10 Solar Panel Myths Busted
1. Myth: Solar panels don’t work on cloudy or rainy days
Busted:
Solar panels still produce electricity on cloudy days—just at reduced efficiency (about 10–25% of peak output). Countries like England thrive on solar despite limited sunshine.
2. Myth: Solar energy is too expensive
Busted:
Solar costs have dropped over 80% in the last decade. In Norfolk and Suffolk, solar is now cheaper than grid electricity, especially with incentives, SEG payments, and net metering for battery storage.
3. Myth: Solar panels require a lot of maintenance
Busted:
Solar panels are very low maintenance. Aside from occasional cleaning and routine inspections, most systems require little to no maintenance over decades. Cleaning is only appropriate when heavy soiling ie bird poo gets thick and affects production. A shower or heavy rain will self clean most good panels. Mr Solar recommends a 5 year service to check all is well for the panels, Solar production, battery and inverter.
**Do not be drawn in to companies that offer “Free Solar checks” most use scare tactics to generate expensive sales of inverters or modifications that will never pay for themselves.
4. Myth: Solar panels will damage your roof
Busted:
When installed correctly, solar panels can protect and extend the life of your roof by shielding it from weather. Proper installation with Mr Solar ensures no damage to your structure whatever the type.
5. Myth: Solar panels don’t work in cold climates
Busted:
Solar panels are more efficient in cooler temperatures. Snow can actually help clean panels as it slides off, and reflects more light back onto them also removing the dirt.
6. Myth: You need a battery to go solar
Busted:
Most solar systems are grid-tied and don’t require batteries. While Solar batteries provide power in the night-time and during outages, they are optional and not necessary for going solar.
7. Myth: Solar will power your home during a blackout
Busted:
Grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during outages to protect utility workers. To have power during blackouts, you need a battery or hybrid system with an EPS emergency power supply.
8. Myth: Solar panels will lower your property value
Busted:
Studies show that homes with solar panels often sell faster and for more money. Many buyers value lower electric bills and clean energy upgrades. Also, EPC improves by 1 band with over 4-8 panels.
9. Myth: Solar panels take more energy to make than they produce
Busted:
Most solar panels offset their manufacturing energy footprint in 1–3 years and can last 25–30 years, providing a large net positive energy return. The de-Gration of panels is about 1% per year, most panels start life at over 100%. Some panels have very low de-gration and will be at 88% after 25 years.
10. Myth: Solar technology isn’t advanced enough yet
Busted:
Modern solar panels are highly efficient, durable, and come with 25+ year warranties on the panel, Hybrid Inverter 10years and batteries 10 years.. Continued innovation only improves performance and accessibility.
