Despite the increasing popularity of solar panels for industrial and commercial use, and the undeniable benefits from using renewable energy, they are surrounded by misconceptions and many Managing Directors still have doubts as to whether they are a viable solution to their energy problems.

It’s time that we separate the facts from the fiction for you, differentiate the rights from the wrongs and bust those myths that you’ve almost definitely heard.

Ready to learn? Read on! Here are 5 of the most common myths about Solar PV that are about to be well and truly busted:

Myth One – “They don’t work in cool or cloudy climates”

This is probably one of the most common myths that we hear, but it is completely false. Modern Solar PV panels are designed to work in almost any climate and produce great results. So, your panels will work regardless of whether it is sunny or cloudy, and the cool temperature doesn’t affect their efficiency either.

In fact, did you know that Germany is currently the leading country when it comes to solar power? And, like the UK they don’t have a warm or particularly sunny climate (they get as much sun per day as Alaska)!

So you won’t have to worry about your Solar PV panels generating electricity when you have them installed in the UK.

Myth Two – “Solar will get more efficient so I should wait”

We are still using the same technology for solar panels that we were decades ago, and the efficiency has only improved slightly, so by waiting to install solar panels you won’t really be saving anything

Why wait to install solar panels when you can cut or abolish your electricity bills now and gain your green credentials sooner rather than later?

Myth Three – “Solar PV cells store the excess energy that I don’t use”

The solar cells just convert sunlight into an electric current. If you’re interested in storing the energy that you produce, you will need to have batteries installed along with your solar panels.

If you don’t have, or don’t want batteries as well as solar panels, don’t worry! Your excess energy won’t go to waste. Most modern solar panel systems are tied to the grid which means that the excess energy that you generate is fed back to the grid, and you are paid for it.

Myth Four – “They’re difficult to maintain and can damage my roof”

Solar panels require very minimal maintenance, they just need to be kept clean… With the popularity of solar panels for business use increasing, it is becoming more common for business window cleaning services to offer to clean your solar panels.

Firstly, the company that you choose to go with for your solar panels will assess your roof to ensure that there aren’t any problems that will need to be addressed prior to installation. But solar panels don’t damage your roof… Most panels aren’t actually attached directly to the roof, but rather to a mounted railing system - and it can even be said that they protect and preserve the part of the roof that they cover!

Myth Five – “I need planning permission”

The majority of roof-mounted systems can be installed within the permitted development regulations which means that a full planning application isn’t actually needed.

For instance on a pitched roof, planning permission isn’t needed provided that no part of the panel exceeds the apex of the roof and that the panels don’t exceed the boundaries of the existing roof. More information regarding planning permission for solar panels can be found here.

Or, of course, we will be able to advise you on whether you need to apply for planning permission from your local authority, and we can also handle the planning process on your behalf using our in-house planning team.

Free Case Study Pack

Download the Solar Energy Investment Case Study Pack and discover how Bowler Energy has helped commercial and industrial clients invest in solar. See how five businesses have benefitted from:

• Reduced energy bills
• A guaranteed ROI on their installation
• Meeting CSR and sustainability goals

To download your free copy of the Solar Energy Investment Case Study Pack, and to see how Bowler could help you, click here.