solar panels: The myths

Deceptive stories and information on solar panels have left people undoubtedly confused whether this alternative renewable energy resource is the way forward, or just another money grabbing scheme we get sucked into through scare tactics.


There are certainly a great deal of myths that are misleading, that have steamed from a lack of understanding of solar panels. Forget everything you have been told about solar energy and you will begin to understand it better, than listening to the tell-tale information you are fed. Some websites will display frequently asked questions, along with the answers, so you don’t make the same presumptions others have made.


Although Solar panels are said to produce their energy from the heat of the sun, most of the energy produced is from the UV rays generated by the sun. The UV rays strike the cells and subsequently a certain portion of it is absorbed. The energy absorbed knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely, providing you with energy.

Even during the bitter winter weather there is still UV rays. Although some days will have more UV rays then others. All the unused energy is stored in the battery, which can be used when there is less energy produced, therefore giving your household energy all year round. The only time your solar panels will not be able to absorb the UV rays is when snow covers the panels, but this is easily solved. All you have to do is wipe it off and it will start producing energy again immediately.

‘Solar power will not work where I live’ is again a tell-tale lie.  All you need is UV light, and the solar panels will produce you energy. One example of this is in Germany, which we do not really associate with sunny skies and warm climate, and yet they respectively use solar panels.

Make no mistake, this substitute energy source has no exhaust or toxic materials to leak out, this system is entirely natural and comes clean and ‘green’. Solar cells are predominantly silicon which is the primary component of sand. The electricity produced by solar panels is just the same as the electricity coming from your normal household wall sockets, and therefore the same safety precautions should be used.

The biggest myth about thermal solar panels is that it is too expensive; yet again this has steamed from Chinese whispers and is nonsense. The price for solar panels has been cut in half recently. Plus there are government incentives available which will not only benefit your household but benefit your pocket as well.

For those you of who are looking to invest in renewable energy sources, it is well worth looking into properly and not listening to others biased opinions. At the end of the day you pay the bills, so you need the right information before making a decision, not partial information from others.