Factcheck: 16 misleading myths about solar power

<p>Solar power is <a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org/solar-is-now-cheapest-electricity-in-history-confirms-iea/">already providing </a>the “cheapest electricity in history” and is <a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org/in-depth-qa-the-ipccs-sixth-assessment-on-how-to-tackle-climate-change/">expected</a> to play a <a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org/new-fossil-fuels-incompatible-with-1-5c-goal-comprehensive-analysis-finds/">pivotal role</a> in the global transition away from fossil fuels.</p>

<p>The technology accounted for two-thirds of the world’s <a href="https://ember-energy.org/data/electricity-data-explorer/?data=capacity">new electricity capacity</a> and two-fifths of new generation in 2024, according to the thinktank <a href="https://ember-energy.org/">Ember</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yet, this rapid expansion has triggered a backlash, with numerous campaigns springing up to oppose new solar projects from the <a href="https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/uk-wide-protests-held-against-large-scale-solar-farms">UK</a> to <a href="https://reneweconomy.com.au/no-solar-factories-protests-greet-farmers-and-industry-trying-to-find-path-for-renewable-revolution/">Australia</a>.</p>

<p>These groups frequently draw on misinformation, spread by <a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-uk-newspaper-editorials-attacked-ed-miliband-relentlessly-throughout-2024/">right-leaning media outlets</a>, <a href="https://www.citizensforresponsiblesolar.org/">anti-renewable energy groups</a> and <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09644016.2025.2458380#d1e1810">predominantly right-wing</a> political parties.</p>

<p>Increasingly, these narratives are having real-world consequences, with governments <a href="https://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2022/03/15/renewable-energy-projects-face-opposition-in-49-states-local-restrictions-in-31-states/">restricting</a> or even <a href="https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/italy-split-possible-solar-plant-curbs-that-may-jeopardise-green-goals-2024-05-06/">banning</a> the installation of solar panels across swathes of land.</p>

<p>Here, Carbon Brief factchecks 16 of the most common myths about solar power.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org/factcheck-16-misleading-myths-about-solar-power/">Factcheck: 16 misleading myths about solar power</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org">Carbon Brief</a>.</p>