While solar energy has gone mainstream, some persistent myths still confuse homeowners and business owners. Whether you’re considering rooftop panels or thinking about going off-grid, it’s time to separate fact from fiction. Here are five of the most common solar myths and the facts behind them.
Solar Energy Myth #1
Solar panels don’t work when it’s cloudy.
It’s a cloudy day, and you assume your solar panels are “off duty.” Not true.
Solar panels still work in cloudy weather just not at full power, depending on how dense the clouds are. Some of the world’s leading solar countries, like Germany, don’t get much sun but still generate massive amounts of solar energy (Fraunhofer ISE, 2023).
The Facts?
Solar panels generate electricity even on cloudy days, just at a lower level. Most panels still produce 10% to 25% of their typical output (U.S. Department of Energy, 2023)
Solar Energy Myth #2
Solar panels will power your home during a blackout.
It might seem logical to assume that if the sun is shining, your solar panels will keep your home powered during an outage.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case. However, unless your system includes a battery and a residential hybrid inverter capable of helping use stored battery energy your home, your panels will shut down during a blackout. This is a safety feature to protect utility workers who might be repairing the grid (U.S. Department of Energy, 2023).
The Facts?
If you want to still power your home during a blackout or brownout, you need a low-voltage battery (48V) and a hybrid inverter to have power during a blackout.
Solar Energy Myth #3
You can’t go off-grid with solar.
Think going off-grid is impossible? Many people already live independently from the power grid thanks to solar panels, batteries, and backup generators. While off-grid setups require careful planning and can cost more upfront, they are entirely feasible and are increasingly common in rural and remote areas (National Renewable Energy Laboratory [NREL], 2022).
The Facts?
Off-grid solar is 100% possible with the right equipment and planning.
Solar Energy Myth #4
Solar doesn’t work in cold climates.
Cold weather doesn’t stop solar panels. Actually, believe it or not, it helps them work more efficiently.
Solar panels produce electricity based on sunlight, not temperature. The only challenge is snow cover, which can block light until it melts or slides off (U.S. Department of Energy, 2023).
The Facts?
Cold temperatures improve solar panel performance; snow may temporarily reduce output.
Solar Energy Myth #5
Way too expensive and takes 20+ years to pay off.
Solar energy systems used to be quite expensive, but prices have dropped over 70% in the last decade.
With federal tax credits and manufacturer rebates, the savings on your electric bill help reduce the payback period. Today, most residential systems pay for themselves within 6 to 10 years. For businesses, it can be even faster thanks to tax depreciation and commercial incentives (Solar Energy Industries Association [SEIA], 2024).
The Facts?
Solar is more affordable than ever and typically pays off in under 10 years.
References
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems. (2023). Photovoltaics report. https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/
National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2022). Off-grid solar guidebook. https://www.nrel.gov/
Solar Energy Industries Association. (2024). Solar market insight report Q1 2024. https://www.seia.org/
U.S. Department of Energy. (2023). Solar energy basics. https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-basics