There are a couple reasons that I am thinking about solar and the myths about its efficacy today.
As I look out my window and watch the snow falling, I am reminded of the temperature myth of solar. There are individuals who believe that solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are more effective in warmer climates, which is false. Solar PV works in all temperatures including freezing temperatures. Consider that the space station has solar panels that provide it energy although the temperature in space is negative 459 degrees. If panels can perform in that environment, your panels will still produce energy in Colorado in December. In fact, it is excess heat that can impact production negatively, not cold. Panels in Seattle Washington can be (and at certain times are) more productive than panels in Arizonia. The reason for decreases in solar PV energy production in the winter compared to the summer is all about light, not temperature. It is good to remember that the days are shorter in the winter and longer in the summer, and that is the predominant driver of electricity production.
The second reason is that, as I write today, January 9, 2025, it is the National Day of Mourning for Jimmy Carter. Carter was known for putting solar PV on the White House and for wearing a cardigan during his presidential address to the nation regarding the US Energy Crisis of 1979 where he urged people to conserve energy. This reminds me of the demand myth. I have always believed that using less and the efficiency of the building matter as much (if not more) than onsite generation when considering the efficacy of installing solar.
In our industry it is still good practice to put focus and intention into reducing consumption before we model the output we need from a solar PV system. As a best practice, do not take the current electrical load and immediately assume that that is the quantity of energy that you need to generate. When you first examine that energy load, look to see if there is any opportunity to reduce it. If we do not evaluate the cardigan and the panel together, we may fall to the myth that we cannot add enough panels to our building to offset our load.
The point is, if you are evaluating solar for your property, do not fall prey to the myths of location and demand, or you may miss an opportunity.
