If you conduct a simple Google search on “solar energy,” you will discover more than 50 million results. While solar power has grown popular in recent years, the use and integration of this power are still growing. With millions of solar installations now generating electricity in the U.S. alone, it’s clear this is a source of clean, renewable energy that homeowners across the country are responding to.

This source of clean energy is making the air easier to breathe and helping homeowners improve the overall value of their home. With so much interest and a large amount of information available, now is the time to separate fact from fiction. Learning the truth about some of the most common myths can help you understand more about solar energy and the benefits it offers.

Myth: Solar Panels are Cost Prohibitive

In approximately 42 out of 50 of the largest cities in the U.S., the cost of financing a solar energy system for your home is lower than the cost of electricity from your local utility department. Studies have shown that going solar is something that has dropped in cost every year since 2009. If you have an interest in purchasing a solar energy system, there’s no reason to pay cash. There are numerous financing options for you to choose from.

If you don’t want to get a loan, you can utilize a system that is owned by a third party. This option allows you to have a solar energy system installed that is owned by the solar company, and then purchase the electricity that is generated on your home’s roof, all while being able to lock in your electrical costs for many years down the road.

Myth: It’s Impossible to Save Money Going Solar

Solar offers a lot of opportunities for you to save money on your utility costs each month. The amount you save depends on a few things, the amount of electricity that you are consuming, the size of your solar energy system, and the amount of power it can generate. Usually, the amount you owe on your solar loan each month will be less than your utility costs. Also, with a leased system, you can purchase the electricity generated from the solar company at a lower rate. This rate is typically less than what the utility company would charge you. With utility costs on an upward trend, solar is probably going to remain a smart, money-saving option for many years to come.

Myth: You Must Own a House to Go Solar

Are you renting your house? Or do you live in a condo? If so, you can still use solar via a solar community program. This will allow several people to benefit from a shared solar energy system.

If you are interested in utilizing solar power, you need to find a reliable and reputable service provider. By finding the right company to handle the system installation and setup, you can feel confident you can get all the benefits that solar has to offer.