What sparked the idea to write this article is a hilarious story that happened to us while speaking to homeowners in Grants Pass in August. We had a lady tell us solar panels are bad for the environment because they make the sun send more heat down to Earth, and that causes tornadoes. It took every ounce of our beings not to laugh in her face, but now we’re going to have a little bit of fun and share some of the wildest myths around solar. Some of them sound like they belong in science fiction!
So, let’s break down 10 of the most entertaining misconceptions about solar energy and see what’s really going on.
1. Myth #1: Solar Panels Will Fry Your Roof
You might’ve heard the idea that installing solar panels could somehow damage or overheat your roof. Some people even worry that panels will act like giant magnifying glasses and scorch their homes!
Reality: Solar panels actually protect your roof by shading it from direct sunlight. So instead of turning your house into a giant ant under a magnifying glass, they help keep things cooler!
2. Myth #2: Solar Panels Don’t Work When It’s Cold
Some folks imagine solar panels shutting down when temperatures drop, assuming it’s the heat from the sun that produces electricity. But that’s not how solar power works.
Reality: Solar panels are powered by sunlight, not heat, and they actually perform well in cold, sunny weather. As long as there’s light, your panels will keep generating electricity—even during Oregon’s chilly months!
3. Myth #3: Solar Panels Will Make Your House Look Like a Spaceship
Concerned that going solar will turn your home into something out of a sci-fi movie? While older panels were bulkier, today’s sleek designs blend right in with your roof.
Reality: Modern solar panels are slim and unobtrusive. They won’t have your neighbors mistaking your house for the set of Star Wars—unless you want them to!
4. Myth #4: Solar Panels Drain Power at Night
Some people think that solar panels might actually suck power from the grid at night, like energy vampires. Thankfully, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Reality: Solar panels only produce power from the sun and don’t use any electricity themselves. At night, your simply stop generating electricity—no power draining going on!
5. Myth #5: Solar Panels Are a Fad, Like Disco
Remember when people thought disco was the future of music? Some people think the same way about solar, that it’s just a trend. But solar energy has been around for decades, and it’s only getting stronger.
Reality: Solar isn’t a fleeting trend—it’s the future of clean, renewable energy. And unlike disco, solar power is here to stay, bringing lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint with it.
6. Myth #6: Solar Panels Attract Lightning
Some homeowners worry that installing solar panels will turn their house into a lightning rod. After all, aren’t they big metal objects up on your roof?
Reality: Solar panels don’t increase your risk of a lightning strike any more than a typical roof would. If lightning does strike, the panels are designed to handle electrical surges, keeping your home safe. No Zeus-style strikes in sight!
7. Myth #7: You Have to Cover Your Entire Roof with Solar Panels
Some people think you need to cover every inch of your roof with solar panels to generate enough energy to power your home.
Reality: A typical home doesn’t need a roof covered in panels. In fact, most solar systems are sized based on your energy usage and can be customized to fit just a portion of your roof. You can generate plenty of power without turning your roof into a solar farm!
8. Myth #8: You Need to Live in the Desert to Benefit from Solar
This myth assumes solar panels only work in sun-soaked areas like Arizona or California. So if you live in a cloudy or rainy place, solar must be a waste, right?
Reality: Solar panels don’t need blazing desert heat to work—just sunlight. Even in Oregon’s cloudier seasons, panels can generate plenty of electricity, and the Pacific Northwest is becoming a hotspot for solar installations!
9. Myth #9: Solar Panels Will Make Your Home Impossible to Sell
Some think adding solar panels to their home will make it harder to sell, believing potential buyers might be turned off by the setup or maintenance.
Reality: Studies show that homes with solar panels often sell faster and for a higher price! Solar is considered a home improvement, not a deterrent, because it comes with the bonus of reduced energy bills.
10. Myth #10: Solar Panels Can Power Your Car Directly
It sounds cool, right? Hook up your solar panels to your electric car and drive off into the sun. While solar-powered cars sound like the future, it’s not quite that simple.
Reality: While solar panels can’t directly charge your electric vehicle, they can still save you money on charging costs. Solar energy can offset the electricity you use to charge your car, making it more cost-effective and eco-friendly.
Ready to See if Your Home Could Benefit from Solar?
After busting these myths, you might be wondering how solar could work for your home. The truth is, every home is different, and the best way to find out if solar is right for you is with a personalized consultation.
We offer free solar eligibility consultations to help Southern Oregon homeowners explore the benefits of going solar. Whether you’re curious about saving on your energy bills, reducing your carbon footprint, or gaining more energy independence, we’re here to guide you.
👉 Schedule an appointment today and see how solar can power your future!
