Solar Energy Myths & Facts
MYTH #1: Solar devices require more energy to manufacture than they produce in their lifetime.
FACT: A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory conclusively demonstrates that the manufacturing energy cost versus the energy production payback for solar modules is generally less than 4 years.
A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory conclusively demonstrates that energy payback for photovoltaics (PV) is generally less than 4 years. You may download a free copy of the study here. It states:
“Reaping the environmental benefits of solar energy requires spending energy to make the PV system. But as this graphic shows, the investment is small. Assuming 30-year system life, PV-systems will provide a net gain of 26 to 29 years of pollution-free and greenhouse-gas-free electrical generation … So, for an investment of from 1 to 4 years worth of their energy output, PV systems can provide as much as 30 years or more of clean energy.”
MYTH #2: Solar manufacturing results in more pollution than is saved by solar usage.
FACT: A PV system meeting half of the electrical needs of a typical household would eliminate approximately half a ton of sulfur dioxide pollution from the air, and 600 lbs. of nitrogen oxides. Any pollutants produced in the solar manufacturing process are minimal and largely recycled. Manufacturers such as Mitsubishi produce modules that are completely lead free.
A PV system meeting half of the electrical needs of a typical household would eliminate approximately half a ton of sulfur dioxide pollution from the air, and 600 lbs. of nitrogen oxides. In contrast, any pollutants produced in the manufacturing process are minimal and largely recycled.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the United States Department of Energy conclusively demonstrates through research at the National Center for Photovoltaics that Photovoltaic (PV) systems avoid far more carbon dioxide and other pollution through their clean energy production than are introduced by the manufacturing of PV systems.
“An average U.S. household uses 830 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month. On average, producing 1000 kWh of electricity with solar power reduces emissions by nearly 8 pounds of sulfur dioxide, 5 pounds of nitrogen oxides, and more than 1,400 pounds of carbon dioxide. During its projected 28 years of clean energy production, a rooftop system with 2-year payback and meeting half of a household’s electricity use would avoid conventional electrical plant emissions of more than half a ton of sulfur dioxide, one-third a ton of nitrogen oxides, and 100 tons of carbon dioxide.”
The study concludes, “PV is clearly a wise energy investment with great environmental benefits!”
MYTH #3: Solar is too expensive for widespread usage.
FACT: Going solar is one of the best investments any homeowner can ever make. A properly designed and installed solar electric system is equivalent to an investment with a guaranteed rate of return of 12 to 15% per year. This investment value increases as utility rate rise. The Appraisal Journal states that energy saving devices such as solar energy systems add tremendous value to your property, while being exempt from property tax assessment.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies have declined in price every year since they were introduced. PV has never been more affordable than it is right now. This is the exact opposite of oil, gas and coal sources, which become more expensive and less abundant with every ton that is burned.
PV solar panels operate during peak daytime load periods, when oil, coal and natural-gas-fired electricity is at its greatest demand and most expensive. In fact, in an efficiently designed PV system, the panels can actually be returning excess power to the grid when it is most needed and that’s what makes the electric meter in a solar-powered building run backwards, generating credit instead of cost.
The Federal Government and State of California are both solidly behind solar. Best of all, this time the politicians are putting their money where their rhetoric is in the form of cash rebates for going solar. The State of California has $1.2 billion earmarked for solar rebates. The Federal government announced its One Million Rooftops Solar Initiative in 1997. Well ahead of schedule to meet this goal, the campaign is facilitating solar electric and thermal systems on a million buildings throughout the USA.
The future is now. A million rooftops now, billions of kilowatt/hours in just a few years. The United States Department of Energy predicts in the 2007-2030 Energy Outlook predicted that 78% of the 27.4 billion kilowatt/hours that will be generated by buildings will come from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
MYTH #4: Solar won't work where I live.
FACT: Proper site assessment, system design, and construction is critical to maximize efficient long term operation.
Many decisions must be made for each customer to ensure that the right design is coupled with the best equipment. At each step of the way SolarCraft’s experts coordinate engineering, design and construction. SolarCraft custom engineers every system to meet specific customer needs and special considerations.
Solar thermal and photovoltaic devices are dependent on light, not heat and the light does not need to be direct. If you have enough light to read a street sign by daylight, a solar panel could be working to provide you with clean, low cost and renewable energy
Use this link to download your free copy of The California Renewable Energy Atlas courtesy of The Energy Foundation. You’ll be amazed at how much clean, renewable energy is available every day. In fact, solar radiation as a source of clean, renewable power is abundant throughout the Bay area and all of California.
According to data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the US Dept. of Energy, California currently generates 15 megawatts of solar electric and 345 megawatts of solar thermal power daily. The San Francisco Bay Area counties receive 5-5.5 Kwh/m2/day and our state has the ability to generate a whopping 128 million megawatt hours per year. That gives California the nation’s highest solar resource potential rating.
SolarCraft’s knowledgeable and experienced consultants are available to visit your residence to discuss your energy needs and provide a free preliminary assessment and energy analysis.
