Solar energy myth busting
There’s a lot of myths about solar energy that you might think are fact. Now that solar energy is becoming a lot more accessible for households around the UK, we think it’s time to start busting some of these myths.
MYTH: The British weather doesn’t give us enough sun for solar panels
FACT: British weather is suitable for solar energy
We hear this myth more than any other and we get it – the UK has its fair share of gloomy days. But solar panels get their power from any kind of daylight, not just bright sunny days. In fact, clouds help to diffuse sunlight, spreading it around and making it easier for solar panels to absorb. The UK also has the advantage of our temperate weather. If panels get too warm (generally over 40°C), this builds up resistance inside the solar crystals which lowers efficiency. A temperature between 15°C to 30°C is best, and that’s what we get in northern Europe.
MYTH: Solar panels have to face south
FACT: Solar panels can face south, east or west
In the northern hemisphere, south-facing solar panels do get the strongest rays of sunlight, but that doesn’t mean they only work on south-facing roofs. Panels will always produce electricity as long as there’s daylight, but the further north they face, the less efficient they’ll become. If your solar panels are facing southeast or southwest, they’ll still be functioning at almost full efficiency.
MYTH: You can’t have solar if you don’t own your own roof
FACT: You can have solar panels if you get permission from the owner
If you’re a leaseholder on a flat but don’t own the roof of the building, it’s worth checking with the building’s owner to see if solar could be an option for you. Your landlord might be interested in investing in their property with you. Just make sure you’re contracted to live in the property for long enough to see a return on your investment.
MYTH: Solar power is only generated in the summer
FACT: Solar power is generated all year round
If this was true, solar farms, solar lights and solar-powered road signs would be unusable for most of the year. Yes, we get the most sunlight in summer with its longer days, but we get more than enough in autumn to spring too.
MYTH: Solar panels will damage your roof
FACT: Solar panels are designed to fit perfectly onto your roof without causing damage
Solar panels are designed to fit perfectly onto your roof. Solar panel installers are highly trained to maintain the condition of your roof and will always return it to the condition it was in before they arrived. At Wickes Solar powered by Solar Fast, a company representative will also do a visual check pre-installation to make sure your roof is safe for us to work on.
MYTH: Solar installations cause a lot of hassle
FACT: We can install your panels in less than 7 days with minimal disruption to you
Any major renovations to your home will cause some disruption, but us it only takes a few of days to install. When you get your solar energy system from Wickes Solar powered by Solar Fast, our installers can be in and out in less than a week.
MYTH: You need planning permission to install solar panels
FACT: You only need planning permission if your house is a listed building
Unless you live in a listed building, you’re good to go. Even without this restriction, our installers will still make sure your panels are fitted safely and securely, and in line with the look of your neighbourhood.
MYTH: Solar panels are an eyesore
FACT: As the technology develops, there are more design options to match your home
Of course this is subjective, but as the technology develops more designs are becoming available so you can find something that integrates beautifully with your home. The older polycrystalline panels did look like a blue chequerboard, which is where this myth came from, but modern monocrystalline panels have a much sleeker look.
MYTH: Solar panels don’t last very long
FACT: We offer a 30-year warranty on your solar panels
Solar panels are robust and pretty difficult to damage. The only part of a solar panel that can degrade over time is the silicon, and even this is only by 0.5% per year, making very little difference by the end of our 30-year warranty period. Solar panels usually last longer than the warranty, so you’ll have your panels for a long time.
