Don’t Buy Solar in 2026 Using 2015 Advice: 10 Myths Busted

In the old days, solar was simple. You slapped panels on a roof, collected a fat feed-in tariff, and counted your cash.

Those days are gone. If you are buying solar in 2026 using advice from 2015, you aren’t saving money—you are burning it. Feed-in tariffs have been slashed, the grid has changed, and the “solar cowboys” are still out there peddling myths that should have died years ago.

At Your Energy Answers, we are setting the record straight. We’re busting the top 10 solar myths that are costing Australian and Kiwi homeowners thousands.

Myth #1: You Must Have a North-Facing Roof

This is arguably the biggest lie in the book. While a north-facing roof is great for total generation, it ignores a crucial factor: when you actually use electricity.

Most households use power in the mornings (kettle, shower) and afternoons (air con, kids coming home). An East/West system catches the sun when you are actually awake to use it.

• The Verdict: If you can fit a panel, it’s a good roof. Modern panels are so efficient that even a south-facing roof can hit 65% output.

Myth #2: A Big Battery Means $0 Electricity Bills

I wish this were true. But even with a massive battery and 10kW of solar, you are generally still connected to the grid. You will still pay a daily supply charge just for the privilege of having wires connected to your house.

• The Reality: We can smash your bill down close to zero, but literally zero? Unless you cut the wires, don’t bank on it.

Myth #3: Batteries Pay for Themselves in 2 Years

If a salesman knocks on your door and promises a two-year ROI (Return on Investment) on a battery, ask him to put it in writing. He won’t.

• The Reality: Typical payback in Australia right now is four to six years depending on your usage, VPP participation, and rebates. That is still a great investment—better than money in the bank—but “two years” is fairy dust.

Myth #4: Solar + Battery Means I’m “Off-Grid”

No, you are “grid-tied”. To be truly off-grid, you would need a backup generator, massive inverter capacity, and enough batteries to survive a zombie apocalypse.

• The Reality: Residential batteries are designed to reduce your reliance on the grid, not sever the cord entirely.

Myth #5: Solar is Pointless in Winter

It is true that solar output drops in winter. But this is exactly why you need a battery. A battery allows you to capture that midday winter sun and use it to cover the expensive peak rates at night (usually 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM).

• The Verdict: Winter is actually when a battery works the hardest to save you the most money.

Myth #6: Batteries Are Dangerous Bombs

Modern lithium battery installations in Australia are strictly regulated under standards like AS/NZS 5139.

• The Reality: The danger isn’t the lithium; the danger is “Dave the Dodgy Installer” using cheap cables and bad ventilation. A quality unit installed by a pro is safer than the gas stove in your kitchen.

Myth #7: My Battery Will Run the Whole House in a Blackout

Be careful here. Standard backup usually only covers essential circuits: lights, fridge, and Wi-Fi. If the grid goes down and you try to run the ducted air con, the pool pump, and the EV charger all at once, it’s lights out.

• The Verdict: You can have whole-home backup, but you need to pay for a premium system with high backup capacity.

Myth #8: Batteries Die After 5 Years

This is outdated “laptop thinking”. Quality home batteries are rated for 10 to 15 years. Even after the warranty ends, they don’t just stop working; they just hold a little less charge.

• Pro Tip: Keep them out of direct sunlight. Heat kills batteries faster than usage does.

Myth #9: The Grid is Full (You Can’t Export)

The grid isn’t full; it’s evolving. While some local areas have export limits, the grid is upgrading to two-way flow with smart inverters and VPPs. We aren’t just consumers anymore; we are suppliers.

Myth #10: Batteries Are Just for “Greenies”

Maybe five years ago that was true. But have you seen electricity prices lately? With high rates and fuel costs, a battery is no longer just an environmental statement—it is a financial weapon. It is the only way to insulate yourself from energy inflation.

The One Thing That Hasn’t Changed

Solar has changed. Batteries have changed. The economics have flipped. But the amount of bad advice out there hasn’t changed.

You can buy the best panels and the smartest battery in the world, but if you hire a fly-in, fly-out sales outfit to install it, you are buying a headache.

I’ve been on the ground working with installers across Australia. I’ve seen the quality work, and I’ve seen the cowboys who cut corners. You need a local expert—someone with a showroom and a reputation in your community.