Despite its many benefits, there are still skeptics when it comes to investing in solar power. There are many misconceptions about this renewable energy source. Read on as we address some of the solar energy myths and correct some of the misinformation on this important alternative energy solution.

1. Myth: Going Solar Is Too Expensive!

Lots of people are resistant to having solar panels installed on their homes because they believe the installation costs are too expensive. However, there are several factors that contribute to the price tag of going solar. For example, the size of the home and the system are the main determining factors of the initial installation costs. The cost to go solar has dropped by “more than 70% since 2010, leading the industry to expand into new markets and deploy thousands of systems nationwide.” In fact, there is an overwhelming growth of residential solar installations world-wide.

Additionally, in California, as well as nearly every other state, there are tax incentives for homeowners who choose to install solar panels as part of a energy efficient upgrade. Aside from state incentives, the federal government is currently offering a 30% tax credit for solar array systems installed before the end of 2019 and 26% tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2019 and before 01/01/2021. Solar panel installation is more affordable than ever before.

The following breakdown of the federal tax credit can be found on Energy Star:

Solar-Electric Property

30% for systems placed in service by 12/31/2019
26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2019 and before 01/01/2021
22% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2020 and before 01/01/2022
There is no maximum credit for systems placed in service after 2008.
Systems must be placed in service on or after January 1, 2006, and on or before December 31, 2021.
The home served by the system does not have to be the taxpayer’s principal residence.

While price ranges may vary, there are plenty of local, state and federal tax incentives and rebates available to offset the startup price. When combining these tax incentives and rebates, homeowners can reduce installation costs by more than 50%.

If you are located within Fresno or any of the surrounding cities within the San Joaquin Valley, Vezina Industries can work directly with you to customize a solar power solution to meet your specific needs. As a Fresno-based solar installation company with years of experience assisting homeowners with energy-saving projects, we can tell you that there’s never been a better time to invest in a home solar panels system, and we sweeten the deal by minimizing upfront installation costs to make the system affordable.

There are also financing options where you can pursue a no money down solar financing option such as a solar loan or solar lease. Some programs even allow you to not make a payment for 1 year or more. With a solar loan, you will be able to get the tax credit and the energy savings that come along with going Solar.

2. Myth: Solar Panels Will Damage My Roof.

This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Professional installers know exactly what they are doing and are skilled at installing solar panels on every imaginable roof pitch, angle, and condition. In fact, solar panels can protect and preserve the portion of the roof they cover. This means they protect your roof from the elements and add to the life of the roof.

Solar panels are installed a few inches above the existing roof to increase air flow and their weight is similar to adding a second layer of shingles. If there’s ever a problem with the roof that needs to be repaired, panels are easy to remove as they are not directly attached to the roof. Ultimately, there’s not much of a difference in weight and pressure on your roof when adding solar panels.

Note: if your roof already leaks or needs to be replaced, it makes sense to make roof repairs first before installing solar panels.

Of course, not every contractor is skilled at installing solar panels. However, our installers are trained and state-certified to guarantee that your experience will be of the worry-free variety, and our office handles all the paperwork so you are free to go about your busy life. To say we take the hassle out of installing your solar panels would be something of an understatement.

Don’t forget to read the following blog for “GUIDELINES TO FINDING THE BEST CONTRACTOR FOR YOUR PROJECT NEEDS.”

3. Myth: The Return On Investment Takes Too Long

False! This is a common myth in solar energy, but the truth is much different. Depending on your project size and initial costs, you could start seeing a return almost immediately,

A return on investment is made when the first startup costs are paid for in energy savings created by the solar power generated by the system. This payback period depends on how much your initial costs were and how much energy your system can create. If you take advantage of the available tax credits and rebates offered by the state and government, your actual investment can be made back in as quickly as 4 to 6 years.

What’s more, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “For every $1,000 that has been saved in annual electric costs, your home’s value rises $20,000.”

4. Myth: Property Taxes Rise!

Some misinformed people will argue that solar panels increase home value; therefore, property taxes are also increased. However, the truth is that the government fully supports the switch from fossil fuels to solar energy. Several states, as well as the federal government, have further incentives such as ensuring that solar panels are tax-exempt. These incentives are in place to get homeowners to invest in solar technology without the fear of high property taxes. For example, in California, the California State Board of Equalization offers a property tax incentive program for Californian homes with solar panels. This program provides a 100% property tax exclusion on certain types of solar systems installed until the end of year 2024.

5. Myth: Solar Won’t Work In Cold Weather

People believe solar panels can only work in warm conditions; however, solar experts know that solar technology can work its best during the cold, winter months as opposed to hotter months. Solar panels produce power based on the amount of sunlight the panels are exposed to; they are unaffected by temperature. In other words, solar panels harness the sun’s energy — not the sun’s temperature.

Solar radiation as a source of clean and renewable energy is abundant throughout the San Joaquin Valley and all of California. Also, cloudy weather doesn’t have a huge impact on the amount of solar power a home can get. Cloudy climates can still see tremendous success with solar energy. Just imagine this, Germany regularly has cloudy weather, but is the world leader in solar energy. This is due to excess energy produced during sunnier days.