By Marlaina Hunter, SunCommon
Photo: Courtesy of Adam Deen
Solar is popping up all over the Hudson Valley. So much so, that chances are you know someone who has solar at their home, or maybe you have it yourself! This growth could be attributed to a number of things: consumers’ desire to move away from fossil fuels, government incentives, or simply because solar is more accessible. But even with all this growth, there are a few solar myths that linger. A lot has changed in the solar industry over the last decade. Do you have all the facts?
Here are the most common misconceptions we’re hearing: Solar won’t work for me because…
It’s too expensive. When did you last check it out? It’s worth looking again! Prices have come down over time. Plus, if you compare the cost of going solar to the cost of paying your utility forever, solar wins—it’s cheaper. Buying power from a utility is like paying rent: you pay every month but never build equity or lasting value. With solar you own your power. Did you know the average person could end up paying over $80,000 for electricity over their lifetime?
My roof doesn’t face the right way. Old technology required panels to be installed on southern-facing roofs, but in 2020, eastern- and western-facing roofs can work just fine if shading is limited. And don’t forget, you can always put solar in your yard with a ground mount array.
Solar won’t be cost-effective now that incentives have gone away. Not true! Yes, incentives are going down over time, but there is still plenty of incentive money on the table. New York State has one of the best programs in the nation to help folks go solar. For an average system, the NYSERDA incentive combined with the federal and state tax credits could cover 50 percent of the cost.
I don’t like the way solar looks, and I don’t want it at my home. You’re in luck! In New York State you can join a Community Solar Array (CSA), which means you can go solar offsite. In other words, you can purchase panels or subscribe to the power from a solar farm. The only qualification is that you must be in the same utility load zone as the CSA. And just like that, you’ve gone solar—without installing anything you don’t want to see at your home. Visit www.suncommon.com/csa to find an array in your area.
I don’t want to waste yard space with solar panels. Consider a SunCommon Solar Canopy. You can go solar over your driveway, your patio, your woodpile, or create a whole new, functional outdoor space.
I’m moving soon or considering moving. Lots of recent studies are showing that adding solar actually increases home value by a big margin, and it helps your home sell faster. So unless you’re moving immediately, adding solar is actually a pretty wise idea. If you’re considering moving within the same utility area, CSA ownership would be a great option—you can simply switch your account to your new home address.
We’re waiting until the technology gets better. Solar-panel technology is tried and true by this point. New, trendy products (like roof tiles and thin-film solar) pop up occasionally, but there’s a reason none of them have caught on the way traditional solar panels have.
If you are interested in revisiting solar, or getting started for the first time, reach out to SunCommon. Visit our website at www.suncommon.com, contact us at 866.452.7652 or email gosolar@suncommon.com. █
