The most common myths about solar energy debunked
The field of renewable energy and climate policy is rife with myths and beliefs that critically view efforts in this area. Some of these myths stem from ignorance, others from a kernel of truth that has lost relevance due to technological advancements and is no longer valid. There are also myths that, while partially true, lose significance in the broader context and can thus be disregarded. In this article, we will delve into the most important myths and assess their veracity. We will address whether solar energy is too expensive, if it only works in sunny weather, and if solar installations are so difficult to maintain that it's not worth having them. Another claim is that solar energy cannot meet the entire energy demand and that producing solar panels is environmentally harmful, making their use unjustifiable. We will explore these questions in the following sections and conclude with a summary of our findings.
Myth 1: Solar Energy is Too Expensive
The term "too expensive" becomes tangible only when compared to alternatives. In this context, alternatives in renewable energy include wind power, hydropower, and biogas, while fossil fuels include lignite, hard coal, gas, and nuclear power. The cost development in Europe for each energy carrier has been as follows (cost per kilowatt-hour in euro cents from/to):
| Energy Carrier | 2013 | 2015 | 2018 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Energy | - | 3.6 - 8.4 | - | - |
| Lignite | 3.8 - 5.3 | 2.9 - 8.4 | 4.59 - 7.98 | 10.38 - 15.34 |
| Hard Coal | 6.3 - 8.0 | 4.0 - 11.6 | 6.27 - 9.86 | 11.03 - 20.04 |
| Gas (CCGT) | 7.5 - 9.8 | 5.3 - 16.8 | 7.78 - 9.96 | 7.79 - 13.06 |
| Hydropower | - | 2.2 - 10.8 | - | - |
| Onshore Wind | 4.5 - 10.7 | 2.9 - 11.4 | 3.99 - 8.23 | 3.94 - 8.29 |
| Offshore Wind | 11.9 - 19.4 | 6.7 - 16.9 | 4.49 - 13.79 | 7.23 - 12.13 |
| Biomass (Gas) | 13.5 - 21.5 | - | 10.14 - 14.74 | 7.22 - 17.26 |
| PV Small Systems (DE) | 9.8 - 14.2 | - | 7.23 - 11.54 | 5.81 - 11.01 |
| PV Large Power Plants | 7.9 - 11.6 | 3.5 - 18.0 | 3.71 - 8.46 | 3.12 - 5.7 |
It is noticeable that the costs for renewable energies are continuously decreasing or remaining relatively stable, while the costs for fossil fuels have significantly increased in recent years. Overall, solar energy is a very cost-effective way to generate electricity. It has one major advantage over all other energies: it is generally the only one that can be implemented by private individuals. This reduces dependence on energy companies and ensures more stability in energy costs for private households.
Myth 2: Solar Panels Only Work in Sunny Weather
This myth persists and is partially correct. More accurately, it should be stated: Solar panels work better in sunny weather. However, they also work in cloudy or diffuse light conditions. The efficiency is then somewhat limited, and the energy yield is correspondingly lower.
Myth 3: Solar Systems are Hard to Maintain
This myth is not true. Quite the opposite: solar systems are very robust and low-maintenance due to their construction. They have no moving parts unless a tracking system is installed, and all components can be easily checked and maintained. Due to the tilt of the panels, they even have a certain self-cleaning function. Rain washes away dust and leaves from the surface. As long as all connections are intact and the panel surfaces are clean, the system works. Regular inspections are necessary, but in most cases, data analysis via an app already indicates any inconsistencies.
Myth 4: Solar Energy Cannot Cover the Entire Energy Demand
The energy transition does not rely solely on solar energy. Wind and hydropower, as well as biogas, are other building blocks contributing to the success of the energy transition. Added to this are smart technologies, the development of energy-saving devices, and the integration of electromobility as energy storage into the overall energy concept. It should be noted that solar panel prices have fallen by about 90% in the last decade. Additionally, the number of installed battery storage systems has skyrocketed in recent years, and new technologies such as smart technologies and artificial intelligence are expected to bring further efficiency gains. Despite the already immense progress, we are still at the beginning of a rapid development for the benefit of humanity.
Myth 5: The Production of Solar Panels is Environmentally Harmful
This myth is frequently cited. It is true that the production of solar panels is not entirely free from environmental impact. Here is an overview of the key points:
- The CO2 emissions for producing solar panels are low, while they are high for fossil fuels.
- The energy payback time for recovering the energy consumed during production is between 1 to 3 years for solar panels, whereas this is not possible for fossil fuels.
- The environmental impact of solar panels is low, mainly because modern panels can be recycled. The environmental impact of fossil fuels is high.
- The fuel and operating costs for solar panels are low or non-existent. They use free sunlight, and maintenance costs are low. For fossil fuels, both costs are high because the fuels must be provided, and the power plants must be operated.
- Overall, solar energy is more economical as it pays for itself after a few years.
In summary, solar energy is a very cost-effective and environmentally friendly technology that, in combination with new technologies and other renewable energies, can effectively contribute to the energy transition.