While there are many popular misconceptions about solar panels, one of the most pervasive — and most incorrect — solar myths is that solar power does not work in winter.
In a video posted to YouTube, solar expert Eddie Springer of Springers Solar completely debunks this solar myth using real-world data from a commercial solar installation at Nudgee College in Brisbane, Australia.
"Does solar still work in winter?" the video's description asks. "Yes, it does, but you'll likely notice a fair decrease in output. But the savings earned still contribute toward a significant return on investment, even in winter."
Springer illustrated this fact in the video by showing data from three 100-kilowatt rooftop solar installations at Nudgee College. On a winter day, one of these installations produced 326.5 kilowatt-hours, more than half of what the same solar array would produce on a typical summer day.
"In the summer, we'll see as high as 550, 560, 570 kilowatt-hours," Springer said in the video.
While the solar power generated in winter was less than in the summer, as one would expect due to the shorter days and less intense sunlight, the power produced still provided about 45% of the electricity consumed by that particular site.
While installing rooftop solar on your home might seem complicated and highly technical, EnergySage makes home solar simple with easy-to-use online tools that allow you to get price estimates and compare quotes.
Making things even easier, EnergySage offers a free online mapping tool that makes it simple to see what tax credits and other financial incentives are available in your area. By making sure that its customers take maximum advantage of available programs, EnergySage can save up to $10,000 on a solar installation.
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Which of these factors is the biggest obstacle preventing you from getting solar panels? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
The upfront cost 💰 Even though the amount of power that solar panels generate can vary greatly between summer and winter, the winter sun can still produce significant amounts of electricity, which means less energy taken from the grid and more savings on your electricity bill. This translates into a solid year-round return on investment.
To get even more bang for your buck and to enhance the environmental benefits of going solar, you can pair home solar panels with electric appliances like heat pumps. Switching your HVAC to an electric heat pump can save an average of almost $400 per year on energy costs. If you'd like to learn more about heat pumps, Mitsubishi can help you find the affordable heat pump that is right for you.
Now that you know the facts about solar panels still generating considerable amounts of electricity during shorter, less sunny winter days, you'll be ready to respond next time you hear someone repeat the debunked myth that solar doesn't work in winter.
Think you can't afford solar for your home? Think again. Palmetto's innovative LightReach solar leasing program allows you to install solar panels on your home for $0 down, making it easier to lock in low energy rates while still providing the same environmental benefits.
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With federal tax credits expiring Dec. 31, and the average solar installation taking 12 weeks to complete, you must act quickly to take advantage of the thousands of dollars in potential savings.
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