There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about commercial solar energy. Some business owners assume solar panels are too fragile, won’t work in cold or cloudy weather, or require too much maintenance to be worth it. Others worry the technology will be outdated in a few years.
At Artisun Solar, we’ve been installing turnkey solar solutions for businesses since 2011, and we’ve heard these concerns time and time again. But here’s what we’ve learned after working with manufacturers, commercial property owners, and industrial businesses across the Midwest: these myths don’t hold up under real-world conditions.
It’s time to separate fact from fiction. Here’s what you need to know.
Myth #1: Solar Panels Are Fragile and Can’t Handle Extreme Weather
We get it—when you think about a Midwest hailstorm or a brutal winter, you don’t immediately picture solar panels holding up. But the truth is, commercial-grade solar panels are built to last in some of the harshest conditions on Earth.
Every panel we install is tested against extreme weather conditions, including:
- Hail impact testing with stones up to 1 inch in diameter at 50 mph
- Wind resistance up to 140 mph (Category 4 hurricane-level winds)
- Snow load endurance for heavy winter climates
If solar were fragile, you wouldn’t see it thriving in deserts, arctic conditions, and storm-prone regions worldwide. We’ve installed systems for clients who have seen their panels weather severe thunderstorms, hail, and heavy snowfall without issue. The key? High-quality panels, professional installation, and a structurally sound racking system.
A well-installed solar system doesn’t just survive bad weather—it performs through it.
Myth #2: Solar Requires Constant Maintenance and Upkeep
One of the biggest concerns we hear is, “I don’t want another system to maintain.” The good news? Solar doesn’t require nearly as much attention as people think.
Unlike an HVAC system or industrial equipment, solar panels don’t have moving parts, meaning there’s far less risk of failure or wear-and-tear. Most business owners only need to:
- Schedule occasional inspections to ensure peak efficiency
- Clean panels if dirt or debris builds up (in most cases, rain takes care of this)
- Rely on built-in monitoring software to track performance in real-time
At Artisun Solar, we offer operations & maintenance services that keep your system running optimally with minimal effort on your part. If an issue does arise, it’s caught early—long before it affects energy production.
A solar system isn’t just low-maintenance; it’s one of the most hands-off energy solutions available.
Myth #3: Solar Panels Lose Efficiency Too Quickly
Some businesses hesitate to invest in solar because they assume the efficiency will drop off too fast, making the ROI uncertain.
But today’s commercial solar panels are engineered for longevity. Most panels degrade at a rate of just 0.3% to 0.5% per year. That means:
- After 25 years, your system will still be producing 80-90% of its original power output (Solar Magazine).
- Many systems continue generating strong energy savings well beyond that timeframe.
- Manufacturers back up performance guarantees with 25+ year warranties.
Think about that: a system you install today will still be running efficiently decades from now. Few investments offer that kind of long-term return.
Myth #4: Solar Won’t Work on Cloudy Days or in Cold Climates
This is one of the most persistent myths, and it’s completely false.
Solar panels generate electricity from light, not heat. So while a bright sunny day is ideal, solar panels still produce power on cloudy days and in cold temperatures.
In fact, cold weather can actually improve efficiency because lower temperatures reduce electrical resistance. That’s why some of the most successful solar markets are in places with long winters, including:
- Germany – A global leader in solar, despite having less sunlight than many U.S. states (ARS Technica).
- Massachusetts & Minnesota – Both rank in the top 15 for U.S. solar installations, despite their harsh winters.
In the Midwest, we design solar systems that account for seasonal variations to ensure consistent energy production year-round. Even in the winter months, solar keeps working—helping businesses lock in savings regardless of the weather.
Myth #5: Solar is an Unproven Technology That Will Become Obsolete
Some business owners worry that solar is just a trend—that new technology will come along and make today’s systems outdated.
That couldn’t be further from the truth.
- Solar has been a proven energy source for over 50 years.
- As businesses realize its financial benefits, the U.S. solar industry is growing over 40% annually.
- Government incentives continue to support solar adoption, making it a long-term investment strategy.
What’s changing isn’t whether solar works—it’s how much better it’s getting. Efficiency improvements, battery storage advancements, and smart energy management are making solar even more powerful and cost-effective than ever before.
This isn’t a short-term trend. Solar is the future of energy, and businesses that invest now will reap the benefits for decades.
The Bottom Line: Commercial Solar is Built to Last
We’ve worked with countless businesses that were skeptical about solar. They had concerns about durability, efficiency, and long-term value. But once they saw the real-world data—and the savings on their energy bills—those doubts disappeared.
Here’s what we’ve proven time and time again:
- Solar panels are designed for extreme weather conditions and can handle everything from hail to heavy snowfall.
- Maintenance is minimal, making solar a set-it-and-forget-it energy solution.
- Efficiency remains strong for decades, ensuring your investment pays off long-term.
- Cloudy or cold weather doesn’t stop solar from producing power—in fact, some of the most successful solar markets have long winters.
- Solar is not a passing trend—it’s a proven, future-proof investment backed by industry growth and financial incentives.
At Artisun Solar, we help businesses take control of their energy future. Whether you’re looking to cut operating expenses, increase property value, or protect your business from rising energy costs, solar is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Want to see how solar can work for your business? Let’s talk.
