From the ability to save money and help the environment to the potential to increase your home's value, according to Solar Gain, there are several reasons to choose solar energy. If you're considering solar panel installation for your home, chances are you've heard some things about this revolutionary technology. However, it's important to know what's true and false; there is a lot of information out there pertaining to solar energy. Here are a few of the most common myths associated with residential solar energy – and the reasons why none of them are true:

Solar Panels Won't Work Unless There Is Constant Sunshine

One of the most persistent myths about solar energy is that unless you live in a sunny area, such as California, you won't be able to generate enough electricity to power your home. However, while your solar panels won't generate the same amount of electricity if it's cloudy, this doesn't mean you won't have enough juice to meet all of your needs.

The amount of energy your home will need to run sufficiently is calculated over several months, not on a day-to-day basis. Even if you live in an area that is notorious for being cloudy, rainy or cold, such as Washington state or even Alaska, you will still generate plenty of electricity to keep every member of your household happy.

Solar Panels Require Way Too Much Maintenance

Another common myth about solar energy that you might have heard is the expense and time required to maintain the panels. Actually, all you need to do to keep your solar panels clean and working at their best is to clean them periodically. If dust is allowed to build-up on your solar panels, it can impact their efficiency.

Luckily, all you need to do to clean your solar panels is to grab your garden hose, climb a ladder and rinse them off. If there are any stains on the panels, such as bird droppings or mud, you can clean them with a long-handled mop and some soapy water.

However, if your roof is very tall or steep, you may want to leave the cleaning to the professionals. In addition, you should contact a professional to have your panels inspected once-a-year. This inspection is critical because the technician can check for any damage or other issues that could be impacting your panel's efficiency.

I Need to Buy a House to Enjoy the Benefits of Solar Energy

Finally, if you live in a condominium, apartment building or any other multifamily unit, you might assume that solar energy isn't an option. However, people who live in a multifamily setting or a small community of homeowners cab benefit from something called a shared solar array.

Basically, a group of tenants living in a condominium or homeowners in a particular community pool their money to purchase a grouping of solar panels. The panels are then either installed in an off-site location, or in the case of an apartment building or high-rise condominium, on the building's roof.

The amount of electricity that is pumped into each home or unit is dependent upon the money each individual or household puts toward the purchase and maintenance of the solar panels. Basically, if your needs aren't as great as your neighbors, you won't need to put as much money toward buying the solar panels.

Although you might have heard that solar panels are too expensive to maintain or you cannot enjoy the benefits of this technology if you live in an apartment building, both of these myths couldn't be further from the truth. If you have more questions about solar energy, don't hesitate to contact a professional solar energy provider. 

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