances. However, this misconception stems from improper load calculations and energy estimations.
Before deciding on solar system installation, it is always advisable to get opinions and recommendations from trusted professionals such as the Ecopulse team to ensure you choose the right fit for your energy needs.
At Ecopulse, we understand that some people may experience difficulties finding trusted professionals to guide them or even having an idea about their respective energy needs. In light of this, we designed a simple energy calculator to help everyday individuals understand their energy needs.
5. Solar Systems Installation Is Complicated and Requires a Lot of Maintenance
Granted, solar installation requires a bit of technical know-how for smooth sailing. But if we’re being honest, you have absolutely nothing to worry about when you hire skilled people.
The entire system can be setup in a day, after which you can enjoy your solar system easily. Additionally, when installed properly, solar panels are low-maintenance and only require the occasional cleaning to remove dust and leaves from the panel’s surface.
6. Solar Panels Reduce the Aesthetics of a House
These days, more people are putting effort into their home’s interior and exterior appearance and often worry that solar panels will ruin the aesthetic they worked so hard to achieve.
If you ask me, this shouldn’t even be a reason for concern because they are modern designs of solar panels that can blend seamlessly with your roof and overall aesthetic without compromising efficiency and functionality.
7. Solar Energy Systems Do Not Last Long
It’s easy to understand why some Nigerians feel this way, but this is one common myth Ecopulse is committed to banishing.
The duration of your solar system depends on your choice of solar panels, batteries, and inverters. The appliances connected to the solar system also play a huge role in determining how long your solar system can power your home, as these appliances determine the rate at which electricity is discharged from the batteries or solar panels.
For example, let’s consider how long a basic solar package that produces 2.5kWh daily and comprises a 1kVA inverter, two 0.84kW solar panels, a charge controller, and a 2.11kWh tubular can last.
When the battery is fully charged, the total energy available is the sum of usable battery capacity and the total energy generated daily.
Assuming the battery has an 80% Depth of Discharge, and the inverter is at 90% efficiency, the total usable battery capacity is:
Usable battery capacity = Depth of discharge x total battery capacity x inverter efficiency
= 0.8 *2.11* 0.9 = 1.52kWh
∴ Total energy available = Usable battery capacity + Energy generated
= (1.52 +2.5) = 4.02kWh
Assuming household appliances consume 10kWh daily, the duration the solar system will provide electricity can be determined as follows:
Duration = Daily Consumption / Total energy
= 4.02kWh / 10kWh
=0.402 days ≅ 9.6 hours
Visit our simple energy load calculator to get a simplified estimate of how much energy your appliances consume daily
8. Using Solar Systems Cuts Me Off From the National Grid
Installing a home solar system does not mean you are cut off from the usual power supply. Instead, it allows you to choose the cheapest possible means of generating electricity and ensures a consistent power supply.
When using solar systems, you can decide how to connect your system. For instance, you can use energy generated from your solar panels rather than energy from distribution companies to save electricity costs.
Final Words
Understanding the myths surrounding solar energy is especially helpful when making decisions about solar technology as it highlights the areas we as a civilization need to pay more attention to.
With green energy as our focus, the more we educate ourselves and others, the closer we are to making clean energy the norm. So, let’s leave the myths behind and focus on the brighter future solar energy can create for our homes, wallets, and planet.