Misconceptions about Solar Power

These are some common misconceptions about solar power:

Solar energy only works well in warm, sunny climates

Solar technologies can work efficiently anywhere in North America. From sunny California to New England, to Ontario, Canada, solar power is being used economically and efficiently. Light houses in Washington State and lower Alaska. Passive solar keeps the lights on at a nonprofit health facility in Maryland - an area that gets almost 25% less sunshine then the US average. In less sunny regions, photovoltaic systems can store electricity in batteries even up to 30 days with no sunlight.

Solar power is very costly.

In reality, solar power is often the least expensive power source. Solar outdoor lighting are less expensive then systems connected to a power grid because it can avoid damaging the pavement.

Solar power is not as reliable as conventional energy sources.

Solar power is usually more reliable then other energy sources. Over 94% of solar water heating owners consider their solar heating to be a wise investment, according to surveys taken by the Solar Energy Industries Association. The main reason behind it's great reliability is that is a decentralized power source - no power blackouts, no breaks in a network. Solar power is used to power warning signals, aircraft warning lights, navigational buoys, and railroad crossing lights.

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