Although solar energy is hardly a new technology, it is still surrounded by a number of myths regarding its usefulness as a replacement for dirtier forms of power.  Such misconceptions are best addressed through PV installation training since you work hands-on directly with the technology.  However, you don’t need a photovoltaic diploma to have heard some of the more popular claims – solar energy is expensive, the panels are unsightly, solar leaves a high carbon footprint, etc.  Over the next few blog posts, we’ll address these myths to see if they have any real weight.

Myth #1: Solar Is Only Effective in Places with Plenty of Sunshine

While it is true that more sunshine leads to higher energy outputs, solar is a technology that works remarkably well all over the globe.  Germany, situated in northern Europe, is the world’s largest solar market, which is fairly irrefutable evidence that you don’t need a ton of sun to dramatically reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.  In fact, Germany is a leader in solar because of government policies and subsidies.  If you explore PV installation training seriously, you’ll discover that many solar panels actually produce more electricity in colder temperatures than they do in warmer ones and you’ll get more insight into the power of policy over solar.

Myth #2: Solar Is a Niche Product for a Niche Market

Unlike geothermal, tidal, wind, coal, and petroleum forms of energy, solar has the most evenly distributed potential in the world.  Except for the northern- and southern-most extremes of the globe (during their respective winters), the sun shines everywhere, everyday.

As you’ll learn through your PV installation training, the technology can be adapted to any situation – major urban areas are often best suited for grid connections to a nearby solar power facility, while remote areas tend to favor off-grid rooftop arrays and ground-mounted systems.  In effect, wherever there is a need for clean electricity, solar energy remains a cost-effective and infinitely scalable solution.

Myth #3: Solar Panels Leave a High Carbon Footprint

It is true that manufacturing solar panels requires a lot of energy – again you don’t need a photovoltaic diploma to appreciate the challenge of transforming sand into panels capable of harnessing sunshine.  However, the payback period for the average panel is usually just a few years, meaning that the energy generated matches or exceeds the energy put into manufacturing these panels.  Thereafter, all energy created over the next several decades is 100% clean and sustainable.  Contrast this with nuclear reactors and coal-stations that require years of investment, tons of energy, and an infinite supply of more inputs, including water and coal.

Stay tuned for the next installment of solar myth-busting.