Common myths about solar panels

There are so many misconceptions about renewable energy. We are here to set the record straight.

Do they work on cloudy days?

Solar energy is becoming more popular than ever, yet many misconceptions still surround solar panels and their effectiveness. Some people believe they don't work in cloudy weather, while others think they're too expensive or hard to maintain.

In this blog, we'll debunk some of the most common myths about solar panels and set the record straight.

Myth #1: Solar panels don't work in cloudy or rainy weather

The Truth: Solar panels work even on cloudy or rainy days!

While solar panels generate the most electricity in direct sunlight, they still produce power in overcast conditions. The UK might not be the sunniest country in the world, but modern solar panels are designed to capture and convert diffused sunlight, allowing them to generate energy even when the sky is cloudy.

Germany, a country with similar weather to the UK, is one of the world's leading users of solar energy—proof that cloudy conditions don't stop solar panels from working efficiently.

Myth #2: Solar panels are too expensive to install

The Truth: Solar panel prices have dropped significantly in the past decade, and financial incentives can make them even more affordable.

Yes, there's an upfront cost to installing solar panels, but they pay for themselves over time through reduced energy bills and government incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). In the UK, VAT on solar panels is currently 0% (until 2027), which helps lower the cost further.

For most homeowners, solar panels pay for themselves in 8-12 years, and after that, they provide decades of free electricity.

Myth #3: Solar panels require too much maintenance

The Truth: Solar panels require very little maintenance.

Solar panels are designed to be durable and long-lasting. They have no moving parts, which means there's very little that can go wrong. In most cases, rainfall naturally cleans the panels, but an occasional wipe-down or professional clean once a year can help maintain peak efficiency.

Most solar panels come with warranties of 25 years or more, so once they're installed, they provide decades of hassle-free energy production.

Myth #4: Solar panels will damage my roof

The Truth: A professional solar installation will not damage your roof— it may even protect it!

Solar panels are installed using secure mounting systems that do not harm your roof's structure. In fact, they can protect the roof underneath them from weather damage by shielding it from rain, snow, and direct sunlight.

If your roof needs repairs or replacement, it's best to fix it before installing solar panels, but a well-installed system will not cause any damage.

Myth #5: Solar panels don't work at night

The Truth: While solar panels don't generate electricity at night, you can store daytime energy with a solar battery.

Solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity, but adding a solar battery storage system allows you to store excess energy produced during the day for use at night. This means you can still power your home with solar energy even when the sun isn't shining.

Without a battery, you can still use grid electricity at night, but with a battery, you rely less on the grid and maximise your savings.

Myth #6: Solar panels will make it harder to sell my home

The Truth: Solar panels can increase your home's value and make it more attractive to buyers.

Homes with solar panels tend to sell faster and at a higher price than homes without them. Buyers are increasingly looking for energy-efficient homes to save on electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint.

Studies show that solar-equipped homes can sell for up to 4% more than similar homes without solar panels.

Myth #7: It takes too long to see a return on investment

The Truth: Most solar panel systems pay for themselves in 8-12 years, and after that, all the electricity they generate is pure savings.

With rising electricity prices, the return on investment for solar panels is getting better every year. Plus, with incentives like VAT-free installations and the Smart Export Guarantee, homeowners can see savings even sooner.

Considering that solar panels last 25+ years, you could be enjoying free electricity for well over a decade after your system has paid for itself.

Solar panels are a smart investment

Despite the myths, solar panels are one of the best investments you can make for your home or business. They save money, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and help create a greener future.

If you're interested in installing solar panels, get in touch with us today—we'd love to help you take the next step toward energy independence!