Is Solar Power Worth It? Breaking Down the Myths and Real Benefits

June 11, 2025

Solar energy has been a hot topic for several years, with both advocates and skeptics weighing in on its potential benefits and limitations. As our global energy needs continue to grow and the climate crisis demands a swift transition to cleaner forms of energy, understanding solar system benefits becomes crucial. With numerous myths floating around, from cost efficiency to energy production capability, it's essential to break down these misconceptions and delve into the real advantages of solar technology. In this blog post, we will explore whether solar power is truly worth the investment by examining its potential to sustainably power our future.


Myth: Solar Power Is Too Expensive


One of the most persistent myths about solar power is that it's prohibitively expensive for the average household. While the initial costs of installation can be significant, technological advancements and financial incentives have dramatically reduced these expenses over the years. Many governments offer tax credits, rebates, and financial programs aimed at making solar panels more affordable. Additionally, in our experience, the cost of solar panels has dropped by over 70% in the last decade, making them a viable option for many homeowners looking to invest in clean energy, allowing more people to reap solar system benefits.


Myth: Solar Panels Aren't Efficient Enough


Another common misconception is that solar panels aren't efficient enough to justify their cost or usage. The truth is, solar technology has made remarkable strides in efficiency and productivity. In our experience, modern solar panels can convert about 15–22% of sunlight into electricity, which is adequate for most residential applications. This improvement, coupled with the growing efficiency of solar batteries, ensures that solar power can sustainably meet a significant portion of energy demands. According to Energy.gov, today, over 3% of U.S. electricity comes from solar energy in the form of solar photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP).


Myth: Solar Power Isn't Reliable


Reliability is often cited as a concern with solar energy, as its production depends on sunny conditions. However, this is increasingly a myth due to advancements in solar storage technology. Solar batteries can store excess energy generated during the day for use at night or during cloudy weather. Moreover, grid-tied solar systems allow users to draw power from the grid when solar production is low, ensuring a continuous electricity supply. Such flexibility makes solar power a reliable component of modern energy strategies, especially when integrated into diversified energy systems. As technology improves and costs continue to fall, solar is rapidly becoming one of the most dependable and scalable energy options available.


The Environmental Benefits of Solar Power


Beyond economic considerations, there are more solar system benefits. Solar energy offers significant environmental advantages. It is a clean, renewable resource that drastically reduces carbon footprints compared to fossil fuels. Each kilowatt-hour of solar power substantially offsets greenhouse gas emissions, contributing directly to the fight against climate change. By switching to solar, individuals and businesses not only decrease their reliance on non-renewable resources but also actively participate in environmental conservation efforts. Additionally, solar installations can promote energy independence and resilience, especially in areas vulnerable to grid disruptions or natural disasters.


Long-Term Economic Savings


Investing in solar power can lead to substantial long-term savings. Once the initial installation costs are recouped, typically within a few years, solar energy can significantly reduce, or even eliminate, electricity bills. With rising utility prices, locking in solar energy costs protects against fluctuations and inflation. Furthermore, with solar panels typically lasting 25 to 30 years, in our experience, the economic returns and savings over the lifetime of the panels can be substantial, making solar power an economically sound investment. Are you ready to receive the solar system benefits of transitioning to solar power?


The question of whether solar power is worth it can be affirmatively answered when considering both the myths and the substantial real benefits. Advances in technology have led to decreased costs and increased efficiency, while reliability concerns are mitigated through battery storage and grid integration. As a clean energy source, solar power aids in the global effort to combat climate change. Combined with significant long-term economic savings, solar energy not only stands out as a sustainable option but also proves to be a wise and forward-thinking investment for many homeowners and businesses alike. To learn more about solar system benefits or the services we offer, contact Northwind Solar of Waupaca, WI today.

