What is Solar Energy? Mythbusting & Misconceptions

Solar energy, solar panels, and solar prices—how much do you actually understand about them? If you're reading this blog, chances are you already have some interest in solar energy and might even be pretty well-versed in the topic. But here's the catch: you might still be clinging to some misconceptions about solar power without realizing it.

With energy costs skyrocketing and governments pushing towards Net Zero targets, solar energy solutions are becoming increasingly popular and sought-after. However, at Project Solar, we’re well aware that there are plenty of persistent myths floating around about solar energy. These myths can sometimes act as barriers, preventing homeowners from making what would otherwise be a smart investment in solar for their homes.

To better understand what drives people’s decisions regarding solar energy, we regularly conduct surveys. Back in 2021, we ran one to uncover common misconceptions about solar power. This year, we decided to repeat the survey to see how the results compare after a few eventful years in the energy market.

Our goal is to dispel these myths and help you make a more informed choice about whether solar energy is right for your home.

Ongoing Misconceptions About Solar Energy

In our 2021 solar myths survey, we asked 1,000 UK participants to evaluate six statements, choosing between true, false, or unsure options. The statements were:

1. Solar panels don’t produce energy at night.
2. Solar energy cannot be generated on cloudy days.
3. Solar energy can only be stored in desert areas.
4. Solar energy can only be produced during the summer months.
5. Solar energy can only be stored in temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius.
6. Solar energy is more expensive than fossil fuels.

For some background, let’s look at a few key findings from the 2021 survey. It showed that 14% of participants believed solar panels only work under bright sunlight. Additionally, 11.10% thought solar energy could only be stored at temperatures above 20 degrees, and 7.5% believed it could only happen in deserts! Finally, 13.8% thought solar energy was pricier than fossil fuels.

Why We Conducted the New Survey

Since the previous survey, we’ve all felt the financial strain brought on by the cost-of-living crisis, with energy bills reaching record highs. Domestic solar systems have become a fantastic alternative for those looking to reduce reliance on the National Grid and make a solid financial investment. From 2021 to 2023, installations of domestic solar panels have doubled, and demand is now at its highest since 2015—likely driven by rising energy costs.

But does higher demand mean better awareness? Or are solar myths still holding people back from taking the plunge? To find out, we repeated the 2021 survey, keeping the same number of participants and demographics spread across the UK. The format remained the same—true-or-false statements—and we uncovered some intriguing results.

Results of Our Survey

Once the data was analyzed, we made some surprising discoveries that highlight the ever-changing nature of solar panel perceptions. Let’s dive deeper.

• Solar panels don’t produce energy at night

One-third of respondents thought solar panels kept generating electricity overnight. While solar batteries can store energy for nighttime use, sunlight is essential for generating solar power in the first place. Interestingly, answers to this statement mirrored the 2021 survey results, showing just how persistent solar misconceptions can be.

• You can’t get solar energy if it’s overcast

When asked about solar power production on cloudy or bad weather days, there was a noticeable shift in opinions since 2021—but unfortunately, it was for the worse. In 2021, 13.17% of respondents aged 25-34 believed solar panels couldn’t function on overcast days. That percentage has risen by 7.8%, reaching nearly 21%! It’s unclear why this misconception has grown in popularity, but the truth remains that solar panels do still work on cloudy days, though at reduced efficiency.

• You can only store solar energy if you live in the desert

Fortunately, a two-thirds majority correctly identified this statement as false. However, there was a slight uptick—3% more people thought it was true compared to 2021. This statement is simply incorrect—solar power can be stored anywhere with the help of solar batteries. Domestic solar storage is actually one of the reasons solar energy is so efficient for home use. Energy is generated during the day and stored in batteries for use at night or during bad weather.

• Solar energy can only be produced in the summer months

Solar energy can be produced year-round, regardless of where you live. However, we found that nearly 30% of respondents in the 16-24 age group believed solar energy could only be generated in the summer! Even more concerning is that since 2021, 10% fewer respondents aged 45-54 understood that solar panels work all year round!

As you can see, some false beliefs come and go, but they still linger in people’s minds.

• Solar energy can only be stored if it’s above 20 degrees

Almost 40% of respondents correctly identified this statement as false. Younger participants seemed more confident in their answers, while older generations were less certain—over half of all participants admitted they were unsure!

• Solar energy is more expensive than fossil fuels

While 43.3% of those surveyed believed solar energy was cheaper than fossil fuels, nearly the same amount were unsure—a similar outcome to the 2021 survey. This is perhaps the biggest misconception keeping people from exploring solar energy for their homes. The truth is, investing in solar can significantly cut energy bills for many homeowners.

That’s because solar power doesn’t depend on energy from the National Grid. Solar is renewable, meaning it’s an endless source of energy. So long as the sun keeps shining (even through clouds), there will always be free solar energy available. In contrast, energy from the National Grid relies on finite fossil fuels, with prices influenced by global politics and market forces.

By tapping into free renewable energy like solar, homeowners can reduce their dependence on market prices. In many cases, they can even sell excess energy back to the grid!

Dispelling Myths

This survey sheds light on the myths surrounding solar panels and offers a glimpse into how widespread misinformation is in discussions about solar energy. It’s incredible to think about how these false beliefs might impact important life decisions.

How many of these respondents could be saving money on their energy bills but decide against solar due to false assumptions? What influences these beliefs? Rumors and unverified online information play a big role in perpetuating these myths.

Taking responsibility for educating yourself with reliable sources can help you stay updated on the latest developments and avoid being misled. That’s why at Project Solar, we stay informed with regular surveys and blogs to address the issues affecting you and your decision-making.