Solar power has been on the rise for decades, and there’s no sign of slowing down. The US Energy Information Administration predicts solar generation will grow a staggering 75%, from 163 billion kWh in 2023 to 286 billion kWh, in 2025! In Washington State alone, solar power generation has grown by 2,283% over the past 10 years.
Despite their popularity, solar panel myths are everywhere. After 17+ years in the business, we’ve heard them all. Today, we’re clearing up the confusion. Keep reading to learn the truth about 5 of the most common solar myths.
Myth #1: You Can Get Free Solar Panels from the Government
This myth has fueled countless misleading advertisements. While it’s true that government incentives like the federal solar tax credit can significantly reduce the cost of home solar installation, there’s no such thing as “free solar panels from the government.” If a solar company is offering you something that sounds too good to be true, like free solar panels, trust your gut and run.
Myth #2: Net Metering Is Ending in Washington State
Net metering is a highly valuable solar incentive that credits solar homeowners for the excess energy their systems produce. Unfortunately, it’s been under fire in many states over the past few years, including Washington. A bill that would protect net metering in Washington failed to pass in 2023, primarily due to concerns about cost shifting, leading to exaggerated claims that net metering is ending now to create a false sense of urgency.
Net metering is indeed at risk in Washington and the safest bet is to go solar sooner rather than later. However, The Washington Solar Energy Industries Association (WASEIA), PSE, and other partners are currently conducting a Value of Solar study that will be completed in the summer of 2025. The study is expected to show no evidence of cost shifting and should protect net metering in WA. While changes may occur, they are not certain or imminent, so don’t feel rushed into installing solar if you’re not ready.
Myth #3: Solar Panels Are High Maintenance
We often hear that solar panels are too much maintenance and we understand the concern—who wants more home maintenance to take care of? But solar panels are surprisingly low maintenance. With no moving parts, they don’t need tune-ups and most are backed by a 25-year warranty. We do recommend cleaning your solar panels once a year to keep them producing as much power as possible, which you can do yourself with a hose or you can hire a professional. All of our systems come with remote monitoring where you can see the status of your system on a real-time dashboard and app. Cascadia Solar will monitor the status of your solar system, and you will get a notification if anything is wrong. No guesswork or annual tune-ups needed!
Myth #4: Solar Panels Don’t Work in Cloudy Weather
Solar panels need sunlight, so it’s not surprising that many people believe this myth. It’s even partially true. Solar panels work best in direct sunlight and their output is reduced when it’s cloudy. But even though they work best in direct sunlight, solar panels can still turn indirect sunlight into electricity. They’ll produce less when it’s cloudy, but they won’t completely stop generating electricity.
Even though we get our fair share of rain and clouds in Washington, the long summer days make up for the reduced output when it’s overcast. Thanks to our excellent net metering policy, you can rack up credit with your utility company during the summer when your panels are overproducing and use your credits to buy grid power when your solar panels aren’t producing enough power due to cloud cover.
Myth #5: Solar Panels Will Damage Your Roof
This is a common concern, but it’s unfounded when solar panels are installed correctly. Professional solar installation will not damage your roof or impact your roofing warranty. But a poor solar installation can damage your roof. That’s just one of the many reasons why it’s so important to choose an experienced, reputable solar installer, even if it costs a little more. The added cost is nothing when you consider the repairs and headaches you’d have to deal with if a shoddy installer damaged your roof. Our systems come with a 10-year workmanship warranty, and if there is a leak on your roof that is caused by our installation, we will fix it free of charge.
Have Questions? Get Answers!
Solar panels are a smart investment for most homes and businesses, but misleading sales tactics can create unnecessary confusion. To make sure you’re getting the facts, look to multiple trusted sources and ask plenty of questions before deciding to go solar. If the installer you’re considering is impatient with your questions or can’t give you a good answer, they’re probably not the company you want to trust with this significant investment.
If you’re curious about installing solar panels or want to learn more about how they can benefit your home, reach out to Cascadia Solar. We’re here to provide clear, honest answers and help you go solar with confidence.
