Solar panels are one of the most popular ways to reduce your energy bills, lower your carbon footprint and gain energy independence. Despite their growing popularity, at SolarTherm UK we still hear several myths about solar, especially in the South East, where homeowners are increasingly considering solar for their property.
At SolarTherm UK, we aim to clear up misconceptions and give homeowners across Essex, Kent, London and the wider South East the real facts about solar energy.
Myth 1: Solar Panels Are Too Expensive
Reality: Solar panels are more affordable that ever
In the past it was true that a solar panel installation was expensive. An 8 panel system could set you back over £20,000 or more, just 10 years ago. Improvements in solar technology today means that the cost of solar has decreased by over 80% in some cases, meaning you could be paying as little as £5,500 for a basic solar PV system.
Payback periods have considerably dropped too, with most solar PV systems paying for themselves within 10 years of installation. With the drop in installation costs and the rise in energy bills, at SolarTherm UK, we foresee the payback period dropping further, with solar PV systems overwhelmingly more efficient than the systems installed even 15 years ago.
Myth 2: Solar Panels Only Work in Direct Sunlight
Reality: Solar panels work well in all weather conditions
While the UK may not receive the best weather conditions year long, the South East receives over 1500 hours of sunlight a year. While solar panels require sunlight to generate electricity, they don’t require the heat, so even on cloudy, rainy or snowy days, your solar panels can still generate a significant amount of electricity. On light cloud days your solar panels are still operating up 80% output and on heavy cloud days they can still generate up to 50% of full output.
Myth 3: Solar Panels Are Hard to Maintain
Reality: Solar panels are exceptionally low maintenance
Modern solar panels have no moving parts so they are exceptionally easy to care for, cleaning and monitoring of your panels is usually enough to keep them in top working order. By monitoring your solar panels you will notice drops in generation early and spot any issues when they first arise. Usually a quick clean of your solar panels is enough to get them working to full capacity again.
Myth 4: Solar Panels Reduce Property Value
Reality: Solar panels can increase property value
In the past, solar panels were not as popular as they are now and could possibly devalue your home. The benefits of modern solar panels are better known with energy bills decreasing by up to 70% with a solar PV installation, making them popular with potential buyers, resulting in home values increasing by up to 14% in some cases. Buyers are now attracted to properties with energy efficient technology and sustainable energy sources.
Myth 5: Solar Panels are Bad for the Environment
Reality: Solar panels significantly reduce your carbon footprint
Solar panels generate clean green energy without any greenhouse gas emissions. For an average home in the South East, you can reduce your carbon footprint by around one tonne of CO₂ per year.
While production and disposal have a small environmental impact, solar panels become carbon neutral within three years of use, after which it is pure environmental benefit.
Myth 6: Solar Panels Take Up Valuable Land
Reality: Solar panels use less than 0.1% of UK land
Concerns about farmland loss are exaggerated. Solar projects cover just a small fraction of UK land, and developments in agrivoltaic systems allow crops to grow beneath panels or animals to graze, benefit farmers and support local food production. Solar coexists with agriculture, providing both energy and additional income for rural properties.
Myth 7: Solar Panels Are Unattractive
Reality: Modern solar panels are sleek and discreet
Bulky, blue panels are a thing of the past, modern solar panels are much thinner and all black. At SolarTherm UK we offer a number of solar solutions that make solar panels more discreet, including integrated systems and coloured panels. While there are some drawbacks to these from traditional panels, the benefits still outweigh the drawbacks, making a modern, sleek solar system beneficial for more homeowners.
Myth 8: Solar Panels Don’t Last Long
Reality: Solar panels are built to last
Modern solar panels are durable, efficient and long lasting with panels lasting a minimum of 25 years, with most continuing to generate electricity efficiently for up to 40 years. Most solar panels come with a 25 year warranty, but at SolarTherm UK we install Bovill.tech all black panels which come with an industry leading 99 year warranty, giving you peace of mind that your solar investment will last for decades.
Ready to Start Your Solar Journey?
Solar panels are now more affordable, reliable and attractive than ever. They offer homeowners across Essex, Kent, London and the surrounding South East long term energy savings, environmental benefits and even increased property value – and the benefits don’t stop there.
If you’re ready to explore a solar solution for your home, SolarTherm UK can help. Contact us today for a free no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
