SOLAR MYTHS DEBUNKED

We ask the experts about the truth behind 12 common myths around solar panels...

- SARAH HARLEY

Myths about solar panels tend to revolve around three main areas: cost, weather and effectiveness. But with over 1.5 million homes now using the technology, and the cost of solar panels falling by 73% over the last decade, their green energy status continues to grow. But believe the myths and you'd be convinced solar energy only works in constant sunshine, in south-facing homes and isn't worth the investment.

We presented the experts with 12 of the most common arguments about solar panels and solar energy and asked them what's true and what's simply false information.

1 THEY ONLY WORK WHEN IT'S SUNNY

Solar panels are, of course, activated by the sunshine. But do you need constant sunshine in order for them to work? "Solar panels require daylight to operate, not just direct sunlight. This means your panels will still generate electricity even during cloudy days," says Dan Hopcroft, Zero Carbon Homes director at EDF.

Steve Cole, retrofit coordinator at the Centre for Sustainable Energy expands: "Saying solar panels only work when it's sunny is definitely not true. In fact, they can work by moonlight and even on cloudy days. Systems are rated in kilowatts peak (kWp). This is the maximum rate of electricity the array of panels could generate at peak performance, e.g. noon on a sunny day with the panels facing south, but this doesn't mean they don't operate when perfect conditions aren't in place."