Solar Myths Busted: 6 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Going Solar

Thinking about going solar but feeling unsure? You’re not alone.

There’s a lot of outdated, misleading, or just plain wrong information floating around about solar power.

Today, we’re setting the record straight by busting 6 of the most common solar myths so you can make decisions based on facts, not rumors.

Myth #1: Solar Only Works in Hot, Sunny Places

Truth:

Solar works almost everywhere, including cold and cloudy regions.

Solar panels actually perform more efficiently in cooler temperatures. Even places like Germany (not exactly famous for endless sunshine) are global leaders in solar production.

Myth #2: Solar Doesn’t Work When It’s Cloudy

Truth:

Panels still generate power on cloudy days, just at reduced output.

Depending on cloud cover, you can still get 10–25% of your typical production. Over the course of the year, your system is designed to balance out those variations.

Myth #3: Solar Is Too Expensive

Truth:

Solar has never been more affordable.

• Costs have dropped more than 80% over the last decade.

• Financing options and incentives (like the federal tax credit) can cover up to 30% of the cost.

• Many homeowners see a return on investment in 5–8 years—sometimes less.

Myth #4: You Need a Perfect South-Facing Roof

Truth:

While south-facing roofs are ideal, east and west-facing roofs still work very well.

With modern racking and microinverter technology, you can often install panels on various roof angles or even use ground mounts.

Myth #5: Solar Requires Constant Maintenance

Truth:

Solar systems are extremely low-maintenance.

• No moving parts in the panels

• Occasional cleaning if you live in dusty areas

• Routine inspection of wiring and connections

For most homeowners, maintenance is as simple as checking your monitoring app and hosing off panels a couple times a year.

Myth #6: Going Solar Means You Have to Go Off-Grid

Truth:

Most solar installations are grid-tied.

That means you still have access to utility power when needed, but you can offset or even eliminate your electricity bill.

The Bottom Line

There’s never been a better time to go solar—and the reality is a lot simpler (and more cost-effective) than the myths make it sound.

Have questions or want help designing your system? We’re here to help you cut through the noise and build a setup that works for your home and budget.

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