New data exposes persistent myths around solar energy as 62% of Britons express a need for clearer information on renewables.
According to recent findings, two-thirds of Britons would be more open to renewables if guidance were easier to access. Despite evidence to the contrary, a third wrongly believe the UK’s climate is too cloudy for solar panels to work effectively. Research by Solar Together, which focuses on the energy transition, shows that two-thirds feel the UK public isn’t adequately informed on household renewable solutions, with the same number suggesting they’d switch if better information was available.
Addressing this, Solar Together has outlined and dispelled the five most widespread solar myths to guide those considering a switch to renewable energy:
- Almost half think solar panels take over 15 years to pay back their initial cost, whereas the actual payback period is typically between 6 and 10 years.
- A third believe that the UK’s climate is too cloudy for solar to be effective.
- Another third assume solar panels don’t function well during British winters.
- One third view the installation of solar panels as overly complex.
- One in five believe solar panels don’t save on energy bills, even though average savings can reach £500 per household annually.
As winter approaches, with shorter days and cooler temperatures, over a quarter (26%) say they become more energy-conscious, while 22% report greater environmental awareness. While the UK endures colder winters than some European nations, solar panels generate energy from sunlight rather than heat, performing optimally between 1C and 20C. Although heavy cloud cover can reduce sunlight exposure, panels continue to produce energy, and storage batteries can capture excess for later use.
The study reveals that many remain uninformed about these solar energy facts, pointing to a need for better communication on renewables, particularly for winter use. Findings show 62% of Britons believe there is limited public understanding of at-home renewable options. Nearly half feel that government messaging on renewables is overly complicated (46%), suggesting simplified communications could support adoption. Furthermore, 44% say clear information on renewables is scarce, though two-thirds would be more inclined to adopt renewables if resources were easier to find.
Additional findings show that 42% believe renewables aren’t discussed enough in family circles, with 35% noting a lack of school education on the topic. Another 36% state that TV rarely covers renewable solutions, while a quarter feel celebrities could do more to promote them (24%).
George Frost, UK Country Manager at iChoosr, which oversees Solar Together’s solar group-buying schemes, stated, “This study highlights the urgent need for better education and clearer communication about renewable energy in the UK. By making information more accessible and addressing common misconceptions, we can encourage more people to adopt renewable energy solutions and contribute to the UK’s net-zero goals.”
“It’s clear that a large proportion of the public finds existing messaging around renewables too complicated or confusing. This suggests we all need to work hard to demystify the perceived complexity while spreading the benefits of renewable energy to all corners of the UK.”
iChoosr has partnered with UK councils since 2015 through Solar Together, promoting renewables across the nation. Solar Together has facilitated more than 42,500 installations, projected to prevent over 680,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over the next 25 years.
