Frequently asked

The system your utility company uses to credit back your solar energy is called net metering. With this, you will only be responsible for paying for the electricity you use beyond your solar production. These policies will vary by state, so it’s a good idea to consult your solar energy consultant or research your specific area to ensure you have clear, accurate information.

Most solar energy systems are connected to the electric grid, which means that when the power goes out, your panels will power down and won’t be able to generate electricity. When the power grid goes down, your panels have a built-in safety feature that causes them to stop producing electricity automatically. This feature prevents your panels from pushing the electricity produced into the grid while utility workers try to repair them, which could have dangerous results.

Your electricity bill will likely look different than you’re used to after you’ve made the switch to solar. Thanks to net metering, you can receive money back for overproduced electricity that goes into your local grid. Your electricity bill could reflect this credit as compensation for the amount of electricity received.

If at any time you believe that your solar panel system is experiencing a problem, contact our support team as soon as possible at (850) 220-6533 or email onestop@merakisolutions.com. The sooner we know the problem and can investigate it, the sooner we can get your system back up and running!

Do you know how a residential solar panel system works? While it may seem complicated, there are only few key pieces to learn in order to get a complete picture of what your solar system can do!

A solar system starts with solar panels that are made up of PV (photovoltaic) cells which convert sunlight into DC (direct current) electricity

Each panel produces electricity, therefore it will take a certain number of panels to create enough power for your home

The DC electricity from your panels moves on to your inverter, which converts DC to usable AC (alternating current) electricity

The converted AC electricity moves to your home’s breaker box, which is directed to your outlets to power up your home

If your solar panels generate electricity that surpasses your home needs, the excess energy flows through your utility meter and enters the power grid. Alternatively, if your usage exceeds the electricity your solar power system can generate, you can also draw electricity from the grid.

Scale the size of your system based on your home’s size, the amount of power your family uses, and a few other factors. Here are some things that we consider when calculating how many panels to put on your roof:

The electrical capacity of your solar panels is measured in watts (W), and the typical panel produces 250-300W each

If you install ten solar panels that each produce 300W, your total system wattage would be 3,000W

1,000W is equal to one kilowatt (kW), so the same system mentioned above would be 3kW

Before we install solar panels, we always take the time to discuss each homeowner’s needs so that we can suggest a system that will meet or surpass expectations. Your solar energy system should produce enough power for your whole home to reduce dependency on the grid.

A solar panel system’s cost varies depending on factors such as the number of panels required for your family, any roof updates needed, and more. Local factors can also affect the price of your system, like the costs of labor and materials. However, saving options are unique to each state, like tax credits, incentives, and more. Ask your solar energy consultant or a qualified financial advisor for more information and to see what’s available for you!

One of the best things about solar is that it’s made up of technology that requires minimal maintenance. The PV cells have no moving parts, so it’s unlikely that your equipment will fail or need replacing during the lifespan of your solar panels.

The wiring may sometimes need replacement or repair if rodents or weather damage them, but that’s generally on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, your inverter may need to be replaced around 10-12 years after your installation is complete.

The solar panels on your roof will typically stay clean and clear thanks to natural weather like rain or snow, depending on your region. Still, it can be helpful to get a professional cleaning occasionally in dry seasons.

During your installation, ask your solar installer for recommendations for qualified solar professionals that can visit your home to inspect your panels every 3-5 years to ensure everything is still working correctly.