Because you shouldn’t always believe everything you read on the internet, we’ve pulled together 12 common solar energy myths we often hear to bust them and provide you with the facts.
My roof isn’t south facing, I can’t have solar
Wrong – yes, you can! One of the most common myths about solar is that you must have a south facing roof for it to work. This isn’t the case! Solar works from light radiance, not direct sunlight and so installed on a south, east or west facing roof the array will still generate power. Although probably a low yield, it would still provide some generation even on a north facing roof.
We only get a few days of sun in the UK, solar isn’t worth it.
Incorrect. Similarly to the south facing myth, because direct sunshine isn’t required, even on a dull day solar will provide some generation. As you can see from the graph below, solar generation is lower in the winter but it will still produce power.
Solar costs a fortune
Whilst the initial outlay for solar panels can be deemed pricy for some, the cost of generating your own power will outweigh the cost of purchase from the grid in the long run. The average payback for a solar array is approximately 5-8years depending on the size of array and energy usage.
A study conducted by the Office for Budget Responsibility last year estimated that levelized cost of solar generated electricity (LCOE) could be the cheapest form of power generation. Estimates for energy costs of projects to be commissioned in 2025 show the wind and solar have a LCOE unit cost of between 4 & 5 pence per kWhr with the equivalent combined gas turbine electricity costing 14.4 pence per kWhr (GOV.UK). This does need to be put into context in terms of load balancing on the network, however it is safe to say that renewable technologies including solar are significantly cheaper than other traditional methods of electricity production.
I rent my building so can’t have solar panels
That’s not always the case. If you have a long-term lease, you may be able to obtain written consent from your landlord to install solar. This may come with a clause for removal at the end of their life or replacement however this would enable you to benefit from solar without ownership of the building. Alternatively, you could encourage your landlord to install solar on the building and arrange a power purchase agreement so that you can both benefit from the installation.
Solar panels don’t look good!
This is a difficult one as its down to perception. If an array is installed well, it can often look attractive on a roof. Options such as in-roof are also designed to allow the array to effectively become part of the roof and so look more aesthetically pleasing.
Solar panels will damage my roof
When designing a solar installation, the most suitable mounting equipment is selected for your roof type. During the installation process, great care is taken to ensure that there is no damage to the roof and any roofing materials that are removed are re-instated or sealed.
Where solar is mounted above standard roofing materials, they can in fact shield the roof somewhat from the elements. All of our installations come with a 5 year workmanship warranty to give you peace of mind that should you have any issues, we’re on hand to help.
Installing solar means you won’t have an electricity bill
Unfortunately not. Whilst installation of solar will reduce your energy bills, you will still have an electricity bill for the power you consume when the solar isn’t generating. Ways to further reduce your bills include:
- Add a suitably sized battery to allow for more of the power generated to be utilised on site.
- Agree a smart export guarantee with your energy supplier to enable you to generate a revenue from power export back to the gird.
- Go off-grid! Maybe an extreme option but the only way to eliminate your bill completely would be to install a system large enough to cover your demands in all eventualities.
Solar Panels don’t work
But they do! When correctly designed and installed, solar panels work! Like with any technology, there is always some negative press and claims that they don’t work. This simply isn’t true. Solar is a proven technology which has been around for over 60 years.
If there’s a power cut, a solar array will still provide power to your building
Solar panels alone won’t enable you to have off-grid power in the event of a power cut. However, in the UK, certain battery storage manufacturers have the ability to effectively create a mini-grid in the event of a power outage, thus allowing you to be off-grid and utilise power generated on site.
Solar Panels don’t save carbon
Yes, they do! Solar panels offer a potentially huge saving of carbon emissions over their lifetime. Research has shown that the average carbon payback period for solar panels is 1-4 years. This means that over their lifetime, typically 40 years, each panel will generate zero-carbon and zero-pollution electricity for decades after any carbon emitted in its production has been paid back.
Solar technology is changing so fast, it’s not worth installing yet
False. It’s true that solar technology is changing relatively quickly, however it’s only to be expected with the massive expansion and distribution of a successful new tech.
Solar power has already evolved to a point where it is effectively the cheapest and easiest to run technology. It would be remiss to disregard a tech that is already so efficient.
Solar Panels don’t last
They really do! Solar is one of the most reliable generation technologies. To combat any stigma relating to performance and reliability most manufacturers offer outstanding performance warranties of 25-35yrs. Lets face it, you could only do this if your technology was wholly reliable.
With an astonishing increase in solar installation over the past 10 years, solar speaks for itself. Armed with these facts there has never been a better time to invest in solar, so go on, give us a call and see how solar can work for you!
Speak to our experts today on 01253 608470 or click here.
