It is a common misconception that it is too expensive, time-consuming and difficult to build solar energy panels on one's roof.
This is blamed partly on old ideas and old technology, but mostly on misinformation.
This article sets out to eliminate the popular beliefs that prevent the average person from saving money on electricity by utilizing solar energy.
At the end in the resource box is a location where more information can be found.
There are many homes that save money on electricity due to their use of solar energy systems.
However, by holding fast to the above-mentioned beliefs, some homeowners are losing money to the electric company and missing an opportunity to help the environment.
By knowing how to generate solar electricity, a person will be better off in the long run, but only if he loses some common misconceptions.
Lie number one: The technology doesn't exist to generate solar power energy cheaply.
This is not true.
It may have been true in the recent past, but as times change, so does technology.
Since there is such an interest in alternative energy, many people have examined exactly what is required for a residential solar energy system.
Surprisingly, it is not much.
The components, believe it or not, can be found on the auction website known as eBay.
This website is not generally known for its expensive items.
Lie number two: By changing a few daily habits, I can save the money I would spend to build the solar electricity panels, and it would be less time-consuming than building an entire solar panel array.
This is not really true either.
Only by making a few changes in daily routine, in addition to installing the solar panels, can a reduction in electricity costs be seen.
Most of these changes are known to a majority of people.
Changes like using energy-efficient light bulbs, buying energy-efficient appliances and having better windows installed are but a few examples.
Still, how many people actually follow through with these suggestions, even with the rebates that were offered as incentives this past year? Lie number three: I can be up and running with my photovoltaic solar panels in a few days, and it is not difficult to build.
This is only partly true.
Yes, the actually construction of the photovoltaic (PV) panels takes less than a day.
Yes, as long as a person has gathered the materials before hand and takes his time, it is not relatively difficult to build a solar panel.
However, what many people do not know is there is much work to be done before this can happen.
The homeowner must take careful measure of how much electrical output must be generated to make this project worthwhile.
He or she must carefully measure what angle to place the solar panel system to collect the most sunlight.
More importantly, he or she must apply for permits, be approved, and inform the electricity company before installation can begin.
There is more to the process than most people think.
Solar panel energy is certainly within reach of countless people across the country and even the world.
As long as people are aware of the above misconceptions and why they are false, then those people will be on their way to the successful completion of their own PV solar system.
For more information, including where to find quick and simple instructions on building a solar panel array, visit the author box below.