Solar has come a long way—but some old myths just won’t quit. Along the Gulf Coast, we hear the same concerns over and over from homeowners who are curious about solar but hesitant because of things they’ve been told.
Let’s clear the air.
Below are the most common solar myths we still hear in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle—and what actually matters in the real world.
This is probably the biggest one.
The truth:
Modern solar systems are engineered to meet strict wind-load requirements, often rated for 130–160+ mph when installed correctly. The key word there is installed correctly.
Problems during storms usually come from:
Poor racking
Missed rafters
Cheap mounting hardware
Rushed workmanship
A properly installed system is far more durable than most people realize—and in many cases, panels survive storms that damage roofs around them.
👉 Solar doesn’t fail hurricanes. Bad installs do.
This one stops a lot of homeowners in their tracks.
The truth:
Solar does not damage a healthy roof when installed by professionals who:
Flash every penetration
Seal to manufacturer specs
Respect roof age and condition
In fact, panels can extend the life of the roof areas they cover by shielding them from sun, rain, and UV exposure.
Roof damage almost always traces back to shortcuts—not solar itself.
We hear this constantly near the coast.
The truth:
Quality solar panels are built to withstand harsh environments, including salt air. Many panels used on the Gulf Coast are certified for coastal and marine conditions.
What does matter:
Panel quality
Corrosion-resistant hardware
Proper grounding
Clean wire management
Cheap components in a salty environment? That’s where problems start.
Utility rules do vary—but solar can still make sense.
The truth:
Even with changing net metering policies, most Gulf Coast homeowners still see strong long-term value from solar when:
The system is properly sized
Energy usage is analyzed correctly
Financing is structured intelligently
Solar isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. It’s a custom energy system, and design matters more than ever.
This myth leads people to focus on brand names instead of what really matters.
The truth:
Two homes with the same panels can perform wildly differently depending on:
Roof layout
Shading
Inverter choice
Wire management
Installer skill
Workmanship, design, and system layout will impact your savings far more than chasing the “top” panel brand.
Sadly, this fear isn’t made up.
The truth:
Some companies do disappear—but that’s why who you choose matters.
Look for:
Local presence
Transparent warranties
Clear workmanship guarantees
Real service processes, not just sales promises
Solar is a 25+ year investment. Your installer should be planning to still answer the phone.
Most solar myths aren’t about solar at all.
They’re about:
Bad installs
Cheap equipment
Rushed sales
Poor long-term planning
On the Gulf Coast, solar works exceptionally well when it’s designed for our climate, our storms, and our homes.
If you’re considering solar, the smartest move isn’t asking “What brand?”
It’s asking “Who’s installing it—and how?”