Find out what solar panels cost in your area
If you're thinking about going solar, it's time to set aside any doubts. You're not alone in questioning the benefits. Misconceptions about solar panels keep many homeowners from making the switch, costing them thousands in potential savings.
The truth? Solar technology has come a long way. It's more efficient, affordable, and accessible than most people realize. Whether you're considering rooftop panels or community solar, understanding what's fact and what's fiction helps you make a smart energy decision that could benefit your wallet and the environment.
Let's bust 10 of the most common solar myths so you can see what solar can really do for your home.
Key takeaways
-
Solar works everywhere: Panels generate electricity from light, not heat, and perform well in cold, cloudy climates like Vermont and Minnesota.
-
Strong financial returns: Average homeowners save $1,500/year on electricity, breaking even in 6-12 years with 25+ year system lifespans.
-
Low maintenance required: Solar panels have a 0.05% failure rate, 25-year warranties, and need only occasional hosing.
-
Multiple access options: Community solar subscriptions and ground-mounted systems make solar accessible to renters and challenging properties.
Myth 1: Solar panels don't work in cloudy, cold, or rainy weather
The reality:
Modern panels work just fine in less-than-perfect weather.
Solar panels generate electricity from light, not heat. That means they still produce power on cloudy days, typically 10 to 25% of their normal output, depending on cloud thickness.
Here's the kicker: solar panels actually don't perform their best in extreme heat. Panel output starts dropping once surface temperatures rise above 77°F (25°C). That's why states like Vermont, Massachusetts, and Minnesota have thriving solar industries despite brutal winters.
Bottom line: Cold weather doesn't hurt performance, and panels are designed to handle rain, snow, and hail. Snow typically slides right off the smooth, angled surfaces. Focus on proper installation angle and minimizing shade, and your panels will produce year-round.
Learn more: Will solar panels work in the winter?
Myth 2: Solar is too expensive and never pays for itself
The reality:
The numbers tell a different story.
Yes, a residential solar system costs $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. But here's what changes the equation:
While the federal tax credit has expired, solar is still worth it in 2026 thanks to state rebates and decreasing equipment costs
Net metering lets you sell excess energy back to the grid
Average savings: $125/month or $1,500/year on electricity bills
Do the math: Over 25 years, that's $37,500 in savings, far more than most systems cost after incentives.
Most homeowners break even in 9–12 years. After that? Free electricity for the next 13–16 years. And as utility rates keep climbing 2–3% annually, your savings grow while your neighbors' bills keep rising.
Myth 3: If you go solar, you'll lose power at night or during outages
The reality:
Grid connections and batteries keep the lights on 24/7.
Most solar systems are grid-tied, meaning you stay connected to your utility. During the day, your panels power your home and send excess to the grid. At night, you draw from the grid. With net metering, it all balances out—the grid essentially acts as your battery.
What about power outages? Standard grid-tied systems shut down during outages for safety (to protect utility workers). But add a battery system, and you've got backup power that can run essential appliances or your whole home during blackouts.
Want to go completely off-grid? It's possible with enough battery storage, though it requires careful planning to meet your needs year-round.
Learn more: Is solar battery storage worth it?
Myth 4: Solar panels require constant maintenance and break easily
The reality:
They're built like tanks and need almost zero upkeep.
Solar panels are engineered to withstand hail, high winds, and heavy snow. Most come with 25-year warranties guaranteeing at least 80-85% output after a quarter century.
The actual maintenance is minimal and easy to manage:
Annual visual inspection
Occasional rinse with a hose (rain usually does the job)
Compare that to your HVAC system (servicing twice a year), your roof (replacement every 20-25 years), or appliances that break down regularly. Solar panels just sit there generating electricity year after year. Solar panels have virtually no moving parts to break, boasting a 0.05% failure rate, making panel-related repairs uncommon.
The inverter might need replacement after 10-15 years, but that's the only component that typically requires attention during the system's lifetime.
Myth 5: Installing solar panels will damage my roof
The reality:
Professional installation protects your roof, and might even extend its life.
Reputable installers use specialized mounting systems with weather-tight flashing that prevents water intrusion. The panels weigh only about 2.3 pounds per square foot, well within your roof's load capacity.
Bonus: Solar panels actually shield the shingles underneath from sun, rain, and hail, reducing thermal cycling and potentially extending your roof's lifespan.
