Six common myths about solar power systems

We’ve all heard the myths about solar systems: ‘they don’t work in winter’ or ‘they're only good for small households’.

We’d like to set the record straight and debunk them once and for all.

Myth 1: Solar doesn’t work in winter 

Solar panels still generate power in winter. However, due to additional cloud cover and shorter sun hours in winter, there is typically less energy generated compared to summer (energy matters).

Outcome: Myth Busted! 

Myth 2: Solar panels can’t supply energy 24/7 and you’re left stranded at night

Unless you install an off-grid system, you are still connected to the grid. This means that you can draw power when you have additional demand or when there are consecutive cloudy days.

Combining your solar panels with a battery will mean that any surplus power generated during the day can be stored for later use. The best part? The batteries themselves are charged by the solar panels, so you could have a largely self-contained energy system.

Outcome: Myth Busted! 

Myth 3: Solar panels are expensive to install and won't save you money 

Solar panels are an investment and the high upfront costs can be a roadblock. That’s why at Brighte, we’ve developed fast, easy and affordable payment plans for home energy improvements like solar and batteries. Our 0% interest payment plan and Brighte Green Loan allow you to get your solar panels and batteries installed today and pay for them over time.

The average Sydney household can save up to $900 a year by installing a 4-kilowatt solar system on their roof. Solar technology is getting better and cheaper – an average 4-kilowatt rooftop solar system could be paid off in less than five years through lower energy bills (Energy Saver).

Myth 4: Only houses in rural cities can have solar panels, or you need council approval

Solar panels are available to all households around Australia, both in rural and metropolitan areas. The key factors to determine whether your home is suitable are:

• Roof size
• Roof orientation
• Shading
• Your household energy needs and budget

Most houses do not require council approval, however, if your property is heritage or environment listed then it is worth checking. It’s more important to check in with your energy distributor once you have a system size and location provided by your solar retailer.

Outcome: Myth Busted! 

Myth 5: Solar panels are only good for small households

Whilst we could show you lots of stats to debunk this myth, we thought we’d share a real-life customer story to demonstrate how much you can save on your electricity bill by switching to solar power, no matter how large your home or family is.

Kevin lives in North Ryde with his wife, father-in-law, and two children. After installing a solar panel and battery system, Kevin's electricity bills have gone from $800 per quarter to just $10 per quarter!

Read Kevin’s full story here. 

Myth 6: Solar power is for greenies only

The top reason people choose to install solar panels is the long-term cost savings and economic benefits the systems bring. 

Brighte believes all Australians deserve to live in a comfortable and sustainable home.

With so many myths floating around about solar power, it’s important that you do your own research.

Check out our repayments calculator to calculate your potential fortnightly repayments.