Thinking about going solar but confused by all the conflicting advice online? You’re not alone. The internet is flooded with outdated, misleading, or downright false claims about solar energy. At Apex Doma, we hear the same myths time and time again, so we’re here to set the record straight.
Here are the top 10 solar panel myths… completely debunked.
☀️ 1. Solar Panels Only Work When It’s Sunny
False!
Solar panels generate electricity from light, not heat. While they perform best in bright sunshine, they still produce energy on overcast days… just at a lower rate. The only time you won’t generate is if your panels are physically covered (e.g. with snow).
Your installer can model your expected generation using your postcode, orientation, and roof pitch even in winter. A home in Dorset will generate more than one in Scotland, but both can make solar worthwhile.
💸 2. You’ll Never Get a Return on Investment
Wrong again. Solar panels and battery storage have become far more affordable over the past decade. A well-designed system now offers an ROI of 6 to 8 years for most UK homeowners.
And with panels lasting 25–30 years, that means decades of low-cost electricity. Spend wisely, not too little (you won’t generate enough), but not too much (you’ll wait too long for payback). It’s about hitting that Goldilocks zone.
🏡 3. You Need Planning Permission for Solar Panels
Usually, you don’t. Most installations in the UK fall under permitted development, meaning you can fit panels without needing prior planning approval. You still need to notify building control after installation.
Exceptions apply if:
- You live in a conservation area
- Panels face a main road
- You want to install on a flat roof (rules have now relaxed here too)
Always check with your installer.
🔋 4. Solar Is a Waste if You’re Not Home During the Day
That used to be true… but not anymore.
Modern systems can store your energy for later use in:
- A home battery
- Your hot water tank via a diverter (like the Eddi)
- Your electric vehicle
- Or even export it to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Some tariffs pay as much as 16.5p per kWh exported.
⚖️ 5. More Solar Panels = Faster Payback
Not always. There’s an ideal system size for each home.
Install too few panels? You won’t generate enough.
Install too many? You’ll spend more than you can recover.
The best ROI comes from a balanced setup. You need the right number of panels, battery sized for your needs, and kit that can scale with your future (like heat pumps or EVs). It’s about designing smart, not just adding more.
🧾 6. Solar Isn’t Worth It Without a Government Grant
This used to be the case when solar was expensive. Now? Not true.
Even without subsidies, solar and battery storage can pay for themselves in 6–8 years, depending on your location, usage habits, and system design. Energy prices have risen and solar kit prices have dropped. That’s the sweet spot.
Some government schemes (like ECO4) do exist for low-income households but these are the exception, not the rule.
🆓 7. You Can Get Free Solar Panels
You’ve probably seen dodgy ads: “Free solar panels in Cheshire!”… it’s clickbait.
The truth? Unless you qualify for niche schemes like ECO4, there are no free solar panels. Most households must invest in their system. But with long-term savings and rising energy costs, that investment can be well worth it.
🧰 8. Solar Panels Are Complicated and High-Maintenance
The installation is technical, but your installer handles all of that.
For homeowners, solar is largely fit and forget. Top-tier systems are built to last, with minimal servicing needs. A general health check every 5 years is often enough. Choose quality components and a reputable installer and you’re sorted.
🏚️ 9. Solar Panels Will Make Your Roof Leak
Only if they’re poorly installed. A qualified MCS-accredited installer will use certified fixings and mounting systems designed for your roof type.
Installed correctly, your system should last as long as your roof (25–30 years) with no leaks and minimal disruption.
🏘️ 10. Solar Panels Make It Harder to Sell Your Home
Absolutely not. In fact, solar can boost your property’s value.
With energy bills rising and EPC regulations tightening, a solar-equipped home is more attractive to buyers. Our own experience? One of our team sold their home with solar and battery storage, not only did it sell easily, it added £8,000+ to the valuation.
Just make sure you have:
- Your MCS certificate
- Building control notification
- And your handover documentation
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot of misinformation out there, but the truth is, solar works. It saves money. It cuts carbon. And when properly designed, it’s one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your home.
If you want honest advice, straight answers, and a tailored system that actually pays you back we’re here to help.