Important timing note: If your roof is nearing the end of its life, replace it first. Solar panels last 25-30 years, so you want your roof to match that timeline and avoid the cost of removing and reinstalling panels during a roof replacement.
Myth 6: Solar panels will lower my home's resale value
The reality:
Solar increases home value significantly.
The data is clear: Homes with solar sold for 6.9% more on average than comparable homes without solar. For a $400,000 home, that's an extra $27,600.
Buyers love energy efficiency and ongoing savings. Solar homes often sell faster and attract multiple offers in competitive markets.
One caveat: Owned systems add the most value. Leased systems or PPAs can complicate sales since buyers must assume the agreement, or you'll need to buy it out. But even then, the actual value doesn't decrease; it just adds a step to the transaction.
Myth 7: Solar means zero electric bills
The reality:
Your bills will plummet, but probably won't hit zero.
Most solar customers achieve net-zero electricity costs, meaning annual production matches consumption. But you'll likely still pay a small monthly bill for:
Connection fees: $10-30/month to stay connected to the grid
Seasonal variation: You produce more in summer, less in winter. Net metering balances this out over the year, but individual months vary
Usage patterns: If you use more than your system produces, you'll buy some power
Despite these small charges, the average solar customer saves $125/month. Your annual electricity costs will drop dramatically; just set realistic expectations that "zero bill" doesn't mean literally $0.00 every month.
Myth 8: Solar panels are bad for the environment because they're made with toxic materials
The reality:
Solar's environmental footprint is tiny compared to fossil fuels.
Yes, manufacturing involves silicon, aluminum, glass, and trace amounts of metals. But here's what matters: lifecycle emissions.
Solar panels offset their manufacturing energy in just 1-4 years
Then they produce clean energy for 25-30+ years
Coal plants emit 2.3 pounds of CO2 per kilowatt-hour. Solar? Virtually zero after that initial manufacturing period.
Recycling is improving too: Facilities can now recover up to 96% of materials from old panels, and the EU already requires solar panel recycling.
Myth 9: You can't go solar if you don't own your home or have a 'perfect' roof
The reality:
Community solar and alternative options make it accessible to almost everyone.
Don't own your home? Try community solar. Subscribe to a shared solar installation and get credits on your electricity bill: no panels on your property, no upfront costs, no maintenance. If you move, just transfer or cancel your subscription easily.
Roof not ideal? You have options:
East/west-facing roofs still produce 85-90% of south-facing efficiency
Ground-mounted systems work great if you have yard space
Microinverters minimize shading issues
Lease or PPA options require little to no money down
Even heavily shaded or oddly shaped roofs can often work with the right configuration. Professional installers use shading analysis to find the best solution for your situation.
Myth 10: If my solar installer goes out of business, my system is useless
The reality:
Warranties and third-party services protect your investment.
Your manufacturer warranties (typically 25 years for panels, 10-15 years for inverters) are completely separate from your installer. These remain valid no matter what happens to the installation company.
In the rare case that you need repairs, plenty of third-party solar companies service systems they didn't install. The equipment itself is standardized, so finding qualified help is rarely difficult.
Protection tips:
Research installer track record and financial stability before signing
Verify manufacturer warranties directly
Look for installers with warranty insurance or professional organization backing
Most systems run flawlessly for years without professional service. Even if your installer disappears, your panels keep generating power; you'll just work with someone else for the rare times you need support.
The bottom line
Solar myths are just that, myths. Modern panels work in any climate, deliver strong ROI, require minimal maintenance, and increase home value. They're environmentally friendly, accessible to renters and homeowners alike, and backed by solid warranties that outlast most installers.
The technology has proven itself across millions of installations. With electricity rates climbing and climate concerns growing, solar represents both a smart financial move and a meaningful environmental choice.
Ready to separate fact from fiction for your own home?
Don't let misconceptions cost you thousands in savings. Get quotes from local solar installers, compare your options, and make a decision based on real numbers, not outdated myths.
FAQs
Andy Sendy is a well-known and trusted figure within the solar industry with more than 15 years of experience. His video reviews of the leading brands of solar panels and home energy storage batteries are a must-watch each year for both homeowners and solar industry professionals alike. In 2021, an article he wrote about a clause in the Tesla solar panel rental contract caused Tesla to change this clause within days. He was the founder of Sola...
Learn more about Andy Sendy