Debunking Common Solar Energy Myths

Separating Fact From Fiction on Solar Energy

The number of residential solar installations increases yearly as more homeowners realize their long-term cost savings and positive environmental impacts. Home solar adoption increases by 25% annually, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Still, myths and misconceptions persist about solar energy and solar panel installation.

The Truth About Solar Energy

There is a reason why you see more solar panels in your neighborhood. With a variety of federal and local incentives, coupled with its many benefits, solar energy offers long-term energy savings and energy independence.

Key benefits of solar panel installation:

• Cheaper monthly electric bills
• Long-term cost savings
• Source of renewable and clean energy
• Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
• Increase in property value

If you are considering installing solar on your home soon, you are in the right place. Here, we are sharing the most common solar myths and separating fact from fiction so you can determine if going solar is right for you.

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25 Common Solar Energy Myths

Myth #1: Solar Panels Don’t Work in Cold or Cloudy Climates

Solar panels do not only need direct sunlight to capture solar energy. Panels work by also capturing diffuse light or light that is scattered and filtered by clouds. High-efficiency panels are designed to work optimally in lower-light regions. Cooler climates are a plus for solar panels, as they tend to operate more efficiently.

Myth #2: Solar Panels Are Too Expensive for Most People

While solar panel installation requires a significant upfront investment, there are multiple federal and local incentives to help offset the costs and save you money. The federal residential solar energy credit offers a 30% tax credit for solar systems installed between 2017 and 2034. There are also many state and local incentives. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) to determine your eligibility.

Myth #3: Solar Panels Require Constant Maintenance

Solar panels are designed and manufactured to withstand temperature and weather fluctuations for years. Their installation requires few moving parts, reducing their vulnerability to malfunctions. Rainfall often cleans off dust and debris accumulation, and hosing and wiping down panels once or twice a year is usually sufficient for cleaning. Professional solar panel installation is the best way to reduce maintenance. A solar contractor will also install solar panels according to manufacturer instructions to maintain your product warranty.

Myth #4: Solar Panels Will Damage My Roof

Professionally installed solar panels include specialized mounting systems to improve waterproofing and prevent roof damage. Solar panels cover a large portion of a home’s roof, shielding it from UV rays, wind, rain, and snow.

Myth #5: Solar Energy Only Works When the Sun Is Shining

This is a common solar myth, however, panels capture diffuse or indirect sunlight and can operate on cloudy days. While high-efficient systems are designed to operate in all weather conditions, they do capture less solar energy. If you wish to power your home exclusively from solar panels, installing a solar battery is a good solution. Solar batteries store excess energy captured from solar panels and can be used during the night, lower-light days, and during power outages.

Myth #6: Solar Panels Are Not Environmentally Friendly to Produce

The environmental impact of solar panel production is relatively low compared to standard electrical production which includes fossil fuels. Solar panels have a long average lifespan of approximately 20 years, and the amount of energy they produce outweighs the amount required for their production. What’s more, improvements to manufacturing methods include increased use of more abundant materials like aluminum, glass, and silicon.

Myth #7: Solar Panels Only Benefit Sunny States

Thanks to improving technology, high-performance solar panels work well in areas with fewer sunny days compared to sunnier states. Even with their more than 200 annual cloudy days, states like Oregon and Washington have high solar adoption rates because of ample incentives and widespread net metering among utility companies.

Myth #8: Solar Energy Isn’t Worth the Investment if You’re Moving Soon

Homeowner interest in renewable energy is increasing every year. Solar adoption has risen an average of 25% annually over the past 10 years, according to SEIA. All this to say solar’s popularity can increase property values and may even help your home sell faster. Most solar agreements and warranties are transferable, making a solar panel installation even more attractive to potential home buyers.

Myth #9: All Solar Panels Are the Same

There is a common misconception that all solar panels are the same when in reality there are several different types. Monocrystalline panels are the most common in residential installations because of their higher efficiency and lifespan. Polycrystalline panels are a less expensive option, however come with a lower efficiency range and shorter lifespan. Thin-film panels are flexible and lightweight, but their lower efficiency rating usually makes them more suitable for larger commercial applications.

Myth #10: Solar Panels Make Homes Look Unattractive

This may have been true during the earliest days of solar panel production, but today’s systems feature a lower and sleek profile to blend visually with roof color and pitch. Newer products like solar roof tiles and solar shingles fully integrate into a home’s roofing system for an unobtrusive and appealing look.

Myth #11: Solar Systems Will Make My Electric Bill Disappear Completely

Solar panel installation will significantly reduce your monthly utility bill, however it probably will not eliminate it. You will still have to rely on the power grid if your solar system is not large enough to power your home continuously, during the evening, or on cloudy days. Net metering can help offset these costs – your utility company will credit your account with excess energy your home’s panels add to the electrical grid. You can use these credits to pay for your home’s electricity use during peak times and when your panels capture less energy.

