As solar power rapidly grows worldwide and is poised to become the largest electricity source by 2033, critics continue to spread myths that cloud public understanding. Here’s what the facts say about 16 common solar power misconceptions.
Myth 1: Solar power Is unreliable
Contrary to claims that solar produces power only when the sun shines, solar is actually highly reliable. It follows predictable daily and seasonal cycles, complementing wind energy. Solar panels generate electricity even on cloudy days and are increasingly paired with battery storage for near-continuous supply. Studies show solar failure rates are extremely low, and grids with high solar shares, like Germany’s, remain highly reliable without fossil fuels .
Myth 2: Solar and wind power are expensive
Solar power costs have plummeted by 90% since 2010, making it the cheapest electricity source in many places worldwide even without subsidies. Solar projects now undercut fossil fuel plants on production cost globally. Despite misconceptions, renewables lower overall power system costs, mitigating fossil fuel price volatility .
Myth 3: Solar power increases energy bills
Rises in electricity prices are mostly driven by fossil fuel market disruptions, not solar power. Renewables contribute to lowering long-term electricity costs. Countries with higher solar shares do not show a clear correlation with high consumer prices .
Myth 4: Solar farms pump out more carbon than they save
Solar panels pay back their carbon footprint within months of operation and reduce emissions by about 88-95% compared to fossil fuels over their lifetime. Lifecycle emissions continue to fall with manufacturing improvements and cleaner production energy sources .
Myth 5: Solar power threatens agriculture and food security
Solar farms use a very small land area (e.g., 1% of farmland by 2050 in net-zero scenarios). Many solar projects are sited on less productive or marginal lands, and farmers often lease land to solar developers for additional income. Agrivoltaics combining solar and farming is gaining traction to optimize land use .
Myth 6: Solar panel waste will cause environmental disaster
Although some waste will be generated by end-of-life solar panels, estimates show it will be dwarfed by the waste from fossil-fuel power generation. New panels have longer lifetimes and recycling technologies are improving, managing waste responsibly .
Myth 7: Battery storage poses a huge fire risk
Battery fires, while possible, are rare relative to the growing energy storage capacity. Designs and regulations are becoming safer, with incidents declining per unit of installed capacity. Battery storage enables solar power delivery beyond daylight hours .
Myth 8: Heatwaves make solar panels inefficient
Solar panel efficiency slightly decreases at high temperatures but this effect is minimal and offset by longer daylight hours and clearer skies during heatwaves. Solar operates effectively even in hot desert climates .
Myth 9: Solar farms become permanent brownfield sites
Solar farms typically have temporary planning permissions (around 30 years) and legal requirements mandate site restoration afterwards. Fears that solar sites will be permanently lost to other developments are unfounded .
Additional myths commonly debunked by experts include:
- Solar only works in sunny climates or is ineffective in cold or cloudy weather (False: modern panels capture diffused sunlight and perform well in diverse climates) .
- Solar panels convert heat, not sunlight, into electricity (False: they convert electromagnetic radiation) .
- Solar energy systems require excessive maintenance (False: panels need minimal upkeep) .
- Solar panels damage roofs (False: proper installation protects roofing) .
- High upfront costs make solar unaffordable (False: costs are lower than ever and incentives exist) .
- Solar panels can’t power large appliances or entire homes (False: systems are scalable to needs) .
- Solar panels are mostly made overseas harming local jobs and economy (False: many countries including the US have growing domestic manufacturing) .
- Solar panels don’t work at night or on rainy days (False: panels generate some electricity even in rain/cloud and storage covers night use) .
Solar power is a mature, rapidly expanding clean energy technology that plays a pivotal part in global decarbonization efforts. Misleading myths often stem from outdated data or misunderstandings, but current evidence overwhelmingly supports solar’s reliability, affordability, environmental benefits, and versatility .
This factcheck aims to set the record straight for anyone weighing the true merits of solar power.
