5 Myths About Solar Power

Solar power is a decades old solution – and it’s growing at an annual rate of 25%. It’s not just a tool for the consumer market; nor is it limited in its use case. Solar power is an economic engine that’s being put to work on construction sites to power 24/7 documentation, live video streaming, security monitoring and so much more. The bottom line is that solar’s a more reliable, flexible and weather-resistant option than many may think.

So here are the myths to let go of and the details you need to start taking advantage of this free source of energy on the jobsite:

FALSE: Solar power is too expensive.

Fact: It’s cheaper than ever to buy solar.

In 2024, commercial costs to deploy solar power declined by more than 12%, hitting historical lows for costs. Federal tax credits let businesses claim 30% of their solar system costs as a tax credit (until 2033). This has made solar more popular than ever, with commercial solar power outpacing electric-capacity production in 2023 for the first time in 80 years.

FALSE: Solar power isn’t worth it for monitoring short-term projects.

Fact: Turnkey solar solutions make it as easy as plugging in a camera traditionally.

Solar panels are a great solution for projects that need temporary power because they come pre-built, are portable and can be relocated for different projects. Purchasing solar panels for cameras can be an investment that pays for itself over time.

FALSE: The weather makes solar power unreliable.

Fact: Solar power can still be generated on cloudy days.

Seasonal changes and the weather does impact solar power, but it’s not what you may think. Since solar panels include batteries to store electricity, your solar system can run without direct sunlight for various periods of time. Even cloudy days can still generate solar power, as not all clouds block the sun’s rays. Higher clouds are thinner, allowing solar rays to shine through.

FALSE: Solar power doesn’t work at night.

Fact: Solar-power can be used at any time.

The key to solar is storage. Solar panels collect energy from the sun, and that energy must be stored. Solar systems connect to a rechargeable battery. It’s the battery that actually provides the source of power. When you have a high-storage capacity, the energy harnessed in the day can then be used at any time.

FALSE: Solar panels don’t last long.

Fact: Solar panels are designed to last for decades.

Photovoltaic cells, which are the rectangles you see on a panel, can harness power for decades. As energy storage capacities increase, panel lifetime will go beyond the current 25 year average. Since the panels are made from tempered glass, they have a higher-hardness rating and are resistant to cracks and scratches.