What is a solar inverter and why do I need one?

A solar inverter converts the DC electricity produced by solar panels into AC electricity used by household appliances. Without an inverter, you cannot use the electricity generated by your solar panels in a normal home.

What is the difference between grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid solar systems?

Grid-tied systems connect to the Meralco grid for net metering but shut off during brownouts. Off-grid systems use battery banks and work independently from the grid. Hybrid systems combine both: they connect to the grid and have battery backup for brownouts.

How does solar net metering work in the Philippines?

Under Philippine net metering (ERC rules), excess solar electricity you generate is exported to the grid, and your distribution utility credits you at the generation charge rate. Most homeowners see their net bill drop to distribution charges only.

Do solar panels work on cloudy days in the Philippines?

Yes. Solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy days, typically at 10–25% of their rated capacity. In the Philippines, even during the rainy season, panels produce enough to significantly offset consumption.

Education

How do solar panels work?

A simple, complete explanation of how solar panels convert sunlight into electricity for your home — from photovoltaic cells to your Meralco bill.

From sunlight to electricity: 4 steps

Sunlight hits the panels

Each solar panel contains dozens of photovoltaic (PV) cells made from silicon. When sunlight photons strike the cells, they excite electrons and create direct current (DC) electricity.

Inverter converts DC to AC

The DC electricity flows into a solar inverter, which converts it to 220V/60Hz AC electricity — the same type used by your appliances, lights, and air conditioners.

Powers your home first

Solar electricity powers your home directly. Your appliances run on solar power during daylight hours, bypassing Meralco completely and reducing your bill.

Excess goes to battery or grid

Surplus electricity charges your battery bank (hybrid system) or flows back to the Meralco grid via net metering, earning you credits on your bill.

Types of solar systems in the Philippines

Grid-Tied

Connected to Meralco. Uses net metering to export excess power. Shuts off during brownouts. Lowest cost.

Pros

Lowest upfront cost

Net metering credits

No battery maintenance

Best for: Low brownout areas (Metro Manila)

Hybrid

Grid-connected + battery storage. Powers home during brownouts and at night from stored solar.

Pros

Brownout protection

Net metering eligible

Night-time solar use

Best for: Most Philippine homes

Off-Grid

Fully independent from Meralco. Relies entirely on batteries for storage. Best for remote areas.

Pros

No Meralco dependence

Works in remote areas

Best for: Remote areas, islands

Solar panel wiring: series vs parallel

How panels are connected affects voltage, current, and system performance. Here is how series and parallel wiring work in Philippine solar installations.

Series Wiring

Panels are wired positive-to-negative, increasing voltage while keeping current the same. Used when you need higher voltage for your inverter.

Pros

Lower current = thinner wires

Better for long wire runs

Works with most string inverters

Cons

×Shade on one panel affects the whole string

×Higher voltage = higher safety risk

Typical use: Most common 5kW residential setups

Parallel Wiring

All positives connect together and all negatives connect together, increasing current while keeping voltage the same. Used with microinverters or charge controllers.

Pros

Shade on one panel doesn't affect others

Lower voltage = safer

Easy to expand later

Cons

×Higher current = thicker wires needed

×More complex wiring

Typical use: Small systems, off-grid with charge controllers

Solar panel questions answered

Solar panels generate electricity through the photovoltaic (PV) effect. Photons from sunlight knock electrons loose in silicon cells, creating direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts DC to alternating current (AC) that powers your home.

Ready to put solar to work?

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