Solar Energy for Your Home: Myth vs. Fact
Considering adding solar panels to your home or on your property? Solar energy is a great way to produce clean energy and lower your carbon footprint. However, it typically takes 10-12 years to recoup the cost of putting up your own solar system before you begin saving money. It’s important to keep in mind that if you finance the cost of putting up solar, you will still have a power bill along with a solar repayment each month. Let's debunk some of the most common misconceptions around home solar systems:
MYTH: With home solar, I will still have power even during outages caused by storms.
FACT: Basic solar systems that are connected to the electrical grid typically shut down during an outage for safety reasons. This is to prevent them from sending power back into the grid while utility workers are trying to restore power. However, a solar system with backup battery storage (that stores excess solar energy), or a system that is combined with a generator can supply electricity to the home. Without battery backup or a generator, solar panels alone will not provide power during a power outage.
MYTH: With home solar, I won’t receive a power bill/my power bill will only be $x a month.
FACT: You will still have a power bill as long as you are hooked up to the grid. This allows you to have access to electricity, even when your solar panels are not generating power. To help maintain the grid infrastructure that you still rely on, you will be charged fees that could include connection fees, service charges, or minimum grid usage fees. The only way to be off the grid and still have power when your panels are not generating energy would be to install battery storage or a whole house propane generator.
MYTH: With home solar, I will receive a monthly check from Blue Ridge Energy for all my solar generation.
FACT: Blue Ridge Energy currently offers two rate options for interconnected systems depending on the size of your system in kilowatt-hours (kWh): Net Metering (up to 25 kWh) and Net Billing (up to 100 kWh). Both of which credit kWh for renewable energy placed on the grid as credits on your bill, not as a separate check. Learn more about these rate options here.
MYTH: I heard there are government programs that will allow me to get home solar for free!
FACT: The idea of completely “free” solar can be misleading. While there are not widespread programs that give away solar panel systems completely free of charge to everyone, there are government programs and incentives that can significantly reduce the cost, especially for low-income households. Learn more about the Residential Clean Energy Credit.
MYTH: I can get rich by leasing my land for a solar farm!
FACT: It’s true that leasing your land for a solar farm could potentially provide a stable income stream over many years, but how much income depends on many different factors including the specifics of your land, the lease terms you negotiate, and the prevailing market conditions. It’s crucial to do thorough research, understand the benefits and risks, and seek professional legal and financial advice before entering into any agreement. Currently, Blue Ridge Energy is NOT actively looking for land to lease for new solar facilities. If you believe your land would make for an excellent site in the future, we would be happy to talk about adding it to the database we maintain of potential solar sites.
MYTH: My house/roof/land is PERFECTLY situated for solar!
FACT: While plenty of locations in our area generally have good solar potential, some key factors that make a location ideal for solar energy include unobstructed southern exposure to ensure direct sunlight throughout the day, optimal roof pitch, minimal shading, size and condition of your roof, proximity to grid infrastructure, suitable topography, soil conditions, and much more. A site assessment completed by a professional solar installer is the most reliable way to determine your property’s suitability for solar energy.
MYTH: If I finance home solar panels, the credit I’ll receive for my solar generation will cover the payment.
FACT: A significant promise of financing home solar panels is to have your electricity bill savings (through bill credits) offset or even exceed your loan payments; however, this is not a guaranteed outcome for everyone. Depending on your system size, energy consumption, loan terms, sunlight availability, or several other factors, you could still owe more than you save. It's important to run the numbers carefully and not rely solely on the assumption that the credits will automatically cover the payments. A good solar installer should be able to provide you with these calculations and help you understand the potential financial benefits.
Going solar is a smart decision for many homeowners, but it's important to have realistic expectations. Understanding the relationship between your solar system and your electric cooperative is key to a smooth transition and maximizing your savings. Don't hesitate to contact Blue Ridge Energy to get all the information you need. We can provide usage and billing data to help you understand how your current power bill compares to your projected bill with a solar payment. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your home!
