As renewable energy adoption grows, businesses are being exposed to more information than ever before about new technologies: facts and fiction.
Solar panels, battery storage and wind turbines are all hot button issues in the world of business energy and beyond.
But misconceptions prevent many businesses from even having a conversation about how renewables could work for them.
We are here to clear up some common myths we keep hearing - and explain how renewable energy actually works.
In this article:
This is probably the most common misconception about renewable energy. To clear it up, we have to understand the word ‘works’.
Yes, it’s true, solar panels need sun to generate electricity and wind turbines need wind to generate electricity. But your lights, equipment and facilities aren’t going to flicker on and off with each passing cloud or every time the wind drops.
Most businesses with on-site generation install battery storage systems. Any excess electricity generated by panels or turbines will go into storage to be deployed when weather conditions are unfavourable.
You’re also unlikely to cut yourself off from the National Grid entirely. You can use as much energy as you generate on site and seamlessly take power from the grid to match demand.
This way, you benefit from homegrown energy with the reliability of traditional systems to back up your supply.
This leads nicely onto a second myth. We love Great Britain, but we only tolerate the great British weather.
It’s easy to think Britain couldn’t be a solar energy superpower when the rain beats down on your windows in mid-July.
However, solar panels only require daylight as opposed to intense sunshine to operate.
Of course, the brighter the better, more direct sunlight is going to produce more power than a grey day, but positioning your panels well can make the most of nationwide conditions.
In fact, the UK ranked among the top 20 countries in the world for solar power generation in 2024 and solar accounted for 6.8% of total generation in the year from June 2025.
This is more of an outdated truth than a pure myth. But it’s time to set the record straight.
For a time, renewable energy infrastructure could be considered costly compared to fossil-fuel equivalents, but a combination of new technology, increasing competition and economies of scale have all driven costs down rapidly.
The global weighted average total installed cost of projects commissioned in 2024 was 87% lower than in 2010, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Upfront costs can also be reduced by a series of subsidies, grants and tax reliefs, while the lower ongoing unit costs deliver a return on investment, typically within 6-10 years for solar projects.
The IRENA report also found 91% of all newly commissioned utility-scale renewable projects delivered electricity at a lower cost than the cheapest new fossil fuel-fired alternative.
Small businesses and individual homes are now able to benefit from renewable generation. You don’t need to be a large corporation to access homegrown solar and wind power.
Like any physical equipment, maintenance is required to ensure systems are running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. But new infrastructure is designed with minimal fuss in mind.
Solar panels do not have any moving parts, drastically reducing how much attention they require for upkeep. They tend to require little more than occasional inspections and cleaning.
Wind turbines and battery systems generally require a little more attention, but this can be routine and predictable.
Think of solar panels and your mind will conjure up an image of rows upon rows of black sheets stacked across fields and hills. Think of wind turbines and you’re imagining a 100ft behemoth towering over farmland.
Both are great ways to increase national production, but sites of all sizes can benefit from panels and turbines to suit your facilities.
If you own a pub, your roof space is enough to get started. Run a rural business? A smaller turbine working in harmony with panels on a disused warehouse roof could work wonders.
Renewable solutions can be tailored to your bespoke situation. Businesses of all sizes can reduce their costs and boost their protection from market forces with whatever space they have available.
Many businesses assume renewable energy generation is little more than a symbol of sustainability without any tangible benefits. They are wrong.
The reality is that renewable energy can significantly reduce the amount of electricity you need to purchase from the grid.
Every unit of electricity generated and consumed on-site is one you don't need to buy from your supplier.
Your homegrown energy cost could sit around 3-4p per kWh, down from an average of 20-30p on a traditional energy contract, though rates will vary.
Renewable energy is not a silver bullet that eliminates energy bills altogether. Most businesses remain connected to the grid and continue to purchase some electricity.
However, generating at least a portion of your own energy can reduce exposure to market volatility and lower long-term operating costs.
Renewable energy is not a one-size-fits-all product. The amount of available roof space on your site, your energy usage patterns, operating hours and location all play a role in determining what could work best.
For some businesses, solar panels offer a straightforward route to reducing electricity costs. For others, battery storage may provide greater value by helping them maximise the energy they already generate or purchase.
Businesses with large outdoor sites may also be able to explore wind generation, while organisations with high energy demands may benefit from combining multiple technologies
Before investing in any renewable technology, it is important to understand:
Whether grants, incentives or tax reliefs are available.
It’s tricky to know where to start with renewable energy for business. The boom feels new and overwhelming. There’s a lot of noise. You can’t separate the truth from myths and rumours.
We get it. We can support you.
Troo exists to help businesses like yours make sense of their energy needs, simplify complex information and make smart decisions that lead to real change and reduced costs.
We are not here to sell you a quick fix. We're here to understand what matters to you, offer clear advice, and take ownership of the hard parts, so energy becomes one less thing to worry about.
Book a free energy health check today to explore renewable energy options for your business.