Solar energy: you either love it or you hate it. The internet is packed with opinions—some true, some totally misleading. 

At MPower Solar, a family-owned, residential solar installation company in NYC, we’re dedicated to building a greener, more sustainable future – all while bringing you nothing but the facts. 

Get powered up because today we’re breaking down what’s true, what’s fiction, and whether solar is the right choice for you.

Solar Energy Savings

Solar panels are an investment, so naturally, there will be installation costs to plan for. But there are ways to go green while still saving green.

For instance, homeowners in New York can explore the low-interest loans offered by the lending partners of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. According to their website, in some cases, the amount of money you save on your monthly electric bill can be enough to cover your loan payment! 

And it doesn’t stop there. Homeowners across the U.S. may qualify for financial incentives, including the federal solar tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. This credit covers 30% of your system cost, making solar more affordable than many people realize.

Yes, the upfront cost of solar can seem intimidating. But with the right incentives and financing, it can actually save you money—not just now, but for decades to come.

Solar Aesthetics

Homeowners put a lot of effort into making their property look good, so the look of solar panels is a valid concern. The wrong installer could leave your panels disjointed or disorganized which wouldn’t help the aesthetics of your home.

And that is exactly why it’s important to find reliable installers with an eye for aesthetics. If an installer isn’t willing to talk to you about your needs and preferences, that’s a red flag. We’re talking about your home. You should have a say throughout the process.

Don’t hesitate to talk to your installer about any concerns you have in terms of the functionality or aesthetics of the final design.

Generally, after speaking with your installer about what works for you, they should visit your home, provide a design proposal after a quick inspection, and ultimately confirm the solar system layout with you.

Throughout this process, your installer should listen to your concerns and preferences and design the best option possible for your home, balancing functionality with aesthetics– and that’s a green flag.

Solar Scams

The harsh truth is the Federal Trade Commission reported a significant rise in solar panel scam complaints, with over 5,300 complaints mentioning "solar panels" submitted recently.

This shouldn’t diminish the fact that there are legitimate companies out there that truly care about sustainability and customer satisfaction.

For instance, at MPower Solar, we’ve been serving customers for over 10 years, providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy that helps combat climate change and protects our environment.

However, just because a company has been in business for a while doesn’t automatically mean they’re legitimate.

How to verify the credibility of a solar installation company:

1. Check if they’re licensed and certified by recognized organizations like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.
2. Look at their reputation on platforms like the Better Business Bureau. Unlike social media, BBB verifies reviews and complaints, ensuring transparency.
3. Watch for red flags! If a consultant pressures you to sign immediately, offers a deal that sounds too good to be true, or provides vague information, think twice before committing.

Yes, researching a provider takes time, but doing your homework to find a reliable installer will ensure a smooth process.

Solar Panels and the Environment

If you’re considering solar, chances are you care about both savings and sustainability. But with so much information online, it’s easy to feel uncertain.

We’ve heard things like: “Solar panels require mining, so they’re bad for the environment.” Or, “They’ll never offset the emissions from their production.”

Here’s the reality—yes, materials like lithium and silicon must be mined to manufacture solar panels. But once installed, solar panels generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. Over their lifetime, they produce far more clean energy than what was required to create them.

It’s important to remember that renewables could deliver 90% of the necessary reductions in energy-related CO2 emissions. That means the shift to clean energy isn’t just a choice—it’s a major part of the solution. 

This percentage came directly from the International Renewable Energy Agency – and there are plenty more trusted sources out there, like the Solar Energy Industries Association or the U.S. Department of Energy, who are doing their part to separate fact from fiction.

Shedding Light

While solar might not be the right solution for everyone, it has major pros for those who want to reap the rewards of the financial benefits while saving the planet.

Ready to take the leap? Contact us for a free quote today.