What is Solar Energy? Mythbusting & Misconceptions

Solar energy, solar panels, solar prices—how much do you really understand about them? If you're reading this post, chances are you're curious about solar power and might already know quite a bit. But, there's a good chance you've also picked up some incorrect ideas about solar energy without realizing it.

With energy costs rising and governments aiming for Net Zero targets, solar energy solutions are becoming increasingly popular and sought-after. However, here at Project Solar, we’re well aware that some stubborn myths about solar energy continue to linger. These myths can actually act as barriers for many people who might otherwise consider installing solar panels at home—a move that could significantly benefit both their wallets and the environment.

To better understand what influences people’s decisions regarding solar energy, we regularly conduct surveys. Back in 2021, we ran one such survey to uncover common misconceptions about solar power. This year, we decided to repeat the exercise to see how perceptions have shifted following recent changes in the energy market.

By busting these myths, we aim to help you make a more informed choice about whether solar energy is the right fit for your home.

Common Solar Energy Myths That Persist

In our 2021 solar myths survey, we presented 1,000 UK participants with six statements and asked them to determine whether each was true, false, or if they were unsure, allowing them to select 'not sure' as an option.

The statements included:

1. Solar panels don’t generate electricity at night.
2. Solar panels can't produce energy on overcast days.
3. You can only store solar energy in desert-like conditions.
4. Solar energy can only be produced during summer months.
5. Solar energy storage requires temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius.
6. Solar energy is more expensive than fossil fuels.

For context, here are some key findings from the 2021 survey:

Around 14% of participants thought solar panels only worked in bright sunlight. Another 11.10% believed solar energy storage was only possible in warm climates, while 7.5% thought deserts were the only places where it could happen! And finally, 13.8% thought solar energy was pricier than fossil fuels.

Why We Conducted the New Survey

Since our last survey, we’ve all been feeling the squeeze of the cost-of-living crisis, leading to skyrocketing energy bills. Domestic solar systems have emerged as an excellent alternative for those looking to reduce dependence on the National Grid, and they can also represent a smart financial investment.

Between 2021 and 2023, domestic solar panel installations doubled, marking the highest demand since 2015, likely due to rising energy prices. But does this growing interest mean people are better informed, or are lingering myths still preventing others from going solar?

To answer this question, we repeated the 2021 survey with the same number of participants, evenly split between men and women across the UK. The format remained the same—true-or-false statements—and the results were quite revealing.

Results of Our Latest Survey

Once the data was analyzed, we uncovered some surprising insights that highlight how beliefs about solar panels continue to evolve.

Let’s dive deeper.

• Solar panels don’t produce energy at night

One-third of respondents mistakenly believed solar panels kept generating electricity overnight. While solar batteries can store daytime energy for nighttime use, sunlight is essential for generating solar power initially.

This misconception showed similar results to the 2021 survey, emphasizing just how resilient these myths can be.

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

When it came to producing solar power on cloudy days, there was a noticeable shift in opinions compared to 2021—but unfortunately, it was in the wrong direction. In 2021, 13.17% of respondents aged 25-34 thought solar panels couldn’t function on overcast days; now, that percentage has risen by 7.8%, reaching nearly 21%! It’s unclear why this myth has gained traction, but the truth is that solar panels still work on cloudy days, albeit at reduced efficiency.

• You can only store solar energy in the desert

Fortunately, two-thirds of participants correctly identified this statement as false. However, there was a slight uptick in those who believed it to be true—3% more than in 2021!

This claim is entirely unfounded—solar power can be stored anywhere with the help of solar batteries. In fact, domestic solar storage is one of the reasons solar energy works so well for residential use. Electricity 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 generated year-round, regardless of where you live. However, we discovered that nearly 30% of respondents aged 16-24 believed solar energy could only be produced 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 ebb and flow in popularity but remain ingrained 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, whereas older generations expressed uncertainty—over half of all participants admitted they weren’t sure at all!

• Solar energy is more expensive than fossil fuels

While 43.3% of those surveyed believed solar energy is cheaper than fossil fuels, nearly the same number weren’t sure—a result similar to the 2021 survey.

This misconception is perhaps the most discouraging factor keeping people from considering solar energy for their homes. The reality is that investing in solar can significantly reduce energy bills for many homeowners.

That’s because solar power doesn’t rely on energy from the National Grid. Solar is renewable, meaning it’s an endless source of energy, and as long as the sun shines—even through clouds—there’s always free solar energy available.

In contrast, energy from the National Grid comes from finite fossil fuels, and market prices are influenced by global politics. By harnessing free renewable energy like solar, homeowners can partly insulate themselves from fluctuating energy costs. In many cases, they can even sell excess energy back to the grid!

Busting the Myths

This survey highlights the most common myths surrounding solar panels and provides insight into how widespread misinformation remains in discussions about solar energy.

It’s astonishing to think about how impactful these false beliefs could be when it comes to making decisions that could improve lives. Who knows how many respondents could be saving money on their energy bills but choose not to go solar based on incorrect assumptions?

What drives these beliefs? Rumors and unverified information spread online play a big role in perpetuating these myths. Taking responsibility for educating yourself with credible sources can help you stay updated on the latest developments and prevent being misled.

That’s why at Project Solar, we stay ahead of trends through regular surveys and informative blogs about issues affecting you and your choices.