New insights reveal widespread misunderstandings about solar energy as 62% of Britons feel the public lacks adequate information on renewable energy solutions.
A recent study shows that two-thirds of Britons would be more inclined to embrace renewables if guidance on transitioning to clean energy was more accessible. Notably, a third of the public mistakenly believes the UK’s cloudy climate is unsuitable for effective solar panel use, despite data proving otherwise. Research from Solar Together, a leader in energy transition, also reveals that two-thirds believe the UK is not sufficiently informed on home-based renewable energy, with the same number stating they would be more likely to switch if information were easier to find.
In response, Solar Together has identified and clarified the top five myths about solar energy commonly held by the British public to help those considering renewable options:
- Nearly half of Britons believe it takes more than 15 years for solar panels to pay back the initial outlay, but in reality, this period ranges between 6 and 10 years.
- One third think the UK’s cloud cover means solar panels aren’t effective.
- Another third believe solar panels don’t perform well in typical British winters.
- A third view the installation of solar panels as an overly complex process.
- One in five doubt solar panels can save on energy bills, though average savings can reach up to £500 per household annually.
As days grow colder and darker with the clocks going back, over a quarter of Britons (26%) say they become more mindful of conserving energy, and a fifth (22%) feel more environmentally conscious. While UK winters may be colder than in some neighbouring nations, solar panels rely on sunlight rather than heat to produce energy. Interestingly, panels are often more efficient in cooler temperatures; the ideal range for peak efficiency is between 1C and 20C. Although cloudy conditions can reduce the sunlight panels receive, they still generate substantial energy and don’t shut down on overcast days. Adding a battery can also help store excess energy for later use.
Given that many are unaware of these facts, there is a pressing need to clarify the effectiveness of renewable energy in the UK, particularly during winter. The study found that 62% of Britons believe there is insufficient knowledge on home-based renewable energy, with nearly half saying government communications on renewables are too complex (46%), suggesting a need for simpler messaging to drive broader adoption. Furthermore, 44% say accessible information on renewable energy is lacking, though two-thirds would be more likely to consider renewables if clearer information were provided.
Additional findings reveal that 42% of respondents feel renewable energy solutions aren’t discussed in family settings, while 35% cite a lack of education on these topics in schools as a barrier to understanding. Another 36% say renewables are rarely covered on television, and a quarter feel celebrities should advocate for renewable energy more actively (24%).
George Frost, UK Country Manager at iChoosr, which runs Solar Together’s group-buying schemes, remarked, “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.”
Since 2015, iChoosr has collaborated with UK councils on Solar Together schemes to support the transition to renewable energy across the country. To date, Solar Together has facilitated over 42,500 installations, projected to prevent more than 680,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over the next 25 years.
