What Are the Common Myths About Solar Energy?

Solar energy is an increasingly popular renewable power source, as it reduces users’ energy costs and reliance on fossil fuels, but there are still some misconceptions that might discourage you from trying it. Here, we will debunk the most common myths about solar energy so that you can make an informed decision about whether its incredible benefits are right for you.

Myth #1: Solar energy is too expensive.

This just isn’t true. In reality, thanks to efficient and cost-effective solar panels and equipment, the cost of solar energy has dropped significantly in the past few decades, making it more affordable than ever before. In areas with higher electricity costs, solar panels will net their owners more drastic savings and effectively pay for themselves in a shorter period of time. This means that people who invest in solar panels for their homes or businesses can quickly break even and enjoy years of electricity without paying anything.

Myth #2: Solar energy only works in sunny areas.

Some people may think that solar panels only work when it's sunny. However, the truth is that the rays are the only thing the panels need to produce energy. Solar panels can take in plenty of sunlight even on overcast and foggy days, as the rays will still shine through in these conditions. In other words, as long as light falls on the panels, they can generate power. Moreover, solar panels are actually more efficient in relatively lower temperatures, because like all electrical appliances, when solar panels are overheated, they can't perform as well.

Myth #3: Solar energy is unreliable.

Solar energy is a completely reliable source of energy as long as the panels are properly installed and maintained. Installing solar panels is fairly straightforward, and following installation, they don't require a lot of maintenance. They are designed to be able to withstand harsh weather, including sleet, hail, etc., so all you have to do is clean them with water to get rid of any snow, debris, or dust that has accumulated on them. Additionally, you can construct your own solar generator by bundling solar panels with a portable power station. The solar panels convert sunlight into electricity and store it in the power station, allowing you to use the power even when it’s dark.

Myth #4: Solar panels are inefficient.

One particularly common misconception is that solar panels have low conversion efficiency. It's true that most solar panels work with an efficiency of around 20%, not 100%. This is because the panels will reflect some sunlight or convert it into heat rather than electricity. They also cannot absorb all types of rays present in sunlight. In reality, the sun generates an incredible amount of energy, and the Earth receives more energy in just 90 minutes than the entire world uses in a whole year. Thanks to this massive energy supply, solar panels are perfectly capable of meeting your electricity needs.

Now that you know the truths behind the most common misconceptions about solar energy, you can make a fully educated decision on whether or not you want to invest in solar panels and other green equipment. We at Vanpowers are always here to help you make the most of things by supporting you both on and off the grid. Our Vanpowers SP100 and SP200 Foldable Solar Panels are shining examples of this commitment.

The SP100 solar panel is ideal for outdoor living or unexpected power outages, absorbing 40,000 lx in direct sunlight. It is equipped with DC, Type-C, and QC3.0 output interfaces to charge smartphones, laptops, cameras, and other electronics at the same time. Additionally, it measures just 0.3 cm thick when unfolded and weighs only 8.8 lbs., making it portable and easy to set up and put away.

The SP200 solar panel is made with advanced ETFE lamination technology, giving it a total transmittance rate of 95%. This panel is designed with high-efficiency SunPower single-crystal solar cells instead of polycrystalline materials, as they have a higher conversion efficiency of up to 23%. The SP200 can also be used in combination with the Vanpowers Super Power Pro 2000 to create a solar generator that can power up large household appliances, such as refrigerators, televisions, and even your electric vehicle.