If you have resisted installing alternative sources of power in your home because of pervasive myths you have heard, or because you aren’t sure of what the real facts are, here’s what you need to know:

Myth 1: I won’t be able to make back my investment

For many people, one of the main reasons they hesitate to install solar energy into their Firestone home is because the upfront cost can be quite high and many people are worried it won’t be worth it to invest that much money. While the initial price tag may seem steep, you can rest assured that you will make back your investment within two to four years, and from that point forward, will only be saving and, potentially even making money. You will have a significantly lower power bill than if you relied on conventional power sources, and there may be the opportunity to sell your excess power as well.

Myth 2: Panels aren’t reliable due to the weather

If you live in an area where don’t get much sun, regularly experience snow and rain, or are just in a climatically overcast location, you may assume that it is impractical for you to install panels, because you won’t get enough sun. As such, many people assume this makes panels an unreliable source of energy and power, and that it is not a good idea to count on them for heating, energizing and lighting your home. In reality, however, panels do not need sunlight all of the time, and in fact, they likely need less than you think in order to be able to provide sufficient power to your home.

Myth 3: Panels require a lot of maintenance

The thought of having to go up on the roof regularly, or constantly be having to contact a professional repair service is a big turn off for many people when it comes to opting to install alternative power sources. But the good news is, that once installed, panels require minimal maintenance and work on your part. You will need to go through the initial installation and inspection steps to have the panels placed on your roof and then to make sure the set-up meets appropriate national codes and safety standards. From there, you will only need to have an annual check-up to make sure everything is running properly and you are operating an efficient system. Otherwise, unless something goes wrong, or you find yourself without power, no maintenance or roof trips required!

Before you dismiss alternative power sources for your home, be sure you aren’t steering clear of them because of these common myths. With a better understanding, and an open mind, you could find yourself saving hundreds of dollars every year, and helping the earth at the same time!