Top 3 Myths About Solar in the Midwest

If you’ve ever looked into going solar, you’ve probably heard some version of these lines:

“It doesn’t work in winter.”
“There’s no way it saves you money.”
“Solar is only worth it in Arizona or California.”
They sound reasonable — but they’re not true.

Let’s unpack the top myths that keep people in Illinois from taking solar seriously, and why they’re outdated.

 
Myth #1: “Solar doesn’t work when it’s cloudy or cold”

This is probably the most common misconception, and it makes sense. Illinois winters aren’t exactly sunny, and snow definitely happens.

But here’s the truth:

Solar panels don’t need direct sunlight — they generate power from daylight, not heat
Cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency
Germany, one of the cloudiest countries in Europe, is also one of the global leaders in solar adoption
And snow? Most of it slides off panels quickly because of the tilt and the heat coming from the sun (even in winter). The impact on production is minimal over the course of the year.

 
Myth #2: “It’s too expensive or only for wealthy people”

This used to be true — but not anymore.

Through state-supported programs like Illinois Shines, homeowners can now go solar with zero upfront cost. You don’t buy the panels. You simply pay a fixed monthly rate for the power they generate.

In many cases, that rate is lower than what you’re already paying ComEd — especially when you factor in delivery charges and future increases.

If you own your home, have a solid roof, and a decent power bill, solar is no longer a luxury. It’s just math.

 
Myth #3: “You need to live in the middle of nowhere”

Plenty of people think you need 10 acres and no neighbors to qualify for solar. The truth is, most installations happen in normal neighborhoods — suburbs, residential blocks, even small towns.

What matters is roof exposure, not land size.

As long as your roof gets a decent amount of sun and isn’t completely covered by trees, you can qualify. It’s not about how much land you have. It’s about how much power your home uses and how well your roof can generate it.

 
Final Thoughts

Solar in Illinois isn’t perfect for everyone, but it’s a lot more practical than most people realize. The programs have changed. The tech has improved. And the math — for the right homes — actually works.

If you’ve been on the fence because of something you “heard,” take a second to dig a little deeper. The facts might surprise you.