Are homeowners being confused by myths and misconceptions that may be circulating about renewable energy that could be
saving them money?
Associate director of Sutton Blake Architects Ian Blake was responding to a question on the BBC website about the practicalities of installing renewable energy in British homes, particularly housing estates.
When addressing solar energy, Mr Blake said it was a "popular misconception" that solar panels, in particular photovoltaic panels (PV), needed lots of sunlight to work and provide energy savings.
He said that the cells "can actually generate
electricity on a cloudy day", although Mr Blake did stress that shadows from trees or overshadowing buildings would affect such systems.
Nevertheless, his words will give encouragement that even the Great British stereotypically overcast day is not a deterrence.
Mr Blake did admit that certain energy-saving devices would not suit every homeowner.
However, the rate of evolution in the renewable energy sector means that certain stereotypes about solar energy are becoming outdated in the same way as the notion that solar calculators can't help school children with homework at night.
Incidentally the informative website, eHow, says that a solar calculator stores energy in its battery, the news the world has been dying to find out.
When Chris Goodall tackled many of these "big energy myths" in November 2008, he said that "rapid innovation" meant that new-generation solar energy systems are capturing far more energy from the sun.
In addition, Mr Goodall wrote in the Guardian, solar panels are no longer ungainly, large or stick out like a sore thumb, but are now far more slick and streamlined.
He dispensed with the idea that solar was too expensive for British mainstream energy consumption both now and in years to come.
Indeed, Mr Blake pointed out that anyone looking to invest in solar PV cells, which would be embedded into the roof of a property, may find that it costs no more than 'traditional' panels which sit on top of the roof.
It may take more obvious steps to rid the world of energy myths, perhaps even much of Britain's streets decked in solar panels. In the meantime, it is best to take most criticisms of renewable energy with a pinch of salt.
