Solar cells do not work in the northern parts of the world because the sun shines too little. Solar cells are ugly and lower the value of the house. The myths about solar cells are many – and they are not true!
Obtaining solar cells for the house or holiday home is a good way to make an effort for both the environment and the wallet. You can even become self-sufficient in solar energy. Here we punch holes in some of the most common myths.
Myth 1: Solar cells are only for technology enthusiasts
Do you need to be a technology expert to install solar cells? The installation itself is run by experts and you do not need to do anything. Solar cells have no moving components that require maintenance so when they are in place they take care of themselves. You don’t have to think about it, it’s incredibly easy. It’s like putting a stone slab on your driveway, it’s just there late.
Myth 2: Solar cells are ugly and do not fit my roof
Is my roof too small for solar cells, has the wrong slope or is in the wrong weather? What if solar cells on the roof make my house ugly in my eyes or my neighbors’ eyes? It is true that you should preferably not install solar cells on roofs that are shaded by other houses or trees. Also, I do not recommend installing solar cells on roofs facing north.
Instead, you can choose to install the solar cells on another, nearby roof, for example in the garage. We suggest the best solution for your particular roof.
The solar cells are black and of course they will appear if you have a red brick roof – but does it matter? The solar cells are flat against the roof and they look like skylights really. That some people think solar cells are ugly I think is related to the unaccustomed. As sustainability grows as a status symbol, the view of solar cells will change.
You can also choose how many solar cells you want to install. The standard size is about 1 x 1.5 m and can be mounted flexibly. For the more design-conscious, there are roof-integrated solar panels, which replace existing roof tiles, for a more uniform and stylish roof.
Myth 3: It is complicated to install solar cells
There is a lot of information available on solar cells and at first, it may seem too complicated. It simply shows up for many question marks that deter. How does the installation work? Need permission? Can you get a grant? But the process is generally quite straightforward.
Myth 4: The sun is not shining enough in northern parts of the world
In the northern parts of the world, it is dark in winter. It is hard to believe that it can be a good solution with solar cells this far north. If you also live in the most norther parts, it may feel even more questionable.
It is true that solar cells produce less during the winter in the northern parts. The good news is that during the bright months of the year, they produce more electricity than you can use. Then you can sell the electricity surplus back to the electricity company and get a deduction or credit on the electricity bill.
In Germany, about 8 percent of all electricity comes from solar cells.
Myth 5: Solar cells are expensive
Even though you protect the environment, it can feel expensive with climate-smart investments like solar cells.
The climate coach responds: Solar cells are a good investment for both the environment and the wallet. Solar cell prices have fallen by 75-80% in recent years. The price cut is due to the fact that interest in solar cells has risen in many countries. Solar cells have an incredibly long service life. Sure, it takes about 14 years before you earn the money, but solar cells have a lifespan of 30 years.
Solar cells should be seen as a form of savings or investment. If you install solar cells for approximately EUR 10K, you will receive a reduced electricity cost per year of between EUR 600 and EUR 700. If you take the money from the mattress and put it on the roof instead, you get a return of 6-7 percent. It is much better than having the money at the bank.
Myth 6: Solar cells will damage my house and lower the value of it
Many people worry that solar cells will damage the roof and make it more difficult to sell the house in the future.
But the fact is that in the same way as with a geothermal heat pump, the value of the house is positively affected because you get an operating cost which will be EUR 600-700 lower each year. Solar cells do not damage the house at all because they are easily mounted on top of the roof tiles.
There are several studies that indicate that solar cells also increase the value of the house. When we listen to brokers, they tell us that solar cells are generating more stakeholders. If they have two similar houses, one of which has solar cells on the roof, it will show more visitors and more bidders. This has been seen statistically.
Myth 7: It is better to wait to get solar cells as the product develops and prices become lower in the future
Is it better to wait to install solar cells? But it’s a bit like mobile phones. I can wait forever but there is so little difference between the models. There is no need to wait. It is better to invest now and start enjoying the investment and to be its own power plant director.
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