The Truth Behind 8 Rooftop Solar Myths

Despite the proven durability, sustainability and value of rooftop solar systems, certain myths persist. We’re here to debunk 8 of the most common myths, shed some light on the truth and show you how easy and affordable home solar really is.

Reality: Nope. When installed correctly, solar panels require minimal maintenance, as they don’t have any pesky moving parts to worry about. Plus, rooftop solar arrays typically come with a lengthy warranty and can even help shield your roof from weather-related damage.

Reality: Solar panels can generate electricity on cloudy, rainy or slightly snowy days, even though they’re most productive in direct sunlight. Remember, solar panels collect sunlight, not heat — and some sunlight still reaches the earth in those conditions.

Reality: Solar panels are an investment, but the availability of rebates and incentives can reduce the upfront costs significantly.

In August 2022, Congress extended the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and raised the credit to 30% for rooftop solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. This dollar-for-dollar income tax reduction can lower your taxable income by several thousand dollars. Individual states also offer their own financial incentives, which you can find here.

If you want to go solar, but not for a few more years, you can even start saving now using the Solar Panel Fund. While you power your home with clean energy today, you also earn annual credits to help pay for a qualified rooftop solar installation in the future.

Reality: Though the initial cost of rooftop solar panels may be high, they can save you money in the long run by reducing your electricity bills. Many experts estimate the average “solar payback period,” or the time it takes for a homeowner to see a return on their rooftop solar investment, to be 8 to 10 years. (This figure will depend on a number of factors, so it’s important to get a customized solar assessment from a reliable installer for a more accurate estimate of your home’s solar payback period.)

Plus, if your panels generate more electricity than you use, the Renewable Rewards Buyback Program lets you sell the excess energy back to the electricity grid. Not only does that earn you bill credits, but it will also help make the grid greener. Win-win!

Reality: Solar panels are actually a very attractive feature to many house hunters. A study by Zillow found that prospective buyers will spend 4.1% more for a solar-powered home. And in 2021, 67% of homebuyers considered energy efficiency to be a “very to extremely important” inclusion for a potential home — up 11% from just four years earlier.

Reality: Not true. Solar panels are built to last. The industry standard lifespan for most solar panels is 25-30 years. Plus, most installers will typically offer a warranty of anywhere from 10 to 25 years, giving you long-term peace of mind about your investment.

Reality: Your system’s output is dependent on a number of factors, including the size of your solar array, how much energy you use and your home’s location. However, solar panels can often produce more than enough electricity to power your home, especially during brighter months. And even if your system’s generation falls short some months, you can still have a clean energy plan in place to bridge the gap between your production and your monthly needs.

Reality: 100% false. Even if you live in a house or apartment without a rooftop solar system, you can still use solar energy to power your home. Many of our 100% renewable energy plans provide electricity sourced from solar facilities in the U.S.

Now that we’ve busted these myths, maybe it’s time to put solar power to work in your home! Learn more about how generating energy with rooftop solar can help you save on electricity for years to come.