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Solar Energy Myths Debunked

Solar Energy Myths Debunked

Tags: Solar Energy
Last updated by The FiftyUp Team on

In the movies, harnessing the power of the sun has been the dream of many villains and heroes.

While the big budget box office movies make the reality sometimes seem far-fetched, we can harness solar energy from that bright orange ball in the sky.

Last year, 3.5 million solar panels were installed in households across the nation last year. Their output was equivalent to the output of a medium sized coal fired power station!

With the boom of solar panels also comes along fact vs fiction and if you’re curious about solar power or want to install your own solar panels. You need to know the truth.

HERE ARE THE FACTS ABOUT SOLAR ENERGY

FICTION: Solar panels are expensive.

FACT: Solar panels used to cost as much as buying a new car, but now the cost of a solar PV system starts around $3,500 for basic installation.

 

FICTION: Since solar panels don’t work at night or on cloudy days, my energy bill won’t be less.

FACT: Solar panels don’t generate as much energy on cloudy days and do not generate energy at night, but the amount of energy generated during the day can drive your energy bill down. During the day when you are using the energy from your solar panels and any unused energy is fed back into the grid and most providers pay a feed-in-tariff for it.

 

FICTION: Solar panels are hard to maintain and upkeep.

FACT: To maintain efficiency panels will need to be cleaned from time to time and that can be simply as hosing off the elements that have built up on them. Solar panels in Australia have a 25 year performance warranty and a 10 year product warranty. Unless a force de majeure happens, your panels should be running for a long while.

 

FICTION: Solar panels will damage my roof.

FACT: Unless your roof is made out of paper, the solar panels actually act as a shield and protect your roof from the elements, meaning it could save you from repairs down the line!

 

If you’ve got solar or you’re considering getting solar panels, check to see if there are government rebates available to you as well and check out the latest feed-in-tariffs offers for FiftyUp Club members.

Originally posted on .

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Janette
Janette from NSW commented:

I have solar panels and solar hot water but has any study been made as to how much power we use from all other sources. This could prove that we still need coal or nuclear stations to maintain continuity of power to all premises? I do not believe that one source can provide all we need, especially for manufacturers. I have not paid for electricity in 8 years because of solar, but have, at times, needed backup from the grid, when visitors stay for awhile. 

John
John from NSW commented:

I have 5.4kw of solar & a solar hot water system. The Solar generates an average of 20 kw per day across 12 months, accurate figure as I monitor it closely. It has reduced my consumption to 4-5kw per day. I receive .15c per kWh from Origin for power returned to the grid. The system cost a tad over $6k. It's simple maths, even if I wasn't providing my day time power & received the .15c per kWh feed in tariff alone I'm getting far better than bank interest for my money. My quarterly bills are around $30 - $50. A no brainer!! John NSW 

Peter
Peter from NSW replied to John:

I am also with Origin on a similar plan. Output an average of 17 kilowatts per day. My total bill for the year was $44. 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

Solar is worth it provided you get the right size system to suit you. I install solar and I sometimes horrified on what some people are sold. For instance if your daily average use is 20-25kWh/day (it is on your bill) you do not need a 6kW system. If you have an electric HWS, you need about 4.5kW max and a hot water switch to make sure it feeds the HWS first. Do this and your bill will go from $600/quarter to around $50. just do the maths on how many kW you use, when you put Solar on, use everything you can while the solar is working, dishwasher, washing machine, pool filter etc. any export use good retailers like Enova who pay good bucks for renewable energy. Batteries are worthwhile considering when your bill is $1500+ per quarter. going fully off grid is another option and is not as expensive as some think, you may need to change some habits but it is doable at affordable prices, dependant on your use. a lot of good companies out there, a lot of cowboys, go for the ones that have been around for a long time. If you do not get kW think about it like water. 1 litre of water 1kW of electricity, that is the unit of measure. my garden hose delivers 4 litres and hour if I turn on the tap = 4L/hour. my washing machine use 1kW to operate for a 2 hour cycle = 2kW/hour (2kWH) this is the volume of (water) electricity I actually use. Hope that helps, if you want more information try us at the solarman Tweed we are a solutions company and like to help. 

FiftyUp Club
FiftyUp Club commented:

Thank you so much for this! Great information to have! 

Peter
Peter from NSW commented:

I agree with your comment about buying the right size system based on your usage pattern. My 4.77kw system produces average of 24kw per day and exports average of 17kw per day ($2,55). Spoke with battery and solar installer and he said I would be wasting money on a battery as I would not benefit with my small usage. 

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