Solar Panels

Run your home on clean energy or sell it back to the grid.

Savings. Sustainability. Self-Reliance.

As electricity rates continue to rise and power outages grow more frequent, rooftop solar systems are helping homeowners save money and become more independent. Producing your own emission-free solar power also reduces the carbon footprint of your energy consumption.

Questions? Find answers in our FAQ

How Do Solar Panels Work?

solar power diagram 2

solar power diagram tablet

solar power diagram mobile

1. Panels Convert Solar Energy To Electricity

Your solar panels contain hundreds of photovoltaic (PV) cells made from semiconductor material. During daylight hours, they convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.

1

2. Inverter Converts
Electricity To AC

Most homes run on alternating current (AC) power. DC electricity flows from your solar panels to an inverter, which stabilizes and converts it to AC power.

2

3. Power Flows To Your
Electrical Panel

Your inverter is wired to your electrical panel. Electricity flows from the inverter through your panel to power your house.

3

4. Unused Power Goes Back
To The Grid

Your inverter sends any unused power you generate back to the public grid (or uses it to charge your battery storage system, if you have one).

4

1. Panels Convert Solar Energy To Electricity

Your solar panels contain hundreds of photovoltaic (PV) cells made from semiconductor material. During daylight hours, they convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.

1

2. Inverter Converts Electricity To AC

Most homes run on alternating current (AC) power. DC electricity flows from your solar panels to an inverter, which stabilizes and converts it to AC power.

2

3. Power Flows To Your Electrical Panel

Your inverter is wired to your electrical panel. Electricity flows from the inverter through your panel to power your house.

3

4. Unused Power Goes Back To The Grid

Your inverter sends any unused power you generate back to the public grid (or uses it to charge your battery storage system, if you have one).

4

1. Panels Convert Solar Energy To Electricity

Your solar panels contain hundreds of photovoltaic (PV) cells made from semiconductor material. During daylight hours, they convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.

1

2. Inverter Converts Electricity To AC

Most homes run on alternating current (AC) power. DC electricity flows from your solar panels to an inverter, which stabilizes and converts it to AC power.

2

3. Power Flows To Your Electrical Panel

Your inverter is wired to your electrical panel. Electricity flows from the inverter through your panel to power your house.

3

4. Unused Power Goes Back To The Grid

Your inverter sends any unused power you generate back to the public grid (or uses it to charge your battery storage system, if you have one).

4

Sound complicated? Don’t worry, Qmerit is here to help you get started.

Designing Your Solar System: Key Considerations

Your solar company will take a number of factors into consideration when designing a panel setup to present to local authorities for approval.

Your Electricity Usage

Your installer will look at past electric bills to determine how many panels you need. The average home requires 15-25 panels to fully cover electricity costs during daylight hours.

Condition of Your Roof

Your solar installer will inspect your roof to ensure it won’t need replacing soon, since solar panels can typically last 25-30 years.

Direction Your Roof Faces

South- and east-facing roofs are ideal to capture as much sun as possible, but you can still have solar panels installed if your roof faces elsewhere.

Your Electricity Usage

Solar panels need direct sunlight to maximize production, so your solar company will look for potential obstructions such as nearby trees. However, solar solutions are still available even if your roof is partially shaded at times.

Benefits to Investing in a Home Solar System

Greater Energy
Independence

As grid reliability declines, producing your own energy can keep your home running even during power outages. Adding battery storage can ensure you have power available during outages, even at night.

Higher
Property Values

Your home’s resale value rises $20 for every dollar you shave off your annual utility costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Smaller Carbon
Footprint

Running your home on solar energy whenever possible promotes sustainability, and selling that power back to the grid helps your utility reduce its own carbon footprint.

Tax
Incentives

Homeowners who go solar are eligible for federal tax credits and—in many states—sales and property tax exemptions. The federal government also offers credits for battery storage systems.

Solar System Top FAQs

Are EV charging stations universal? Can a heat pump work with my existing heating system? Can a nanogrid increase the value of my home? Can an EV charging station be plugged into a dryer receptacle? Do solar panels work in cloudy weather? Can I install the home charging station myself? Do heat pumps function in cold weather? How long do solar systems last?

Solar Panel Resources

Learn about rooftop solar and its role in home electrification.

June 16, 2022

Is a Smart Panel Right For Your Home?

Read More

June 14, 2022

It’s Time to Get Smart – Your Guide to Smart Electrical Panels, What They Are and Why You Need One

Read More

June 9, 2022

The Future of the Grid is Going Nano

Read More

June 7, 2022

Nanogrids – The Smaller But Smarter Solution to Rural Electrification

Read More

June 3, 2022

Installing a Smart Home Panel? Look for These 5 Key Features

Read More

May 31, 2022

Are You Ready to Take Advantage of the Growing Demand for Nanogrids?

Read More

Trusted Solar Solutions

The Clear Way to Go Solar

Discover PowerHouse by Qmerit™ solar and home electrification solutions. We bring together premium products, high-quality installation and expert guidance at every step—all at a fair and transparent price that assures you’re getting the best possible value.

What’s Next on Your Electrification Journey?

Smart Panel & Battery Energy Storage

Maximize your solar investment by adding a battery storage system, which lets you store some of the energy you produce to use when it makes the most sense for you. A smart electrical panel allows you to coordinate your solar panels, battery storage and other electrification technologies.

Smart Panel

Monitor and manage your energy use and automate when your home runs on battery vs. grid power—all from your smartphone.

Learn More

Battery Energy Storage

Store power to use during peak hours when utility rates are higher—or if the grid goes down.

Learn More

wholehome battery smartpanel2

Ready to Get Started?

Get Competing Quotes
& Expert Guidance

It’s easier than ever for homeowners to go solar with online estimates and one-on-one support from our partner EnergySage.

Get Started