As solar energy gains momentum across India and the world, so does the spread of misinformation, especially around solar power.
From outdated assumptions to viral solar myths create confusion for many of the people like homeowners, businesses, and even policymakers and they are still unsure whether solar is truly worth it.
This article clears the misconception by debunking the 10 most common solar myths & misconceptions. Backed by facts and expert insight, each section separates solar myths and facts to help you make smarter, more confident energy choices, whether you are exploring rooftop solar solutions or or comparing solar options in India.
#1. Solar Panels Don’t Work on Cloudy Days
This is one of the most common myths about solar and it’s simply not true. Solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days, just not at full capacity as compared to direct sunlight.
Modern photovoltaic (PV) technology is highly efficient and can capture diffused sunlight and the kind that filters through clouds to keep producing power.
At night, however, solar panels do not produce electricity because there’s no sunlight. But this is where solar battery storage comes in. With a battery, you can store excess power generated during the day and use it at night.
Quick Facts:
- Cloudy weather reduces output, but doesn’t stop solar generation
- Germany, one of the cloudiest countries in Europe, is a global solar leader
#2. Solar Panels Are Only for the Rich
This myth may have been true a decade ago but not anymore. Today, solar energy is more affordable than ever, especially in India.
Panel prices have dropped by over 70% in the past decade, and costs continue to fall due to local manufacturing, government incentives, and rising demand.
Why Solar Is Becoming Affordable:
Solar is no longer limited to wealthy homeowners. In fact:
- Government subsidies make a big difference, reducing upfront costs for households.
- Most Indian states support net metering, helping reduce monthly electricity bills.
- There are options like solar loans, EMIs, and even solar leasing models to make systems accessible without paying the full price upfront.
- You can even go solar with little or no initial investment through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) or solar-as-a-service models.
According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), subsidies of up to ₹78,000 are available for residential rooftop systems under the national solar rooftop portal.
#3. Solar Panels Work Even During Power Outage
This is a common solar myth, but it’s not true in most cases. It won’t work during a power outage if your system is connected to the grid.
That’s because for safety reasons ,It will automatically shut off during a power outage. This happens to protect electricity workers from getting shocked while fixing the power lines.
Even though your solar panels are still receiving sunlight, they won’t send power to your home during a blackout unless you have backup storage.
How Can You Keep the Power On?
If you want your solar system to provide power during an outage, you’ll need:
- A solar battery system (like lithium-ion or LFP batteries) to store extra power during the day
- A hybrid solar inverter that can operate independently from the grid
- A proper backup setup that’s set up to run off-grid or in backup mode
These types of systems are growing in India, especially in areas where outages are frequent or the grid is unreliable.
In such setups, the solar panels continue to charge the battery during the day, and the battery powers your home when the grid is down.
#4. Solar Panels Require a Lot of Maintenance
This is another common myth & misconception about solar, but the reality is quite the opposite.
Modern solar panels are designed to be durable, low-maintenance, and weather-resistant. In fact, most high-quality panels can last 25 years or more with minimal upkeep.
How Much Maintenance Do They Actually Need?
- In most parts of India, cleaning panels 2 to 4 times a year is enough to keep them performing efficiently.
- If your area has heavy dust, pollution, or bird activity, you might clean them a bit more often.
- Cleaning usually involves just water and a soft brush — no special tools or chemicals.
There’s no need for daily or weekly maintenance, and many solar owners choose to have panels cleaned just before the summer months or monsoon season.
What About Repairs or Costs?
- Solar warranties typically last 10 to 25 years, covering issues like manufacturing defects or performance drops.
- Many solar installation companies in India also offer Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMCs) for added peace of mind.
- Good-quality panels from trusted brands are tested to withstand rain, heat, wind, and even hail.
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), solar panels have one of the lowest maintenance needs among energy technologies.
#5. Solar Panels Don’t Work in Winter
This is a popular solar myth, especially in colder regions — but it’s not true.Solar panels actually work more efficiently in cold weather.
Their performance is based on sunlight, not heat. In fact, cooler temperatures help improve the output of solar cells, as extreme heat can slightly reduce efficiency.
What About Snow?
Solar panels can stop generating power if they’re completely covered in snow, because sunlight can’t reach the surface. However, this is usually temporary:
- Most solar panels are installed at a tilt, which helps snow slide off naturally.
- Panels are made with smooth glass, which melts snow faster when sunlight returns.
- In light snowfall, panels may continue working partially even with a thin layer.
In India, heavy snowfall is rare and mostly limited to Himalayan regions.
#6. Solar Panels Will Damage Your Roof
This solar myth causes unnecessary concern, but it’s not true when panels are installed properly.
Solar panels do not damage your roof. In fact, they can help protect the covered area from sun, rain, and weathering. What matters most is that the installation is done by certified professionals using the right mounting systems.
Proper Installation = No Damage
- Installers use non-invasive mounting structures that distribute weight evenly across your roof.
- For tiled or metal roofs, special brackets are used to avoid cracking or shifting.
- Panels are not bolted directly onto your roof surface. Instead, rails or frames are fixed to the structural components beneath the surface.
Before installation, a site inspection ensures that your roof is strong enough to support the system. If your roof needs repair, it’s usually done before panel mounting.
#7. Going Solar Means Going Off-Grid
This is a common solar myth, but it’s not how most systems actually work.
