There are several common but largely unfounded hesitations people have about going solar.

“Too expensive.”

Not really. Upfront costs used to be high, but solar prices have dropped 70% in the last 10 years. On top of that, there are tax credits and other state and local incentives that make the cost significantly lower. There are also many different financing options available now that weren’t before.

“Won’t work in my area — not enough sun.”

Colder areas are fine, and panels still work on cloudy days. In fact, they can be more efficient in the cold. Snow can even improve performance by reflecting extra light when it melts off the panels. Germany is a prime example — it’s one of the world’s leaders in solar production despite limited sunshine.

“My roof will be damaged.”

Reputable installers use non-penetrating or watertight mounting systems designed to protect the roof. Most roofs are unaffected, and in fact, panels can extend roof life by shielding shingles from UV rays and weather. Installers also assess roof condition beforehand and won’t proceed if repairs are needed first.

“I will have to maintain it.”

Solar panels don’t have moving parts. You may need to spray them down with a hose occasionally, or hire a cleaning service (usually around $100 per cleaning). But you can easily do it yourself. You can also track your system’s production right from your smartphone or laptop.

“It won’t really save that much money.”

Most homeowners see a 50–90% reduction in their power bills. In some cases, you can even send power back to the grid, allowing you to save even more money.

Don’t be fooled by neighbors who aren’t telling you the full truth. There are so many reasons to go solar. A good installer will make sure everything is done right and give you honest answers to all your concerns.