As solar panel installers working across Blackpool, Poulton-le-Fylde and the surrounding areas, we often hear the same questions and concerns from homeowners who are curious about going solar – but aren’t sure what to believe. There’s still a lot of misinformation out there about how solar PV works, what it costs and whether it’s even worth it in the UK.
Here are some of the most common solar myths we come across – and the truth behind them.
“Solar panels don’t work unless it’s sunny.”
False – they need daylight, not direct sun.
This is by far the biggest myth we hear and it puts a lot of people off when it really shouldn’t. Solar panels don’t need sunshine to generate energy, they just need daylight. Even on a cloudy day in Blackpool or along the Fylde Coast, your panels will still produce energy. Of course, performance is better in brighter conditions, but the UK gets plenty of daylight year-round to make solar worthwhile.
In fact, Germany – which gets less sun than parts of the UK – has one of the highest rates of solar adoption in Europe. So yes, solar panels absolutely work here.
“You have to add a battery at the same time as your solar panels.”
Not true – you can add battery storage later.
While pairing your solar panels with battery storage is a brilliant way to get more out of your system, you don’t have to do it all at once. If you’re not ready to invest in a battery straight away, we can install your solar system so it’s battery ready, meaning we’ve already accounted for future compatibility, making it easy to add storage down the line.
We regularly help homeowners across Blackpool, Lytham St Annes and Thornton-Cleveleys add batteries to existing solar setups. It’s a great way to gradually upgrade your energy independence as your budget allows.
“Solar panels are only worth it if you’re home all day.”
No – batteries and smart tariffs make it work for everyone.
While it’s true that solar panels generate the most during daylight hours, that doesn’t mean you need to be home to use it. With the addition of battery storage or by using smart tariffs that allow you to export and re-buy at different rates, solar can still make a big difference to your bills – even if you’re out during the day. Plus, many modern appliances can be set on timers or controlled remotely.
“You need a south-facing roof or it’s pointless.”
South-facing is ideal, but not essential.
A south-facing roof will typically give you the best solar generation, but east- and west-facing roofs can still perform well – especially when paired with a battery to store morning or afternoon energy. We’ve installed systems across Blackpool, Fleetwood and Staining on all kinds of roofs, and our design software helps us work out exactly what output you can expect before anything is installed.
We’ll always give honest advice about whether solar is a good fit for your property.
“Solar panels are ugly and will ruin the look of my home.”
Not with modern systems – they’re much sleeker than you’d think.
We hear this concern quite a lot, but solar panels have come a long way in terms of design. Today’s systems are low-profile and far more discreet, especially with all-black panel options and carefully considered layouts. They can complement the look of your roof rather than dominate it.
When we install solar PV systems across Blackpool, Poulton-le-Fylde and surrounding areas, we always aim for a neat, tidy finish with visible wiring minimised and panels aligned cleanly. Most of our customers are surprised at just how smart the finished install looks – and how quickly it becomes part of the home.
Thinking About Solar Panels in Blackpool?
At West Coast Electrical, we’ve carried out hundreds of successful solar PV installations across Blackpool, Poulton-le-Fylde, and surrounding towns like Garstang, Lytham St Annes and Freckleton. We’re fully MCS certified, RECC accredited, and offer battery-ready solar systems from leading brands like Jinko, Eurener, Alpha ESS, Enphase, and Tesla.
If you’ve still got questions, we’re happy to give honest, no-pressure advice – and help you separate solar fact from fiction.
Ready to explore solar for your home?
Get in touch with West Coast Electrical today – we’re local, experienced and here to help you make an informed decision.