July 14, 2025
I went solar with Northwind, and it was a great experience! Since friends don’t let friends miss out on solar, I wanted to refer you to Northwind so you can see if it might be a good fit for you too, especially with this being the final year to claim the 30% residential solar tax credit . Just fill out the form below, and Northwind will be in touch to explore your options and provide a free, no-obligation solar estimate.  Be sure to include my name so they know I sent you!
July 9, 2025
With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill on July 4, 2025, Congress and President Trump have officially voted to end the 30% federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) on December 31, 2025. This update marks a significant and accelerated policy shift—one that every homeowner considering solar should act on immediately. What’s Changed Previously, the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit was set to continue through 2032, with a gradual phase-down. That phase-down is now canceled. Instead: The credit ends completely after Dec 31, 2025 There is no safe harbor provision for residential projects To qualify, your system must be both purchased and installed by the end of this year This change leaves just a few months to lock in one of the most impactful homeowner solar incentives in U.S. history. What This Means for Your Solar Investment Here’s what’s at stake: System cost: $25,000–$30,000 (typical range) 30% federal credit: $7,500–$9,000 in potential tax savings Net cost without credit: thousands more out-of-pocket If your system isn’t fully installed by December 31, 2025, you will not be eligible for the credit . Delaying your project by even a few weeks this fall could mean missing out. Bonus Savings: Group Buy + Federal Credit Ends This Year 2025 is also the final year homeowners in Central Wisconsin can combine: The federal 30% tax credit, and The Grow Solar Central Wisconsin Group Buy discount program Stacking these two programs can significantly reduce the cost of your system—potentially bringing your out-of-pocket down by $10,000 or more, depending on system size. Why You Need to Act Now Between permitting delays, utility interconnection queues, and installer capacity, time is already tight. As we head into fall, availability will shrink further. To qualify for the credit, your system must be: Fully purchased Fully installed and energized Operational by December 31, 2025 We recommend starting the process no later than ASAP to ensure your system is installed before the deadline. Long-Term Benefits Beyond Tax Credits While the federal tax credit is ending, solar continues to offer long-term value: Lower energy bills from day one Protection from rising utility rates Increased home value and marketability Optional battery storage for energy resilience Clean, renewable energy for your household How Northwind Can Help Northwind Solar has been helping Central Wisconsin families go solar since 2008. We’ll guide you through: A personalized solar design Group Buy eligibility and enrollment Utility paperwork and permitting Timely installation before the deadline Financing options to fit your budget Contact us today to schedule a free solar consultation and lock in your spot before incentives expire. REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE
June 20, 2025
Right now, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) offers a 30% tax credit to businesses that install solar energy systems. Originally scheduled to continue through 2033, the current Senate version of the bill maintains this 30% rate only through the end of 2025. After that, the credit is set to step down sharply: 18% in 2026, 6% in 2027, and 0% in 2028 and beyond. Don’t Miss the Safe Harbor Window Fortunately, there’s a way to lock in the full 30% credit before it’s reduced. Under the IRS’s "safe harbor" provision, you can preserve the full ITC by beginning physical work on your project or making a minimum 5% down payment by the end of 2025 — even if your system is completed in 2026. This is a powerful opportunity to secure long-term financial benefits while the full federal incentive is still available. Stackable Incentives Make the Financials Even Better Beyond the ITC, there are several additional programs that can dramatically reduce your project’s net cost: 10% Domestic Content Bonus: Earn an extra 10% tax credit for using U.S.-made solar components. Focus on Energy Rebates: A Wisconsin-based program offering upfront cash rebates for solar projects. MACRS Accelerated Depreciation: A federal tax benefit that allows you to recover the cost of your solar system more quickly through tax deductions. Solar Central Wisconsin Grow Solar Group Buy: Group pricing and additional resources that make going solar more affordable for local businesses. When stacked together, these incentives can cover a significant portion of your total investment, all while reducing your energy bills for decades to come. Why Act Now Solar has always been a smart investment, but today’s environment is uniquely favorable. With utility energy costs rising and key federal credits sunsetting, 2025 is the year to take action. Whether you’ve previously explored solar or are just getting started, revisiting your project now could mean locking in tens of thousands of dollars in savings. Northwind Solar can help you navigate every step, from incentive qualification to project design and installation. Improve your profitability by making a high-performing energy investment in your business. Achieve energy independence, support local businesses, and contact Northwind Solar today! REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE Reach out anytime at: 715‑630‑6451 ___________________ Additional Resources: Update on Residential Solar Incentive Changes Solar Incentives Overview Grow Solar Central Wisconsin Group Buy Program
June 10, 2025
Northwind Solar is proud to continue its partnership as the official installer for the 2025 Grow Solar Central Wisconsin Group Buy Program , in collaboration with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association ( MREA ). This initiative offers homeowners and small businesses in Portage, Marathon, Waushara, Waupaca, Wood, and Lincoln Counties an exceptional opportunity to invest in solar energy at below-market rates through a limited-time group purchasing program. However, a critical deadline is approaching. Recent legislative developments indicate that the 30% federal Residential Solar Tax Credit —a significant incentive that substantially reduces the cost of solar installations—may expire on December 31, 2025, nearly a decade earlier than previously scheduled. This potential change underscores the urgency for homeowners to act swiftly to secure both the group buy discounts and the federal tax credit. “We’re excited to once again be working with the Grow Solar program to expand solar access in our region,” said Woody Bolton, employee-owner at Northwind Solar. “With the possibility of the federal tax credit ending soon, it's more important than ever for our neighbors to take advantage of these combined savings.” The Grow Solar program facilitates community members joining forces to leverage bulk pricing for solar installations, significantly reducing the cost of going solar. The program features free educational events, called Solar Power Hours, which help residents learn about solar energy, how it works, available incentives, and what to expect from an installation. “In times of uncertainty and climbing prices, one thing remains the same: we all need electricity,” said Evonne Waugh, program manager at MREA. “Investing in solar means securing lower bills for many years ahead.” Since its inception, Grow Solar Central Wisconsin has helped over 250 households and businesses make the switch to solar, adding nearly 2 megawatts of clean energy capacity to the local grid and generating millions of kilowatt-hours of renewable power annually. REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE TODAY! ATTEND A SOLAR POWER HOUR INFO SESSION
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