Top 5 Myths About Solar in Ohio Debunked!
Have you ever been told that Ohio isn’t sunny enough for solar panels to be worth it? Or maybe that solar panels only work in the summer? These are just some of the many myths about solar panels that stop Ohio homeowners from taking advantage of the significant financial and environmental benefits that solar power offers.
Sustainergy Cooperative has been installing residential solar panels in Ohio for years and we’ve heard every myth, from understandable concerns to full-blown conspiracies. Our goal is to educate homeowners about solar panels and help our clients make informed decisions about whether they’re worth the investment. So, today, we’re debunking some of the most prevalent myths about solar panels.
Myth: Ohio Isn’t Sunny Enough for Solar
A lot of people believe that solar panels only work in extremely sunny places like Florida or California. Solar panels use sunlight to generate electricity, so it makes sense that people think this way. But surprisingly, it’s not true. Solar panels need sunlight, yes, but they don’t need constant sunlight. As long as they receive around 4 hours of direct sunlight a day, they will generate enough electricity to be effective. Ohio gets a moderate amount of sunlight—around 4.5 hours a day—which makes it a viable state for solar panels. In fact, Ohio ranks 15th on the Solar Energy Industries Association’s list of the best states for solar!
Myth: Solar Panels Only Work During the Summer
Another common misconception about solar panels is that they only work in the summer. It’s true that solar production drops during the winter in Ohio, because the days are shorter and there’s less sunlight, but your solar panels will still produce some electricity. You’ll also have the benefit of net metering. Net metering is a billing arrangement between you and the utility. It allows you to export the extra power your solar panels produce to the electric grid and receive a credit on your account in return. Your credits roll over month to month, so you can bank credit during the summer when your solar panels produce a lot of electricity and use them in the winter when output is lower, allowing you to reap the financial benefits of solar year round.
Myth: You Can Get Free Solar Panels from the Government in Ohio
Have you been seeing ads on Facebook or Instagram that claim you can get free solar panels from the government in Ohio? This is one myth we wish were true, but unfortunately, it’s not. Predatory financing companies use false messaging like this to lock homeowners into high-interest loans and unfair solar leases. The government offers legitimate incentives for solar panel installation, including a 30% federal tax credit, but they are not giving out free solar panels.
Myth: Solar Panels Will Damage Your Roof
Solar panels are mounted directly on your roof and many people avoid installing them out of fear that this will cause roof damage. It’s smart to be wary about anything that will impact your roof, but as long as you hire an experienced solar company, you don’t have to worry about roof damage. When installed properly by a professional, solar panels can actually protect the portion of the roof they cover from the elements. We take extra precautions when installing solar panels to ensure your roof is protected. We are a worker-owned company and there are worker-owners on every job who are committed to doing the absolute best work because your success is their success!
Myth: Solar Panels Can’t Help During a Power Outage
This myth actually has a lot of truth to it. Solar panels are automatically shut down during a power outage as a safety precaution that protects utility crews from unexpected power surges. But solar panels can stay on during a power outage if you have a solar battery. A solar plus battery system can temporarily disconnect from the electric grid during an outage and remain operational, so you can keep your power on during a blackout.
