Solar myths: separating fact from fiction

Solar comes with its fair share of myths and misconceptions. Whether it's assumptions about perfect sunshine and the right roof, or questions about batteries and what happens to the solar you export, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction.

Let's clear up some common solar myths and help you better understand how to get more from your home solar system.

Not quite. The value of solar isn't determined by feed-in tariffs alone. Using more of the solar electricity you generate can be an important part of getting more value from your system.

When your solar panels are generating electricity, your home can use that power first rather than drawing the same amount from the grid. Any excess solar may then be exported to the grid, where you may receive a feed-in tariff, or stored in a battery for later use if you have one.

Feed-in tariffs have generally become less generous, which can lead people to assume solar is no longer worthwhile. But a feed-in tariff is only part of the picture. Using the electricity your system generates means buying less electricity from the grid, while eligible exports may still earn a credit on your bill.

That means how and when you use electricity can make a difference. Depending on your household and setup, you might be able to shift suitable activities into daylight hours, such as running the dishwasher or washing machine, pre-cooling your home, or using other energy-intensive devices like pool pumps.

Hot water can be another opportunity. Water heating accounts for around 15-30% of household energy use^*, so if you have a compatible electric hot-water system, heating water during solar-generating hours may also help you use more of your own solar. A storage system can then keep that water hot until you need it.

You don't necessarily need to be home all day either. Timers, smart appliances and other controls may help you make better use of your solar generation when you're out.

Solar panels don't need scorching summer weather to generate electricity. They need sunlight. 

Solar generation will generally vary depending on conditions, so a cloudy day won't necessarily product as much electricity as a clear one. But that doesn't mean your panels simply stop working when clouds roll in.

Temperature and sunlights aren't the same thing either. A hot day isn't automatically a better day for solar generation just because it's hotter.

Solar output naturally changes with weather, season, shading and other factors, which is why it's more useful to think about how a system performs over time rather than judging it by a single cloudy afternoon.

Solar panels are designed to spend their lives outside, so looking after them shouldn't mean constantly climbing onto the roof with a bucket and sponge.

In fact, rooftop solar system generally don't need a lot of maintenance. Dirt and debris can reduce how much electricity your solar panels generate, but panels installed on a suitable slope may also get some help from the rain to keep them clean. Cleaning may still be needed in some circumstances, particularly in dusty locations.

Keeping an eye on your system's performance is important too. If generation is unexpectedly low on sunny days or something doesn't look right, it may be a sign that your system needs attention.

And importantly, cleaning rooftop solar isn't something homeowners should tackle casually. The Australian Government recommends using a qualifed person to avoid damaging the panels and for personal safety.

Solar and batteries can work well together, but you don't necessarily need a battery to benefit from solar.

Solar panels generate electricity for your home when conditions allow. A battery gives you another option: storing some electricity for use later rather than using or exporting all of it when it's generated. 

Whether adding a battery makes sense will depend on factors such as how much electricity your solar system generates, when your household uses electricity, how much solar you're exporting and what you're hoping to achieve.

That's why the better question isn't simply:

Do solar panels need a battery?

It's:

Would a battery suit the way my household generates and uses energy?