8 common misconceptions about batteries and solar panels

Renewable energy is no longer a technology of the future or an ideological choice – it is rapidly becoming a central component of the modern energy system. This is precisely why it also generates strong, conflicting opinions. On one hand, renewable energy is viewed as a miracle solution; on the other, as an uncertain and prohibitively expensive experiment. The truth, however, lies between these extremes.

To make sound decisions – whether for a private home, an apartment association, or a business – it's essential to set aside myths and focus on facts. Below, we debunk eight of the most common misconceptions about renewable energy and explain the reality.

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1. "Renewable energy is expensive and doesn't pay off"

This is one of the most common myths – and also one of the fastest aging ones.

Over the last 15 years, the prices of solar panels and battery systems have fallen significantly.

According to BNEF, in 2010, battery solution prices were $1500/kWh. Today, we encounter batteries absolutely everywhere. Thanks to this, both purchase prices and technology have made significant advancements. According to statistics from December 19, 2025, the price is $108/kWh. In other words, the price has fallen almost 14-fold in the last 15 years.

The widespread adoption of solar panels and technological breakthroughs have significantly impacted prices. While in 2010, panel prices were $2.44/kWp, by 2025, this dropped to $0.26/kWp. A nearly tenfold price decrease.

Sources: BNEF, Our World In Data

👉 In summary: renewable energy is no longer an expensive alternative, but in most situations, it is the most economically sensible choice.

2. "Solar energy is useless at night"

This statement was true in an era when solar panels operated without storage.

A modern comprehensive solution combines solar panels and a battery system, which stores energy produced during the day and allows it to be used in the evening and at night – precisely when electricity prices are highest.

Additionally, systems connected to the frequency market (also known as the frequency reserves market) can sell surplus energy remaining in the battery back to the grid, earning passive income from it. Thus, solar energy doesn't just mean savings; it can even turn monthly electricity costs into a source of income.

3. "Solar panels don't work on cloudy days"

Solar panels also generate electricity on cloudy days because they utilize diffuse light in addition to direct sunlight. Studies published in February 2025 show that in Northern Europe, the effect of cloud cover can reduce solar panel output by up to 50%. The results emphasize that the extent of the impact largely depends on the type of clouds: for thin clouds with low water content, the drop in productivity is modest, whereas with dense, water-rich rain clouds, efficiency can indeed decrease by approximately half.

Therefore, cloudy weather reduces output but doesn't halt production. If the system is equipped with a battery, it charges during the day, and energy is drawn from the battery during periods of high electricity prices.

👉 It's storage that makes solar energy stable and predictable, regardless of the weather.

Source: ScienceDirect

4. "Solar panels and batteries harm nature"

When looking at the entire life cycle, the picture is quite the opposite.

After installation, solar panels require only one energy source – the sun. No additional expenses are needed for this, just basic maintenance. No fuel extraction, no transportation, no continuous emission of exhaust gases. Fossil fuel-based production, on the other hand, requires:

• high construction costs
  
• complex & expensive maintenance
  
• fuel transportation
  
• continuous air pollution
  

Solar panels and batteries are manufactured in a factory, installed once, and operate for decades with minimal maintenance costs. The CO₂ footprint primarily occurs during the manufacturing phase – not during daily use.

5. "Solar panels ruin the roof"

Properly installed solar panels do not damage the roof; instead, they protect the underlying surface from direct weather exposure.

Before installation, the roof's load-bearing capacity is always assessed, and special mounting systems are used. Additionally:

• a solar system increases property value,
  
• can improve a building's energy rating,
  
• and correct installation often extends the roof's lifespan.
  

6. "Battery solutions are a fire hazard and have a short lifespan"

This perception is also based on outdated information.

Modern lithium-ion batteries are equipped with:

• automatic fire safety mechanisms
  
• an intelligent management system (BMS)
  
• and multi-layered protection solutions
  

Battery lifespan is approximately 10-15 years depending on the manufacturer, and the typical manufacturer's warranty is 10 years. Safety and durability are now the standard, not the exception.

7. "Renewable energy is only for 'environmentalists'"

In practice, the main users of renewable energy are:

• industrial companies,
  
• apartment associations,
  
• homeowners

Battery systems allow for the creation of backup power, which protects sensitive equipment from failures caused by power outages. The frequency market, however, offers an investment opportunity that began in February 2025. As this is a new opportunity, early adopters have more chances for a shorter payback period.

8. "Technology is developing too fast – it's smarter to wait"

Considering that the first battery technology was created by Alessandro Volta in 1800, battery development has lasted over 220 years. The first lithium-ion batteries were introduced to the market by Sony in 1991, and over the last 35 years, they have been continuously improved, particularly in terms of capacity, charging speed, and durability. Thanks to many tested materials, the development potential of lithium-ion batteries has become increasingly limited. True breakthroughs would require entirely new technologies, and initially these would be very expensive, but they could become market disruptors. Learning from history, it is evident that such developments take a very long time.

Waiting means one very specific thing: higher electricity bills every month.

Furthermore, there are time-limited grants – a grant not utilized today is a lost opportunity tomorrow.

👉 Technological development is not a reason to wait, but a reason to act.

Additional information: How solar panels work

Solar panels operate on the principle of the photovoltaic effect (the conversion of light energy into electrical energy). Photons from sunlight strike a semiconductor (usually silicon), releasing electrons, which results in the generation of direct current (DC). The direct current then goes to an inverter, where it is converted into usable alternating current (AC). This is why an inverter is necessary. Excess energy is stored in batteries if needed or fed into the grid.

In summary

Renewable energy is no longer just an experimental project or an ideology. It is a mature, reliable, and economically sound solution, and the myths surrounding it do not stand up to fact-checking.

The better we understand them, the smarter decisions we can make – both for our wallets and for the future.

Each project is unique, so if you're interested, we recommend contacting GreenSpark to find the perfect solution for you!

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