Frequently Asked Questions
We answer the questions we get asked
You can also watch this short 30-second explainer video to learn about solar.
Most Popular Questions
Can I go off grid with solar panels?
When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all of the power that you need, and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage, but it will cost significantly more however battery prices keep going down and is getting more popular every day.
Can I afford to go solar?
If you can afford to pay your electricity bill you can afford to go solar. 0-Down solar financing options, including rent to own options, make it easy for homeowners and businesses with good credit to start saving on their electricity bills by going solar. Discuss with the MetSolar representative to assist in comparing costs and savings for multiple financing options.
How do solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work?
Solar panels absorb the sun’s energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in your house, store it in your batteries or in some cases feed back into the network for credit.
How to Find Out How Much You Pay for Electricity
The easiest way to find out how much you pay for electricity (and how much electricity you use per month) is to take a look at your electricity bill. The best way to easily assess your usage and cost is to compile one years electricity bills where an average can be calculated factoring in all seasons of the year.
What size solar energy system should I get?
The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use on a monthly basis, as well as the weather conditions where you live. Take a look at your past electricity bills for an accurate assessment.
Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn't shining?
The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart decision even if you live in a cloudy city.
Solar investment value
Can I go off grid with solar panels?
Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own, rather than lease, your solar power system. In most parts of the country, going solar will actually increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation.
What are the benefits of solar energy?
When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on utility rates from your supplier and your level of use, going solar is a smart investment as a professional system could give you decades of service and pay its cost back several times.
How do solar panels work in a blackout?
If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off in the event of a blackout. However, there are certain inverters you can buy that provide backup power in a blackout when paired with a battery.
How much will solar panel maintenance cost?
Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does happen, most equipment manufacturers include warranties, although warranty terms depend on the company.
How long will my solar power system last?
In general, solar panels are very durable and capable of withstanding snow, wind, and hail. The various components of your solar power system will need to be replaced at different times, but your system should continue to generate electricity for 25 years.
Electricity related questions
Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?
Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, you can dramatically reduce your bill, or even cut the amount you owe to 0, with a solar panel system that matches your energy use.
What is net metering?
Net metering is the system that utilities use to credit solar energy system owners for the electricity produced by their solar panels. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can generate. Net metering policies have been rolled out in many parts of the country and is expected to roll out nation wide. This could further the financial benefit you would receive from a solar power system. Please check with your local power authority for details in your area.
Batteries, panels and inverters
What are the different types of solar panels?
While every solar panel brand and product has unique specifications, MetSolar only uses Tier 1 bankable panels from some of the largest manufacturers in the world where their equipment and solutions have long track records of success with best in class back up services. Depending on several factors such as surrounding environment, radiation levels, available space, location and so forth MetSolar will only provide high quality panels.
Should I ask for a solar monitoring system for my solar panels?
If you are interested in receiving detailed information about how much energy your solar panel system is producing, many smart inverters are WIFI enabled which will sync with software application on your handheld, tab or PC. This software is generally part of the package and all you require is the WIFI network.
What are the different types of power inverters?
Power inverters convert the electricity your panels produce from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) power. There are three types of inverters: string/centralized inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers.
Do I need to install solar batteries with my solar power system?
Solar power systems that include solar batteries are increasingly popular, but can be a bit pricey. However the advances in battery technology going to lithium ion has made leaps and bounds in terms of performance levels increasing up to 400% and steadily reducing in price. If you are not initially installing batteries it is a good idea to ensure you get a hybrid inverter if you plan to add batteries at a later stage without having to purchase a new one. From there it is very easy to add on.