Spark Your Energy IQ
We bust myths & light up truths.
At the core of our mission is clarity—helping you navigate the complexities of solar energy with accurate information and innovative solutions. Explore the truth behind common myths about solar energy and discover the facts that make a difference. With every question you have, we’re here to shed light on what matters most, giving you the knowledge you need to make impactful, sustainable choices for the future.
1 - The power of the solar plant should be equal to the power of the connection.
Incorrect. Quite the opposite. A good practice is “over panelling,” where the installed capacity of the solar plant (kWp) exceeds the inverter capacity (kW).
2 - Microinverters are a more efficient solution than string inverters.
Incorrect. Since they are located beneath the panels, microinverters are exposed to higher temperatures, especially in summer. These high temperatures can cause greater efficiency losses. Larger microinverters may even shut down during summer due to this. Additionally, high temperatures can negatively affect the panels themselves, as heat reduces their efficiency.
3 - Microinverters are always a better solution for partial shading.
Incorrect. Microinverters convert DC to AC for each solar panel separately, which is beneficial for partial shading or when panels are installed at different angles or orientations. However, even in these cases, a combination of string inverters and optimizers is often a better solution.
4 - Microinverters make it easier for the customer to upgrade the system later.
Incorrect. In most cases, it is easier to upgrade a string inverter.
5 - String inverters are outdated compared to microinverters.
Incorrect. The obsolescence of a technological solution is not determined solely by its invention or production date, but by its applicability, efficiency, and ability to meet current needs. For example, alternating current, introduced by Nikola Tesla in 1888, is still the foundation of electrical grids worldwide.
The term “turnkey” always means the same.
Incorrect. The term “turnkey” is often used in marketing, but in practice, it does not always mean the same.
For example, many services that a customer might expect based on marketing claims may be excluded by the contract. Therefore, it is crucial to verify what the offer and contract truly include, and what is not covered by the listed price.
The lowest price criterion is the only criterion when choosing a designer and/or contractor.
Incorrect. For maximum savings and long-term peace of mind for the plant owner, other factors must also be considered.
This includes the designer’s references, the installer’s references, the quality of the components used, warranties (extended or minimum), as well as additional services such as fire protection, structural, and wind stability design. It is also important to consider whether the offer includes items such as switchboards, meter replacements, preparation of additional documents, obtaining necessary permits, plant insurance, maintenance and cleaning in the first year, virtual monitoring of plant performance and reporting to the owner, or the possibility of using a mobile app to track system performance. It is crucial to also check the company’s customer support, such as how quickly and effectively they respond to inquiries.
Solar power plants are unprofitable in the continental part of Croatia or in conditions of partial shading.
Incorrect. Finland installed more megawatts of solar capacity last year than Croatia has ever installed.
Even in conditions of partial shading, solar systems can be highly profitable, thanks to advanced technology and good design practices.
Investing in batteries is generally unprofitable because the grid in Croatia functions like a battery.
Incorrect. Investing in batteries can be profitable, especially for users who want greater independence from the grid, stability in case of power outages, or optimal consumption management.
Batteries allow storing energy produced during the day, which can be used at night or during weather conditions when energy production from solar panels is not optimal. Moreover, the profitability of batteries also depends on price differences in the intraday electricity market. If the price differences are significant, investing in batteries can lead to additional savings. Furthermore, battery technology is constantly advancing, and the cost of energy storage is decreasing.
There is a high risk of fire in power plants, and especially a high risk of fire in batteries.
Incorrect. If the power plant is professionally designed, executed, and maintained, with high-quality and certified components, the risk of fire is minimal.
Regarding battery fire risk, data from 2023 shows that electric vehicles are far safer than internal combustion vehicles (gasoline/diesel). According to the National Traffic Safety Board in the U.S., gasoline vehicles were involved in around 1,530 fires per 100,000 sold vehicles, while electric vehicles were involved in only 25 fires per 100,000 sold vehicles. In Sweden, with 40% electric or hybrid vehicles, the fire rate for electric vehicles was only 0.004%, while for gasoline/diesel vehicles, it was 20 times higher at 0.08%. This clearly shows that electric vehicles, and therefore systems like solar batteries, are largely safe.
It is impossible to extinguish a fire in a battery.
Incorrect. In this 2022 video, techniques and tools are described that allow the extinguishing of an intense battery fire in an electric vehicle in 10 minutes using only 750 liters of water.
Moreover, in a webinar on best practices for extinguishing EV vehicle fires, firefighters from Norway successfully applied the recommended method for extinguishing electric vehicle fires, proving that it is possible to effectively manage fire risks in electric vehicles and systems.
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14 Costly Mistakes Companies Make When Installing Solar (And How to Avoid Them)
How to protect your investment, avoid hidden costs, and make your solar project a success from day one.
What separates a solid solar investment from a costly mistake? Often, it’s the overlooked details.
Decisions made early in the process can affect key factors—from system performance and efficiency to future scalability.
Solar installations require foresight, precision, and accountability. Strategic thinking today helps prevent setbacks, unnecessary complications and build for the future.
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