Solar Myths Scots Still Believe (And Why They’re Wrong)

Solar panels get talked about a lot in Scotland. Unfortunately, a fair bit of what gets said is… optimistic. Or outdated. Or something a neighbour heard from a guy down the pub in 2014.

Let’s clear the air.

Here are some of the most common solar myths Scots still believe — and what actually stacks up when you look at the facts.

Myth 1: “It’s Too Cloudy for Solar in Scotland”

This one refuses to die.

Solar panels don’t need heat. They need daylight. And while Scotland might not win prizes for blue skies, we get plenty of usable daylight over the year — especially in spring and summer, when days are long.

Is output lower than southern Spain? Obviously.
Is it zero because it’s cloudy? Absolutely not.

If solar only worked in sunshine, half of Europe wouldn’t bother.

Myth 2: “Solar Doesn’t Work in Winter”

Solar does work in winter — just less.

Short days and low sun mean reduced output, and there’s no point pretending otherwise. But winter performance is already factored into proper system design.

Solar in Scotland is about annual generation, not one gloomy January week where the kettle feels expensive.

Anyone selling solar based on winter peak performance is setting you up for disappointment.

Myth 3: “You Need a Perfect South-Facing Roof”

South-facing is ideal — but it’s not the only option.

East- and west-facing roofs can work well, especially when:

• Usage is spread across the day
• A battery is included
• Roof space is decent

North-facing roofs are trickier, but even then, it depends on angle, shade, and expectations.

Perfect roofs are great.
Good-enough roofs are common.
Solar isn’t all-or-nothing.

Myth 4: “Solar Panels Need Constant Maintenance”

Solar panels have no moving parts. They’re built to sit on roofs and ignore the weather — which, in Scotland, is a useful skill.

For most homes:

• Rain keeps panels clean
• Occasional checks are enough
• No annual servicing required

If someone’s selling you a “mandatory maintenance package”, ask a few more questions.

Myth 5: “SEG Payments Will Pay for Everything”

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is handy — but it’s not a jackpot.

SEG:

• Pays you for excess electricity you export
• Varies by supplier
• Is a bonus, not the main saving

Most of solar’s value comes from using your own electricity, not selling it back.

If someone’s building a business case around SEG alone, the maths needs another look.

Myth 6: “Solar Panels Will Completely Eliminate My Bills”

Solar reduces bills.
It doesn’t erase them.

You’ll still:

• Use grid electricity at times
• Pay standing charges
• See higher bills in winter

Solar is about reducing dependence, not disappearing off-grid unless you’re spending serious money.

Quiet savings beat unrealistic promises every time.

Myth 7: “Solar Isn’t Worth It Unless You Add a Battery”

Batteries are useful — but they’re not mandatory.

Plenty of households get solid savings from solar panels alone, especially if:

• They’re home during the day
• They use electricity as it’s generated

Batteries add control, not magic. Whether they’re worth it depends on how you live.

Why These Myths Stick Around

Most solar myths come from:

• Old information
• Overenthusiastic sales pitches
• Comparing Scotland to the wrong countries

Solar has changed a lot in the last decade — but the pub chat hasn’t always kept up.

The Bottom Line

Solar in Scotland works — just not in the way the myths suggest.

It’s not:

• Weather-proof
• Effortless profit
• A one-size-fits-all solution

But when it’s designed properly and expectations are realistic, it quietly does its job year after year.

And that, frankly, is the kind of technology Scots usually trust.

👉 Want the Facts for Your Home?

Myths are entertaining. Numbers are better.

If you want to see how solar actually performs for your roof, usage, and setup, comparing real options is the fastest way to cut through the noise.

See your solar prices and compare systems — clear facts, no fairy tales.