Surprisingly durable myths surround photovoltaics – from «there is not enough sun in Switzerland» to «the modules will not last ten years». Most stem from a time when both were still reasonably debatable, or from the neighbouring country with different rules. Here is the fact check on the twelve most common – honestly, even where there is some truth to the myth. (As of: July 2026)
Key points in brief
- The most persistent myths concern the sun, lifespan and profitability – all three can be quickly debunked with numbers.
- There is some truth to two myths: in the event of a power failure, a standard system actually delivers nothing, and a single-family home does not become self-sufficient even with a battery.
- Rule of thumb for solar claims: Anyone who gives blanket figures without «depending on» is telling a sales story rather than facts.
Myths about sun and roof
Myth 1: «There is not enough sun in Switzerland»
The classic – and easiest to refute. On the Swiss Plateau, one kilowatt of installed power produces roughly 900 to 1,050 kilowatt hours per year; sunny locations in the Alps and in Valais are above that. The Swiss Plateau gets more sun than large parts of Germany, where millions of systems operate economically. By the way, the federal government shows you how much reaches your roof for free – the article Reading sonnendach.ch correctly explains how.
Myth 2: «Without a south-facing roof I can forget about it»
East-west roofs overall deliver slightly less than an ideal south-facing roof – but they distribute production better over the day, which benefits self-consumption. For profitability, this is often more important than maximum annual production. The critical factor is not the cardinal direction, but strong shading. Details: Orientation and inclination.
Myth 3: «PV ruins the roof»
Professionally installed systems do not damage the roof – the mounting systems are designed for Swiss wind and snow loads, and the modules even protect the underlying covering from the weather. The real question is another one: Is the roof fit enough for the next 25 years? A renovation that is due anyway belongs before the modules, not after.
Myths about technology and lifespan
Myth 4: «The modules only last ten years»
Modules are designed to last 25 to 30 years and more, the manufacturers provide long performance warranties, and the annual loss of performance is well under one percent – well documented in the article on degradation. The component with the shortest lifespan is the inverter, which is typically replaced once in the life of the system. Anyone who says «ten years» is usually confusing exactly these two.
Myth 5: «Manufacturing consumes more energy than the system ever produces»
This myth was already outdated years ago and is even more so today: A system in Switzerland is energetically amortised after around 15 months and delivers 15 to 20 times as much energy over its lifetime as its production cost (Swissolar/treeze); the Fraunhofer ISE calculates about 1.1 years for Europe. With a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, a multiple therefore remains as a surplus. The complete calculation, including the CO₂ balance, can be found in the guide Grey energy in solar modules. On top of that: Recycling for modules is established in Switzerland and already paid for via advance disposal fees.
Myth 6: «Hail destroys the modules»
Modules for the Swiss market are tested for hail impacts; they survive normal hailstorms better than many a roof window. Extreme events can damage any building envelope – which is why the system is covered by the building insurance, just like the roof itself. After a severe storm, the system still needs to be checked, as described in the annual check.
Myth 7: «In the event of a power failure, at least I have my own electricity» – here the opposite is true
One of the two myths with the opposite sign: A standard system switches off for safety reasons in the event of a grid failure – it must not feed a grid that might be worked on. Emergency power capability is possible, but costs extra (suitable battery storage plus changeover device) and is only worthwhile if there is a real need. Anyone who sells you blackout protection as a free extra has not understood the system.
Myth 8: «With a battery, I become independent of the grid»
The battery shifts solar power from midday to evening – it does not turn summer into winter. Particularly in the high-consumption winter months, every single-family home remains dependent on purchasing from the grid; realistic degrees of self-sufficiency are far below what brochures suggest. More independent yes, self-sufficient no – the honest classification can be found in the article Is battery storage worth it?
Myths about money
Myth 9: «Solar is not worth it in Switzerland»
The calculation has three items: saved grid electricity through self-consumption, remunerated surplus, plus one-off feed-in incentive and tax deduction. In most constellations it works out – and honestly in some it does not, for example with heavily shaded roofs or very low consumption without perspective. It is exactly this differentiation that the myth lacks in both directions. The complete classification: Is a solar system worth it?
Myth 10: «The business is feeding in»
On the contrary: The economic core is the self-consumed electricity, which replaces more expensive grid purchases. The feed-in contributes to the calculation, but does not carry it – especially since tariffs fluctuate depending on the grid operator and year. Systems planned for maximum feed-in instead of the consumption profile regularly lead to disappointed expectations.
Myth 11: «Better wait – the technology is getting better and better»
The technology is indeed getting better, but only slowly: efficiencies are increasing in small steps, no leaps in sight. Anyone who waits five years gains a few percent of module performance and loses five full years of production plus five years of grid electricity at full price. This calculation practically never works out in favour of waiting.
Myths about effort and bureaucracy
Myth 12: «The paperwork is a nightmare»
There is paperwork – notification or application to the municipality, connection request to the grid operator, Pronovo registration, safety certificate. But: In many cases, a notification procedure instead of a building permit is sufficient for a standard system, and the entire process is taken care of by the installer at a reputable specialist company. You are left with a few signatures. What the path actually looks like: In 7 steps to a solar system.
And the bonus myth that should not be missing from any list: «Solar systems have to be cleaned constantly.» They do not – on most pitched roofs the rain does what is necessary, and cleaning subscriptions are rarely worth the money. The details: Cleaning the solar system.
Keep in mind: Almost every solar myth fails on the same question: «Does this apply to my roof, my consumption, my utility – or is it a blanket statement?» Serious answers contain a «depending on»; myths do without.
In initial consultations we encounter these twelve in a changing cast – most frequently myth 1 and 9, often in the same sentence. Interestingly, where they come from: Much of it is the state of affairs from fifteen years ago, some is German law that never applied to Switzerland, and some comes from providers who wanted to sell something with the counter-claim. Our approach is always the same – to take the claim seriously and check it with the figures for the specific house. Mostly the myth dissolves; occasionally the customer is right, and then we say so too.
Frequently asked questions
Where do most solar myths come from?
From three sources: outdated knowledge (prices and technology from ten, fifteen years ago), German conditions applied to Switzerland (different incentive system, different tariffs), and sales interests – in both directions.
How can I tell if a solar claim is true?
Ask for the source and the «depending on»: Serious statements on yield, costs and amortisation always depend on the roof, consumption and tariffs. Blanket figures without restrictions – whether for or against – are the most reliable warning signal.
Are there cases where the sceptics are right?
Yes, and we stand by that: heavily shaded roofs, roof coverings in need of renovation without any intention to renovate, very low consumption without heat pump or e-car perspective. In these constellations we also advise against it – this is part of honest consultation.
Free initial consultation
Does your «but» belong here too?
Bring your doubts with you – we will calculate them through with the figures for your house. Free of charge, without obligation and open to the result.
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Photovoltaics Switzerland – installation by a specialist company →
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Sources: Swiss Federal Office of Energy SFOE (sonnendach.ch), EnergieSchweiz, Swissolar, SENS eRecycling.
Last updated: 23 September 2026 · Author: ecoEn editorial team
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