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Oostburg, WI 53070

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Clarifying Common Solar System Myths

 As a newly, and rapidly growing energy production option, many people might find themselves as a novice to solar systems.  It is important to clear up any misguided information regarding your installation so that you can make an informed decision resulting in the most productive solar system for your home or business.  We can start by addressing some of the most commonly believed myths about solar installations.

It is understandable to postulate that solar installations are only obtainable for affluent home or business owners.  While a few years ago panels did cost significantly more per watt, this cost has dropped significantly over the years, making solar energy affordable for nearly everyone.  Furthermore, financing options and accessibility has dramatically increased recently, allowing purchasers a plethora of resources to finance their installation, not to mention adding value to their building as well as savings on their utility bill.

Next, one is often quick to assume that a solar installation will damage their roof.  As a provenly trusted installation company, Endries Solar & Electric takes every possible measure to ensure that this is not the case.  First, we do an onsite, thorough inspection of your roof to establish certainty that it is in a condition to host your system.  This includes insuring that your home’s structural properties are adequate to support the system as well.  If roof improvements are deemed necessary, we will work with your roofers and still schedule your installation in a timely matter.  Most importantly, we use strong sealants at the points of penetration to provide an extra affirmation that your roof will be protected.  There is often most likely a workmanship warranty as well, so on the very rare instance that any damage was caused by the installation directly, you would be protected in alignment with the particular company’s agreement with you.  Endries Solar & Electric offers a 5-year warranty, providing extra assurance.

People also frequently assume that solar can still power their home when the power goes out. This too, is inaccurate apart from a few unique options.  If you merely have a solar system and no battery storage, your system is tied into your utility company’s grid. Unfortunately, when the power goes out, the grid also goes out. (*on the grid:  your system is directly connected to the electrical grid that powers your home or business, providing an energy source should your solar system stop working for any reason).  A way to avoid this correlation would be to also install a back-up energy source, such as a battery storage component, providing you with energy when the panels are not producing.

While on a topic relating to utility companies, another common misconception is that a solar installation owner will always receive a check from their utility company, should their system over produce.  This is additionally counterfactual.  First, we would like to reiterate that all utility companies are different, and their relationships with solar installations vary.  You will never monetarily lose out should your panels overproduce.  Typically, not always, your utility company will credit your account towards future electricity bills.  These will accumulate should you not need them, and they will be applied when your system’s production lowers or your consumption increases, such as in the winter, an extremely overcast day, hosting a large event, etc.

The production levels of your system may decrease in the winter due to less hours of sunlight, but one would be erroneous to believe that panels do not work at all in the winter.  Your system’s panels will produce year-round, regardless of temperature or weather.  This does not mean that their energy production will be consistent, however they will be “working”.  Contrary to popular belief, solar panels actually perform more efficiently when the sun is out in colder temperatures vs. higher.  Our solar panels are tested 77°F, and panels are rated to perform at the highest levels of efficiency between 59°F and 95°F. The temperature does not have nearly as much influence on your solar system’s productivity as the direct sunlight does.  Snow can play a factor as Wisconsin can receive significant snowfall, but panels are strategically placed so as to receive the most direct sunlight, enabling the warmth of the panels to melt snow sufficiently enough to slide off and energy production to remain. Additionally, “Due to the albedo effect, solar panels surrounded by snow can absorb up to two times the amount of light, resulting in an increase in the energy output of your solar panels,” (cleaneneryauthority.com).

In conclusion, Endries Solar & Electric is here to provide transparent information and clarification regarding your solar installation.  There is a lot of misguided information to be exposed to, making it imperative that you consult a professional prior to making a commitment, thus insuring the most beneficial system for your unique home or business.

 

image: cleanenergyreviews.info