Four Myths About Solar Power 1. Solar energy and solar designs work well only in warm, sunny climates. Solar technolgies and passive solar design can work efficiently and cost-effectively anywhere in the United States, even in cloudy communities. Energy storage systems make solar technologies in less sunny regions possible. Solar water heating systems typically are linked with conventional backup heaters which need to be fired up only during periods of cloudiness or excessive demand.
Solar power is too costly.
There are hundreds of situations where solar is the least expensive method for delivering power. Each solar power example in this issue is saving money over its life-cycle. Solar power is not as reliable as conventional energy technologies. Solar is often more reliable than any other energy source. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, surveys taken over the last decade show that over 94 percent of solar water heating owners consider their solar heater to be a wise investment.