Solar Energy Myths
Posted: Wednesday, March 11, 2009
by Sean Burton
http://websolarsearch.com/
The world of solar energy is full of myths that, because not enough publicity had been given to their debunking, are rapidly being accepted as the truth. This causes problems because it's the misunderstanding of solar energy issues that lead to a reluctance on the part of many people to get more actively involved. Whether it is installing a solar home energy system or investing in a solar energy project, these myths have deterred many people from active participation in solar energy.
The biggest solar energy markets in the world are in Japan and Germany, both of which are many times the size of the US market. The amount of sunlight that is available in Japan is the same as that of Michigan, which is not known as a sunshine state. And the southern parts of Germany lie at the same latitude as the US - Canada border, which is also not known for its bright sunshine. Solar power can work wherever there is sunlight, the only issue being that the stronger the sunlight, the smaller the collection facility needed.
Myth No. 2 Solar power is very expensive.
Expensive is a deceptive word. Yes, if you look at the cost of producing one unit of power by solar energy as compared to conventional means, it may be more expensive. But if you look at the long term expenditure, the picture changes dramatically. In the US, the average cost of power is $0.10 per kilowatt hour (kWh). But some states charge much more and electricity can cost as much as $0.35 per kWh at peak usage times. An example of this is California. A typical solar home energy system in California would cost around $21,000. But the state will give you a rebate on it so you will pay about $13,500. You are also entitled to a Federal tax credit of $2,000 so you final cost is around $11,500. That works out to $3,800 per KW. This system will cover about half a normal home's energy needs. Work it out for yourself. If your electricity bill is reduced by half, how expensive is solar power in the long run?
Myth No. 3 Solar power depends on government incentives.
This is true but there is nothing wrong with this. All sources of fuel are either heavily taxed or subsidized. Mexico is a major gas supplier to the US but our gas is cheaper than the gas you buy in Mexico. The gas prices are taxed or subsidized even if indirectly, The nuclear energy industry is protected by law from paying for any law suits against it, as per the Federal Energy Bill of 2005. So why not give subsidies to a clean, safe renewable source of power that cannot, at present, sustain itself and grow without the help of the government? How long have gas and nuclear power been around and they still make full use of any help the government offers.
Home solar energy systems are really easy to understand, use and if you look in the right places very affordable! Home solar energy systems are the right choice even in a down economy.
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