The higher authorities of the states offer different plans to make it possible for everyone. The average payback of installation cost in PA is almost 12.5 years. After this period, the average ROI is about 14.75% annually. Besides this, other incentives, such as solar renewable energy credits (SREC) and Investment Tax Credit (ITC), are also available.
Some Common Myths About Solars IN Pennsylvania
PA people mostly listen to various myths such as less sunny days, more snowy days, more cost for maintenance, roof damage due to solar panels, high initial cost to install, extra spending for maintenance etc. Let’s explore whether these myths are true or not.
Myth1: Pennsylvania Experience Less Sunny Days
The first myth we often hear is that PA experiences fewer sunny days, so solar panels are not perfect for this season. The average number of sunny days in PA is 179, less than the 205 national average days in the USA. However, it is also a fact that the state ranks as the 22nd highest-achieving state for solar energy. In 2020, a 265 MW solar panel was installed at the grid station, which was the highest achievement for the authorities. Do you think that PA authorities will spend money on a worthless project? NO. So, this myth is false.
Reality: Solars are Equally Effective in All Climates
PA experiences all seasons, e.g., the cold winters and the sunny summers. But, the solars work effectively in all seasons. In winter, the solar electrons in the panels are colder. When they come in contact with the sunny rays, they produce an efficient amount of energy due to the difference in the voltage of both the electrons and the sun.
Myth2: Snow and Hail Destroy the Panels
Snow can destroy the panels, and solar systems do not work due to the heavy snow in PA. This is another common myth that makes people resistant to installing solar panels. They think that their spending will go to waste. But this is also a false myth.
Reality: Snow Does Not Affect the Solar Panels.
The first thought that comes to our mind regarding hail and panels is that they will destroy the solar system. But this is not true. Manufacturers design solar panels according to the weather in any state. Various brands offer snow and hail-resistant panels. These panels have been observed to withstand even in stormy conditions and save the roof from damage. Moreover, snow can not stay on the panels for a long time because the dark color of the panels warms up the snow, leading to snow melting. On snow days, net metering is a relief for the PA people. You can use energy from the grid supply through a net metering procedure.
Myth3: No Power at Night
This is a very baseless myth. People say that solar does not produce energy at night time, so there is no need to install solar panels. If you are also one of those who think that solar panels are baseless because they can not produce energy at night, then you should not know about net metering. Let’s burst this myth with logical reality.
Reality: Net Metering Is Helpful at Night Time
Net metering is a procedure that allows you to use the grid supply at retail prices at night. Yes, you can get electricity at a lower rate. But this is possible if your solar meter is registered with the grid. In the daytime, if the energy produced through solar panels is more than your daily usage, then your meter exports it to the grid, which you can use at night at cheaper rates.
Myth4: Solars are Very Expensive to Afford
The average cost of installation of solar panels in PA is $2.64 to $3.56 per watt, which is equal to that of other states in the USA. So, you can not say that solar installations are expensive in PA.
Reality: States Offers Various Incentives
The higher authorities of the states offer different plans to make it possible for everyone. The average payback of installation cost in PA is almost 12.5 years. After this period, the average ROI is about 14.75% annually. Besides this many other incentives such as solar renewable energy credits (SREC) and investment Tax Credit (ITC) are also available.
Myth5: Solars Cause Damage to Roof
Another myth that people believe is that solar panels will damage their roofs. The roof will start leaking, the rain will affect their system, and their investment will fail. This is also a false assumption.
Reality: Durable solars with warranty are available in the Market
Many branded solars in the Market are available that give warranty for many years. Moreover, many solar installers give a labor warranty, which offers roof renovation services in case of any damage. The point here is to always hire a reputable installer for the installation or hire a company with professional and experienced installers. A sound installation company always inspects your place before the installation procedure and informs you about the condition of your roof and any essential changes.
Myth6: No Backup Power With Solar Panels
Do you also believe in this myth? Well, this is a baseless assumption. The reality is the opposite.
Reality: Net Metering is Available for Power Backup
Although solar cells can not produce electricity at night, it does not mean that solar panels are not worth installing because they do not have back backup sights and cloudy days. In all states, the Net Metering option is available through which you can register your solar meter with the grid, and you import more electricity than your usage to the grid, which will get back to you at night time from the grid at retail prices.Do you live in Pennsylvania and worry about solar panel installation? As a Pennsylvania resident, you must hear gossip about solar installation and its performance in the state. But, let us throw out the surprising fact that all the myths you have heard from your surroundings are not true. Yes, you read it right. All the myths are false; solar panels can work as effectively in Pennsylvania as in other states. So, let’s discuss these myths and their actual or false basics according to science and logic.
