What is Solar Energy? Mythbusting & Misconceptions

If you're reading this, chances are you've already shown some interest in solar energy—or maybe you're just curious about the growing trend of solar panels and their associated costs. While you might feel knowledgeable, it's not uncommon for people to hold onto misconceptions about solar power without realizing it.

With energy bills skyrocketing and governments pushing toward Net Zero targets, solar energy has become increasingly popular. At Project Solar, we understand that there are persistent myths about solar energy that can deter homeowners from making what could be a great investment for their homes. To better understand what influences people's perceptions, we regularly conduct surveys.

Last year, we surveyed 1,000 UK participants to uncover common misconceptions about solar energy. This year, we repeated the survey to see how responses have shifted after recent energy market changes.

By addressing these myths, we aim to help you make a well-informed decision about whether solar energy is right for your home.

Common Misconceptions About Solar Energy

In our 2021 survey, we presented six statements to participants and asked them to determine if each was true, false, or if they were unsure. Here’s what we found:

1. Solar panels don't generate energy at night.
2. Solar energy cannot be produced on overcast days.
3. You can only store solar energy in desert climates.
4. Solar energy is only produced in the summer months.
5. Solar energy can only be stored at temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius.
6. Solar energy is more expensive than fossil fuels.

Looking at the overall results from 2021, 14% of participants thought solar panels only worked in bright sunlight. Another 11% believed solar energy couldn't be stored unless it was over 20 degrees Celsius, while 7.5% thought storing solar energy was only possible in deserts!

Additionally, 13.8% of respondents believed solar energy was more costly than fossil fuels.

Why We Conducted the New Survey

Since the last survey, we've all been feeling the squeeze of the cost-of-living crisis, with energy bills reaching unprecedented levels. Domestic solar systems have emerged as a fantastic way for households to reduce dependence on the National Grid and provide significant savings. In fact, between 2021 and 2023, domestic solar panel installations doubled, marking their highest demand since 2015—likely driven by rising energy costs.

But does this increased demand mean people are more aware of the facts, or are outdated myths still holding homeowners back from making the switch?

To answer this question, we conducted another survey, using the same format as before, with true-or-false statements. And guess what? Some of the results were quite surprising!

Survey Results

After analyzing the data, we uncovered some eye-opening insights into how beliefs about solar panels continue to evolve.

• Solar Panels Don’t Produce Energy at Night

One-third of respondents mistakenly believed that solar panels keep producing electricity at night. While solar batteries can store energy for nighttime use, the sun is essential for generating solar power in the first place.

Interestingly, answers to this statement mirrored the 2021 survey, showing how deeply ingrained these myths can be.

• You Can’t Get Solar Energy on Overcast Days

When it came to understanding whether solar panels could still work on cloudy days, there was a noticeable shift in opinion since 2021—but unfortunately, it was negative. In 2021, 13.17% of respondents aged 25-34 thought solar panels couldn’t function on overcast days. That percentage has risen by 7.8%, reaching nearly 21% today.

It’s unclear why this misconception has spread, but the truth remains: solar panels do still generate energy on cloudy days, though at a reduced efficiency.

• You Can Only Store Solar Energy in Deserts

Fortunately, two-thirds of participants correctly identified this statement as false. However, there was a slight uptick in the number of people believing it to be true—up 3% from 2021!

This is simply incorrect. Solar energy can be stored anywhere with the help of solar batteries. Domestic solar storage systems allow energy generated during the day to be used at night or during bad weather.

• Solar Energy Can Only Be Produced in Summer

Solar energy can be produced year-round, regardless of climate. Yet, we discovered that nearly 30% of respondents aged 16-24 believed solar energy was limited to the summer months. Even more concerning, 10% fewer respondents aged 45-54 now realize that solar panels can produce energy all year round compared to 2021.

These findings show that while some myths fade, others remain stubbornly persistent in people’s minds.

• Solar Energy Can Only Be Stored Above 20 Degrees

Almost 40% of respondents correctly identified this statement as false. Younger participants seemed more confident in their answers, whereas older generations expressed uncertainty—over half admitted they weren’t sure at all!

• Solar Energy Is More Expensive Than Fossil Fuels

While 43.3% of those surveyed believe solar energy is cheaper than fossil fuels, nearly the same amount were unsure—similar to the 2021 survey results.

This misunderstanding might be the biggest barrier preventing people from adopting solar energy. The reality is that investing in solar can significantly reduce energy bills. Since solar power doesn’t rely on the National Grid, it provides an unlimited source of energy as long as the sun shines—even on cloudy days!

In contrast, fossil fuels are finite resources, and energy prices are often influenced by global politics. By switching to solar, homeowners can avoid market fluctuations and even sell excess energy back to the grid.

Busting the Myths

Our survey highlights the persistence of solar myths and offers a snapshot of how misinformation continues to circulate around solar energy. It’s remarkable to consider how these false beliefs could impact important decisions about energy use.

Imagine how many people might be missing out on potential savings simply because they believe incorrect information! So, where do these myths come from? Social media and unverified online content play a huge role in perpetuating these misunderstandings.

Taking the time to seek out reliable sources can help you stay informed about the latest developments in solar technology and avoid falling prey to misleading claims.

At Project Solar, we’re committed to keeping you updated with accurate information through regular surveys and insightful blog posts. Stay ahead of the curve by following our blog for the latest news on solar energy!