What is Solar Energy? Mythbusting & Misconceptions

The topic of solar energy has been buzzing around for a while now—whether it's solar panels, their prices, or the benefits of switching to solar power, chances are you've heard something about it. If you're reading this, you might already have some curiosity about solar energy. But did you know that some of the things you believe about solar power might actually be misconceptions? It's easy to get caught up in popular beliefs without realizing they aren't entirely accurate.

With energy costs skyrocketing and governments pushing toward Net Zero targets, solar energy has become increasingly relevant. At Project Solar, we understand that there are persistent myths about solar energy that can deter people from making a smart investment in solar panels for their homes. To better understand what drives people's decisions, we regularly conduct surveys.

Back in 2021, we ran a survey to uncover common misconceptions about solar energy. This year, we repeated the survey to see how responses have changed after a tumultuous few years in the energy sector. By dispelling these myths, we aim to help you make a more informed decision about whether solar energy is the right choice for your home.

Unveiling Persistent Solar Energy Myths

Our 2021 solar myths survey involved asking 1,000 UK participants to evaluate six statements as either true, false, or unsure. Here are the statements we presented:

1. Solar panels don't generate energy at night.
2. You can't harness solar energy on overcast days.
3. Storing solar energy is only possible in desert regions.
4. Solar energy production is limited to the summer months.
5. Solar energy storage requires temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius.
6. Solar energy is more costly than fossil fuels.

Let’s break down some of the findings from the 2021 survey to provide some context.

Around 14% of participants believed that solar panels only work in bright, sunny conditions. An additional 11.10% thought that solar energy storage is only feasible in temperatures above 20 degrees, while 7.5% mistakenly thought that this was exclusive to desert climates! Finally, 13.8% incorrectly believed that solar energy is more expensive than fossil fuels.

Why We Conducted the New Survey

Since the previous survey, everyone has felt the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis, with energy bills reaching unprecedented levels. Domestic solar systems have emerged as an excellent alternative for those seeking greater independence from the National Grid and represent a strong financial investment. Between 2021 and 2023, domestic solar panel installations have doubled, and they are now in higher demand than they have been since 2015, likely due to rising energy costs.

But does higher demand equate to greater awareness of the facts? Or are solar myths preventing more homeowners from taking the leap? To find out, we conducted the same survey again with the same number of participants, ensuring equal representation across genders and locations in the UK. The structure remained the same, with true-or-false statements, and the results were quite revealing.

Key Findings from Our Latest Survey

Once the data was analyzed, some surprising discoveries emerged, showcasing how beliefs about solar panels continue to evolve—or sometimes stubbornly persist.

Let’s dive deeper into the details.

• Solar panels don’t produce energy at night

A third of respondents believed that solar panels continue to produce electricity overnight. While solar batteries can effectively store energy for nighttime use, sunlight is essential for generating solar power in the first place. This belief remains surprisingly resilient, showing little change from the 2021 survey results.

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

On the subject of cloudy weather, there was a concerning shift in public perception since 2021. In 2021, 13.17% of respondents aged 25-34 thought that solar panels couldn’t function on overcast days; that percentage has jumped by nearly 8%, now standing at almost 21%. It’s unclear why this misconception has gained traction, but the reality is that solar panels still work on cloudy days, though at a reduced efficiency.

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

Fortunately, a two-thirds majority 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 by 3% compared to 2021! This is simply incorrect. Solar power can be stored anywhere using solar batteries. In fact, domestic solar storage is one of the key advantages of solar energy for home use. Solar electricity is generated during the day and stored in batteries for later use when the sun isn’t shining or the weather is bad.

• Solar energy can only be produced in the summer months

Solar energy can be produced year-round, regardless of where you live. Yet, nearly 30% of respondents in the 16-24 age group believed that solar energy is only viable in the summer! Even more troubling is that 10% fewer respondents aged 45-54 now recognize that solar panels can generate energy throughout the year compared to 2021.

These examples show that certain misconceptions come and go, but they remain ingrained in consumer thinking.

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

Nearly 40% of respondents correctly identified this as false. Younger participants were more confident in their answers, whereas older generations expressed uncertainty—over half of all participants admitted they were unsure!

• Solar energy is more expensive than fossil fuels

While 43.3% of those surveyed believed that solar energy is cheaper than fossil fuels, nearly the same amount of people were unsure—a similar result to the 2021 survey. This misconception can be particularly discouraging for those considering solar energy for their homes. The truth is that investing in solar power can significantly reduce energy bills. That’s because solar energy doesn’t rely on the National Grid. Solar is renewable, meaning it’s an infinite resource, and as long as the sun shines (even through clouds), there will always be free solar energy available.

In contrast, energy from the National Grid depends on finite fossil fuels, and prices are controlled by energy companies influenced by global politics. By tapping into free renewable energy like solar, homeowners can partly insulate themselves from market fluctuations. And in many cases, they can even sell excess energy back to the grid!

Busting the Myths

This survey underscores the major myths surrounding solar panels and offers a revealing look into how widespread misinformation is in discussions about solar energy. It’s striking to consider how these false beliefs might influence important decisions that could improve lives.

How many of these respondents might be missing out on savings on their energy bills simply because of unfounded assumptions? What influences these beliefs? Misinformation spread online, often unchecked, plays a big role in keeping these myths alive. Taking the time to educate yourself with credible sources can help you stay updated on the latest developments and avoid being misled.

That’s why at Project Solar, we stay informed through regular surveys and blogs to address issues that matter to you and your decision-making. Stay tuned for more insights on solar energy trends and innovations.