7 Solar Myths That Are Costing Homeowners Money

Solar energy has been around for decades, but misinformation about how it works — and whether it is worth it — is still widespread. These myths keep homeowners from making a decision that could save them tens of thousands of dollars over the next 25 years.

Let us set the record straight on the seven most common solar myths we hear.

The Truth: Solar panels work on cloudy days — just at reduced output. They do not need direct sunlight, they need daylight. On an overcast day, panels typically produce 10–25% of their peak output. That is still meaningful energy production.

As for cold weather: solar panels actually perform more efficiently in cold temperatures than in extreme heat. The physics of photovoltaic cells means they convert sunlight to electricity more effectively when cool.

Germany — one of the cloudiest countries in the world — is a global leader in solar energy adoption. Pennsylvania gets significantly more sun than Germany and is an excellent solar market.

The Truth: The cost of solar has dropped by more than 90% over the past 15 years. And with programs like our $0 Down Solar Lease, you can go solar with zero upfront cost.

With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount that is typically lower than your current electric bill — meaning you start saving money from day one without spending a single dollar upfront.

For homeowners who purchase a system, the federal 30% Investment Tax Credit, Pennsylvania sales tax exemption, and property tax exemption dramatically reduce the net cost.

The Truth: When installed correctly by certified professionals, solar panels actually protect the portion of your roof they cover from UV exposure, rain, and debris. The mounting hardware is designed to seal around penetrations and prevent leaks.

In fact, studies have shown that roofs under solar panels often last longer than exposed sections because they are shielded from the elements.

The key is proper installation. Our team uses certified installers who follow manufacturer specifications and local building codes on every job.

The Truth: This one is partially true — but only for standard solar systems without battery storage.

Standard grid-tied solar systems do shut down during a power outage. This is a safety feature required by law to protect utility workers from live wires on the grid.

However, if you add a home battery to your solar system, you can maintain power during outages. The battery disconnects your home from the grid and powers your essential loads independently until the grid is restored.

If backup power is important to you, we offer a battery add-on option. If it is not a priority, a standard grid-tied system still saves you significant money — you just will not have backup power during outages.

The Truth: Solar panels have no moving parts and require very little maintenance. The main thing they need is to stay reasonably clean so sunlight can reach the cells.

In most of Pennsylvania, rainfall is sufficient to keep panels clean. Occasional manual cleaning (once or twice a year) may improve performance slightly, but it is not required.

Most quality solar panels come with a 25-year performance warranty and a separate product warranty. The inverter typically has a 10–15 year warranty. Beyond that, there is very little to maintain.

The Truth: The opposite is true. Multiple studies, including research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, have found that homes with solar sell for $15,000–$25,000 more on average than comparable homes without solar.

Buyers increasingly value lower utility costs, and a solar-equipped home offers exactly that. In competitive real estate markets like the Philadelphia suburbs, solar is becoming a genuine selling point.

Pennsylvania's property tax exemption for solar means this added value does not increase your property taxes — it is pure equity gain.

The Truth: The payback period for a purchased solar system in Pennsylvania is typically 7–10 years — not decades. After that, you are generating essentially free electricity for the remaining 15–20 years of the system's life.

For homeowners on a solar lease, there is no payback period to calculate — you start saving money immediately because your lease payment is lower than your previous electric bill.

When you factor in rising utility rates (which have historically increased 2–4% per year), the financial case for solar gets stronger every year you wait.

Solar myths persist because the industry has not always done a great job of educating homeowners with straight, honest information. Our goal is to give you the real facts — including the situations where solar might not be the right fit — so you can make a confident, informed decision.

The best way to cut through the noise is a free, no-obligation consultation where we look at your specific home, your actual utility bills, and your real savings potential. No pressure, no gimmicks — just honest numbers.

Schedule your free solar consultation today and find out what solar actually looks like for your home.