Some of the biggest expenses you’ll have as a homeowner are your monthly utility bills. The average American spends more than $104 each month on electricity alone. That’s more than $1,200 a year!

Installing solar panels is one of the best ways to lower your monthly utility expenses permanently. However, there are a few pervasive solar panel myths that keep homeowners from wanting to install the panels in the first place.

If you’re like most New Mexicans, you grew up hearing many of these myths from your mother. Though Mom knows best in many respects, she likely has a few things wrong about solar panels.

Here are a few of the most common solar power myths, debunked once and for all.

1. They’ll Damage Your Roof

In most situations, it makes the most sense to install solar panels on your roof. This helps ensure that they get the most sun exposure possible throughout the day.

Unfortunately, this leads many people to believe that rooftop solar installation will cause serious damage to your roof. The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is roof leaks that can damage the structure of their home!

If you install the panels on your own, you probably will end up damaging your roof. However, if you work with an experienced installation team, your roof will likely be in better condition than it was before the panels went up.

Pros know how to secure the panels without disrupting your roofing materials or making them more vulnerable to roof leaks.

2. Solar Panels Won’t Work in Winter

The Albuquerque metro area gets an average of 10 inches of snowfall each year. Those periods of snow are usually fairly spread out, but what can those cloudy afternoons do to your solar panels?

This solar panel myth has some basis in reality. When the panels are completely covered with a thick layer of snow, they won’t be able to pick up much sunlight. This means you’ll see decreased input while the panels are snow-covered.

Luckily, snow melts quickly and shouldn’t cover your solar panels for very long. As soon as the temperatures warm up, the snow will melt off of your panels.

As for cloud cover, well…don’t worry. Solar panels can still pick up the sun and generate energy even the clouds are thick.

3. You’ll Spend Too Much Time Maintaining Them

It might seem like installing solar panels on your roof will increase the amount of home maintenance you need to take care of. This isn’t the case with modern panels. In fact, the amount of maintenance they’ll add to your home will be so slight that you probably won’t even notice.

The only significant bit of maintenance you’ll need to take care of is dusting the panels every few months. Keep in mind that summer rainstorms and winter snowfall will likely be enough to keep your panels clean.

If you think there’s any damage to your roof or the panels themselves over the course of the year, don’t try to fix it yourself. Instead, call your trusted repair technician and let them make sure everything is in good working order.

4. Residential Solar Installation Isn’t Affordable

When solar panels first started popping up on homes and businesses, they cost a lot of money to install. However, new technology and improvements in the systems available to homeowners make them more affordable than ever before.

Even better, you’ll save money each month on your electric bill and may even earn credits from your local electric company to further offset the installation costs.

The longer you leave the solar panels in place, the more they’ll pay for themselves. Over the course of a few years, you’ll end up making the cost of the installation back.

Keep in mind that you may be able to finance the cost of the panels and installation, so you won’t have to worry about spending your savings upfront.

5. They’re Ugly

If you’re completely in love with the way your roof looks as is, you may not love having solar panels installed. However, though they’re noticeable, they’re not an eyesore.

They sit flush against the line of your roof and shouldn’t draw any unnecessary or unwanted attention. Unless you absolutely love looking at your roof and spend hours outside admiring your house, you probably won’t even notice that the panels are there.

6. Solar Panels Will Hurt Your Home’s Resale Value

One of the most pervasive solar myths is that installing panels will make it harder to sell your house or even lower your home’s resale value. Nothing could be further from the truth.

People know that solar panels mean continuous savings on energy bills as long as the panels are in place. This makes your home more valuable and attracts more prospective buyers.

You’ll end up selling your house more quickly and be able to ask a higher price once you invest in solar panels.

7. You Won’t Have Power at Night

When it comes to solar energy myths, the one that sparked the most concern from your mother is the belief that you’ll be without electricity at night. Though solar panels won’t actively generate new power once the sun sets, you’ll still have electricity.

If you’re still attached to the grid, you’ll get power from your electric company just like you would without solar panels. If you’re completely disconnected from the grid, a battery backup and storage system can store power during daylight hours so you’ll have enough to get you through the night.

No matter what, you’ll still have electricity.

Debunking the Common Solar Panel Myths

The most common solar panel myths are just that…myths. They have some basis in truth, but they should never keep you from installing residential solar panels on your house.

Investing in solar is one of the best things you can do for your home, your budget, and your carbon footprint.

If you’re ready to get started, don’t wait. Contact us today to discuss your needs and find the right solar solution for your home.