Myth7: Impact on The Home Value
It is a common myth that solar energy causes damage to the roof, which can lower the resale value of your home. This is also a false assumption. The reality is that solars increase the value of the property.
Reality: Solar Panels Installation Enhance the Property Value Value
Solar systems not only increase the value but also provide tax exemptions on the increased value of houses after solar installation. According to a survey, in the past years, the sale prices for solar-installed homes increased up to 4.1%.
Myth8: Initial Cost to Install Solar Panels are not Affordable
Many people in the States need help to afford the installation cost. The average cost to install panels is 12835$ to 17365$. The Government offers various programs and packages to reduce the cost of solar panels in the state.
Reality: 30% Federal Tax Reduction on Total Cost
The federal tax offers a 30% reduction on the total cost of the systems. Moreover, SRECs are also available to provide a return on investment. Furthermore, the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and the Pennsylvania Sunshine Program are also available to get free solar panels.
Myth9: Solar Systems Increase the Fire Risk
Solar panels can cause the onset of fire. Do you believe in this? This is very illogical. Do you have other electrical appliances at home, such as a boiler and electric stoves? If you use them, then you can use solar panels safely.
Reality: Best Solar Manufacturers Set A Good Wiring System in the Panels
Solar panels undergo several test checks before being introduced to the Market. Always try to purchase panels from a famous and trustworthy brand. Moreover, you can check the reviews of the panels from previous clients before purchasing.
Myth10: Solar Systems are Costly Due to Repetitive Maintenance
People in PA do not install solar panels due to fear of the high maintenance cost. But this is a myth. Solar panels are easy to keep and maintain and no extra spending for annual maintenance.
Reality: No Extra Cost for Maintenance
Solar panels are very easy to handle. If you clean your panels twice a year, you will not need to spend extra money on maintenance. So, clean your panels periodically and avoid any faults and additional spending for recovery.
Solars in Pennsylvania
Solars in Pennsylvania ranks the 22nd highest state in the USA for producing green energy.PA has a rich history of delivering energy resources. Whether we talk about oil discoveries, coil deposits, or green energy, PA officials take all essential measures to make the state independent in energy resources. PA utility companies have stated that there has been a 160% increase in solar panel installations in the past five years.PA electrical companies purchase 8% of the power through renewable resources, among which grid solar systems generate 0.5%. The officials plan to get 100% green energy, for which they have introduced various tax exemptions, rebates, and discounts.
Conclusion
There are different myths in PA regarding solar panel installation, such as fewer sunny days, no backup power, climate changes, e.g., hail and storms, high maintenance cost, the massive initial cost for installation, decreased property value, and damage to the roof. However, these all are false assumptions. The reality of all assumptions is different. Net metering is available for backup power, panels are durable and stay long for years, and regular cleanliness avoids extra maintenance and installation costs. It increases the property value rather than decreasing. Moreover, solar energy is an environmentally friendly process, and higher authority motivates people to go green by offering different incentives and rebates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.Can you get a free solar panel in Pennsylvania?
A. You can get free solar panels in PA, but it depends upon specific requirements like the type of energy system and your income level. The two most famous programs in PA are the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and the Pennsylvania Sunshine Program.
Q2.Does Pennsylvania have a rebate?
A. Yes, the Pennsylvania Sunshine program offers a 100$ rebate for homeowners and minor business persons who adopt solar energy.
Q3.Can you sell solar back to the grid in Pennsylvania?
A. Yes, net metering is available in PA, which you can use to send extra energy to the grid station at night. This is applicable if your solar meter is registered with the grid system.
Q4.How Does Solar Tax Credit Work?
A. Government offers a 30% tax credit on solar purchases. You can apply for this amount at the time of the purchase.
Q5.Is PA a good state to install solar panels due to its weather?
A. this is only a false myth. Pennsylvania usually has 179 average sunny days annually, less than the 205 national average days in the USA. However, it is also a fact that the state ranks as the 22nd highest-achieving state for solar energy. So, PA is an excellent way to go green.
Q6.Do solar panels work on cloudy days in Pennsylvania?
A.PA experiences all seasons, e.g., the cold winters and the sunny summers. But, the solars work effectively in all seasons. In winter, the solar electrons in the panels are colder. When they come in contact with the sunny rays, they produce an efficient amount of energy due to the difference in the voltage of both the electrons and the sun. So, regardless of the weather, it works efficiently in all climates.