In India, most residential and commercial solar systems are grid-tied. That means your solar panels are connected to the main electricity grid, allowing you to use solar power when the sun is shining and draw grid power when it’s not.
What Is a Grid-Tied Solar System?
- A grid-tied system works with your local DISCOM (electricity provider).
- It allows net metering, so you can export excess solar energy and earn credits.
- There’s no need for batteries unless you want backup during outages.
This setup is ideal for urban and semi-urban homes in India, where grid access is reliable and net metering policies are active in most states.
Can You Go Off-Grid?
Yes, it’s possible to go fully off-grid with solar, but it requires:
- A larger solar setup to meet 100% of your power needs
- High-capacity solar batteries to store electricity for night and backup use
- Careful energy planning, especially during monsoon or low-sun days
Off-grid systems are more common in remote areas where grid electricity is unstable or unavailable.
As per MNRE India, off-grid solar solutions are promoted in rural and border areas under specific subsidy programs.
#8. Going Solar Will Eliminate Your Utility Bills
This solar myth often leads to confusion. While solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bills, they don’t automatically eliminate them for everyone.
Most solar users in India still receive a monthly electricity bill though it’s often much lower.
Why You Still Get a Bill
- If your system is grid-tied, you’re still connected to the DISCOM, and you pay minimum grid charges, especially if your usage exceeds solar output.
- You may draw grid power at night, during cloudy days, or in months with lower solar generation.
- Net metering helps offset what you use, but it may not always cover 100% of your consumption.
In practice, most Indian households see 60%–90% bill reduction, depending on system size, usage habits, and state net metering policies.
#9. Only Homeowners Can Go Solar
This is a common solar myth, but it’s no longer true.
While rooftop solar is usually associated with private homes, renters and apartment dwellers can also benefit from solar energy, thanks to the rise of community solar and shared solar models. Solar energy is now widely used in commercial for businesses ans in power plants as well, using concentrated solar power.
What Is Community Solar?
Community solar allows multiple users including renters, to subscribe to a shared solar project located nearby. Instead of installing panels on your own roof, you receive credit on your electricity bill for the energy produced by the shared solar farm.
This model is ideal for:
- People living in apartments or rental homes
- Buildings with limited or shaded roof space
- Urban residents who want access to solar without owning a system
In India, this concept is still emerging but is being promoted under solar parks, group housing projects, and DISCOM-led community programs.
As noted by CEEW India, community solar can expand solar access to over 75 million non-owner households across the country.
#10. The Government Gives Free Solar Panels
This is one of the most misleading solar myths that is often used in aggressive advertising or sales pitches.
In reality, no government in India gives away solar panels completely for free. However, several official schemes do offer subsidies that significantly lower the upfront cost for homeowners.
What Does “Free Solar” Actually Mean?
When you hear terms like “zero-cost solar” or “free solar panel installation,” they usually refer to:
- Government subsidies: Like the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, which offers up to ₹78,000 for eligible rooftop systems
- Solar leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Where a private company installs and owns the system, and you pay monthly for the electricity it generates
- EMI or financing plans: Advertised as “zero upfront cost,” but you repay over time with interest
Myths vs Facts Comparison Table (Quick Reference)
| Myth | Reality |
| Solar panels don’t work on cloudy days | They still generate electricity from diffused sunlight |
| Solar is only for the rich | Prices have dropped by 70%+; subsidies and loans make it accessible |
| Panels work during outages | Only with batteries or hybrid systems |
| Solar panels need daily maintenance | Only occasional cleaning, 2–4 times/year is enough |
| Panels don’t work in winter | Cold weather can actually improve efficiency |
| Solar damages your roof | Properly installed panels protect roofs from sun and rain |
| Going solar means going off-grid | Most systems in India are grid-tied with net metering |
| Solar eliminates electricity bills | It greatly reduces them, but you may still pay minimum charges |
| Only homeowners can go solar | Community/shared solar models enable access for renters too |
| Government gives free panels | Government offers subsidies, not 100% free systems |
Conclusion: Know the Facts Before You Go Solar
Solar energy is one of the smartest investments you can make, but only if you base your decisions on facts, not myths.
From cloudy days to cost concerns, from power outages to ownership. We’ve debunked the most common solar myths and misconceptions holding people back. The truth is: solar panels are more accessible, reliable, and affordable than ever before, especially in India.
Before deciding whether solar is right for your home or business, it’s important to:
- Understand how solar systems actually work
- Compare financing and subsidy options
- Choose a trusted solar provider who offers warranties and proper guidance
- Assess your energy needs and site conditions carefully
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can solar panels power my entire home?
Yes, but it depends on the system’s size and your energy consumption. A well-designed setup with optional battery backup can fully power a home, especially if you use energy-efficient appliances.
Do solar panels work at night?
No. Solar panels only generate electricity in daylight. However, battery storage and net metering allow you to use stored or credited solar energy during the night.
What is the most common myth about solar energy?
One of the most common solar myths is that solar panels don’t work on cloudy days or in winter. In reality, they still produce electricity even in low sunlight, though at reduced efficiency.
Does the Indian government give free solar panels?
No. The government doesn’t offer completely free panels. However, schemes like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana provide subsidies up to ₹78,000 to reduce the upfront cost of residential rooftop solar.
Are solar panels safe for rooftops?
Yes. When installed properly by certified professionals, solar panels do not damage your roof. In fact, they can protect it from weather exposure and extend its life.