Myth #12: Solar Panels Are Not Effective in Winter

High heat increases the resistance of solar panels’ semiconductor material, reducing its efficiency. Cooler temperatures allow panels to operate more efficiently and capture more solar energy.

Myth #13: Installing Solar Is a Complicated Process

When installed by a quality and trained professional, the solar installation process is usually simple and seamless. They handle the entire project from start to finish, including any required permitting, design, procurement, and incentive paperwork. Improved panel manufacturing and mounting systems allow most solar installations to be completed in a single day.

Myth #14: Solar Systems Are Unreliable

Today’s solar panels are designed and manufactured for durability and can withstand all seasons and most weather conditions. The average lifespan of most solar is 20 to 30 years, and quality manufacturers offer warranty coverage from 10 to 25 years to ensure reliable and worry-free operation.

Myth #15: Solar Panels Need Direct Sunlight to Work

While direct sunlight is best for capturing solar energy, panels also work under lower-light conditions. Panel technology captures a wide spectrum of light, including indirect light, or light diffused and scattered by clouds.

Myth #16: Home Solar Power Can’t Compete With Utility Power

Solar panel installation is a long-term investment in your home’s renewable energy and energy independence. While the average payback period is six to 10 years, if you live in an area with net metering can reduce monthly energy bills even more and add to your savings. Home solar power also reduces reliance on utility power that is often generated from fossil fuels.

Myth #17: Solar Panels Are a New Technology

The discovery of solar technology occurred more than 100 years ago, and the first solar panel was developed in the 1950s. Technological advances have increased significantly each decade, with improved materials and manufacturing methods. Today’s solar panels are highly efficient in solar energy capture and production, resulting in their widespread use as the world’s most popular renewable energy source.

Myth #18: Solar Panels Make It Hard to Get Insurance

On the contrary, installing solar panels is perceived as a valuable investment that most insurance carriers are prepared to accommodate. Most carriers’ policies include roof-mounted solar panels with varying levels of coverage and protection. While premium costs may increase slightly to account for potential replacement costs in the future, long-term savings from solar panels offset this.

Myth #19: Solar Panels Cause Health Problems

No adverse health outcomes have been linked to solar panels after decades and millions of residential and commercial installations. Solar panels use a photovoltaic process to convert solar energy into electricity and do not emit radiation. Widespread solar adoption reduces greenhouse gasses to improve air quality and public health.

Myth #20: Solar Panels Aren’t Efficient Enough Yet

With improved technologies and production methods, today’s solar panels are more efficient than ever before. Monocrystalline panels lead in solar capture and conversion efficiency rates between 20% to 25%, offering the highest performance in residential applications.

Myth #21: Solar Energy Can’t Power My Entire House

Ongoing advances in solar technology and increasing energy efficiencies of home systems and appliances make powering a home 24/7 possible. Right-sizing your solar panels to your household energy needs, using net metering where available, and adding solar battery storage are ways to optimize home solar installation over time.

Myth #22: Solar Panels Require Expensive Battery Storage

While solar batteries are required for off-grid installations or complete energy independence, most home solar systems are connected to the electrical grid to supply backup usage.

Myth #23: I Should Wait Until Solar Technology Improves

Improvements in technology have increased solar energy capture and conversion efficiency, making it a great option to save on monthly utility costs and increase your home’s energy independence. A combination of federal and state incentives can make home solar installation more affordable, however they do expire. The federal solar tax credit expires in 2032, and state and local government incentives have specific program end dates.

Myth #24 Solar Panels Don’t Require a Permit

You will need to obtain a permit and inspection to complete your solar installation. Both are necessary to ensure your panels are installed correctly and safely and are properly connected to the utility grid. Some homeowners associations also have specific solar guidelines and may require a review process or approval.

Myth #25 Solar Panels Require Professional Installation

If you are experienced in doing home improvement projects yourself, you may be able to install solar panels yourself. It is, however, a major renovation project requiring significant knowledge of electrical systems, utility grid connection, and roof work. Solar installation is most often done by a licensed professional to ensure optimal panel performance, prevent roof damage, and maintain your product warranty.

Make an Informed Choice: Discover the Real Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy adoption reduces your monthly energy bill, and federal and local tax incentives make the cost of solar installation more affordable. It is a clean and reliable source of renewable energy, reducing your home’s greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on energy sources from fossil fuels. Learn more about solar energy and installation on our solar resources page, including detailed information about financial incentives, return on investment, and how to find a contractor.

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