Yash
Solar energy is relatively a new concept in Indian homes.
People are excited about installing solar power systems on their rooftops.
But there are some myths and misconceptions in their minds, stopping them from adopting solar energy.
I have inquired people, about the use of solar energy, and cleared their misunderstanding about this energy source.
They were happy.
I am going to summarize this post by clearing the myths and apprehensions about solar energy.
Myth 1: Solar energy is not cost-effective
In fact, the cost-effectiveness of this technology was a dream 15 years back.
The solar panel prices have fallen from $8.5 per watt in 2009 to $2.25 per watt in 2020.
This price fall has made solar electricity a feasible energy option.
Please see the price chart below:
In India, the cost of a solar panel lies between Rs. 22 per watt to Rs. 35 per watt, depending on the size of the system.
This price drop has improved the average payback period and the financial feasibility of the home solar power system.
Read: What is the price of 5-kW solar power system in India?
Myth 2: It is difficult to understand the solar technology
There is a myth surrounding solar technology that is full of technical jargon.
In fact, it is one of the simplest technologies that you can learn and install on your roof-top.
Read: What is Perovskite solar cell technology?
You do not need connecting wires for joining the source (sun) with the destination (your panels) unlike in any other conventional source of energy.
It works on the simple principle of conversion of solar energy into electricity; when the sunlight falls on the surface of the silicon solar cells, they generate electricity.
One can easily understand the functions and working of all the components of the solar power system like solar panels, solar inverters, solar batteries (for backup), and solar charge controllers within a few weeks of practical training.
A great solar course can help you in designing the complete home solar power system, and knowing its financial feasibility.
Myth 3: Solar panels require more space
In fact, the area required by solar panels is very much justified by the amount of electricity they produce for household consumption.
Generally, the 110 square feet of the area on your roof can accommodate the solar panels of 1kW.
A 2 KW system can be accommodated in less than 220 sq. feet of area which is an average size of the Indian rooms.
So, if you are living in a two-room set with a good amount of sunlight then you can definitely consider the option of installing a solar power system.
Solar energy myth 4: Costly maintenance
The solar panels are very durable and last for 25 years.
While the other components like the solar charge controller, the inverter requires very little maintenance.
The grid-tied system without battery backup requires around 1% of the total cost of the system as the annual maintenance charges.
Whereas, the system with a battery requires slightly more annual maintenance.
It is around 3-4% of the total cost of the system.
The average annual ownership cost of the car can be 10% of the cost of the car.
(*when you are driving only 20 km in a day or 600 km in a month)
Looking at the cost of maintaining a car, the maintenance cost of a home solar power system is very minimal.
Myth 5: Solar panels do not generate much electricity during winters
This is for your kind information that the output of the solar panels depends on the amount of solar radiation falling on their surface.
You will be surprised that solar panels perform better in cold weather with clear sunlight than in hot & humid ones.
The performance of the solar panel reduces with the increase in the temperature beyond 25 degrees Celsius.
Read: know the money you can save using solar in India
Sunlight is an abundant source of energy that is available free of cost.
Myth 6: Solar energy is not reliable
It is a most reliable renewable energy source than its counterparts like Wind Energy and Geo-Thermal Energy.
Just place a solar panel under the sunlight and you start getting the d.c. electricity for your consumption.
Our Sun is a middle-aged Yellow Dwarf Star and will provide us sunlight for another 5 billion years.
While on the other hand fossil fuels are expected to last for a few hundred years from now.
If I can rely on petrol to run my car then why not on Solar Energy to run electrical appliances.
Solar energy Myth 7: Solar panels can damage my roof and are not aesthetic
The installation of solar panels does not require re-engineering your roof.
These can be fitted & installed on iron frames with nuts & bolts using the drilling machine.
Moreover, you can make a pattern of the panels to look aesthetically good.
Nowadays, solar panels are sleek, lightweight, and well finished, and when installed properly enhance the look of your house.
Myth 8: Solar is feasible on large scale, but it is not feasible for residential use
For this, I would say that you first use the residential feasibility spreadsheet (view the video on the left side) before installing solar power on your rooftop, and then go ahead.
India is a tropical country where the average solar insolation is (5 – 5.7) kW per square meter in the day, making it fit and feasible not only for commercial but also for the residential solar power system.
Moreover, the governments of many countries are offering incentives and benefits for those owners who install a solar system on their rooftops.
You can also add the Net-metering feature with the solar power system and feed the extra units to the grid.
The grid will compensate you for those extra units.
Myth 9: You need to keep changing the position of solar panels with the position of the sun
True, the sunlight variation on the solar panels is a result of the rotation and revolution of the earth.
(*Although other factors like latitude, humidity, and more are responsible for sunlight variation. But it is the relative movement of the earth to the sun that causes changes in panel tilt).
You can determine the optimum angle and the orientation of the solar panels with the sun and fix the panels.
At this optimum position, they receive the maximum amount of sunlight and produce the optimum output.
Solar energy myth 10: The solar panel prices are falling, I’ll install later as it will be a cheaper bet
Come on! the Indian household grid electricity prices are rising at an average annual rate of 5%.
The amount you are saving by not buying a solar roof is going out of your pocket for paying the increased electricity bills.
When you are using solar energy, you are actually contributing to preserving the environment, saving every month, and generating your own electricity.
Early adoption of solar power as an alternate source of energy will give you a head-start to understanding the nuances of this technology which will let you implement & avail its benefits in the full swing in the near future.
Online Solar Course: Design the complete Home Solar Power System and know its Financial Feasibility
Conclusion
I have busted the popular solar energy myths and cleared doubts from the minds.
It is necessary to promote the use of solar energy for widespread adoption across the country.
Your solar roof is the mobile electricity station.
You can dismantle the whole solar power system and re-install it on another roof if you are planning to shift.
By adopting solar as a source of energy, you become an independent electricity generator.
