Shining a light on popular solar panel myths

Myth 1: Solar panels decrease property value

This one couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, studies have shown that solar panels can actually increase the value of a commercial property. The reason for this is that solar panels make a business more energy-efficient, which is a desirable feature for many investors.

Myth 2: Solar panels only work in the sun

While it’s true that solar panels do need sunlight to generate electricity, they’ll still produce electricity even on cloudy days, just at a reduced rate. Plus, if your solar panels are connected to a battery storage system, you can use the stored electricity that you’ve generated on sunnier days, so you’re far less likely to need to use the grid as a fallback.

Myth 3: Snow is a solar killer

Not true! While snow can reduce the efficiency of solar panels, it’s not a solar killer. Snow will typically melt off solar panels within a few days, but even when they’re covered in snow, they’ll still produce some electricity. If you’re concerned that your solar installation is underperforming because of snow, just brush the snow off!

Myth 4: Only homeowners can go solar

This is a BIG misconception. Businesses and other organisations, such as local councils and authorities, can go solar with ease. In fact, commercial solar panels are a superb way for businesses to save money on their energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint, break away from their reliance on an ageing national grid, and improve their environmental image amongst their customers.

Myth 5: Solar panels will damage your roof

Solar panels can easily be installed at ground level, but if they are installed on a roof, they won’t damage it. They’re typically mounted on brackets that are attached to the rafters to ensure that the panels won’t damage the roof itself. Besides, a full survey of your business’s roof will be undertaken before solar panels are fixed to ensure that it can take the additional weight of the panels, and extra support will be recommended if necessary.

Myth 6: Solar panels are too expensive

The truth is that the cost of commercial solar panels has decreased significantly in recent years, and solar energy is now more affordable than ever before. According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency, the price of PV panels dropped a whopping 82% between 2010 and 2019.

Myth 7: Solar panels are difficult to maintain

Nonsense! Solar panels need very little looking after. In fact, the only real maintenance that’s required is to occasionally clean the panels with warm, soapy water.

Myth 8: Solar panels are not reliable

Here’s the truth: Solar panels are an extremely reliable source of (clean) energy. The solar panels that we provide guarantee energy security for 25 years and offer returns of up to – and often in excess of – 20%. Does that sound like an unreliable power solution to you?

Myth 9: Solar panels are not good for the environment

This might be the most egregious myth of them all. Even if you take into account the energy it takes to manufacture and install solar panels, they still have a much lower carbon footprint than fossil fuel-based energy sources. Once installed, solar panels don’t produce any greenhouse gases, pollutants, or any other kind of harmful emissions; they also help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and reduce energy poverty by providing affordable energy to communities in need.

Secure your business’ future with a solar panel installation from Low Energy Carbon

Considering going solar? Don’t be discouraged by these silly myths! If you still have concerns about the efficiency of commercial solar panels or have questions about how commercial solar installations can be beneficial to your business, then speak to our experts on 01282 421 489, and we’ll be glad to help out!