Frequently Asked Questions

How do Solar PV panels work?

Solar panels absorb the sun’s energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Residential, Commercial establishments run on alternating current (AC) electricity, therefore, DC electricity is then converted with the use of Inverters to make it usable AC electricity.

What happens at night?

Solar PV systems produce electricity only when they are exposed to sunlight, so at night you will need to either invest in battery storage or buy power from another source. The benefit of a grid-connected solar panel system is that your household will be powered naturally during the day and the grid (e.g. Meralco) can supply you with electricity at night.

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 (Off-Grid System), you will still receive a bill from your power utility provider. Hence, you can dramatically reduce your bill for as much as 50% (depending on the system design) tailored fit to your energy consumption patterns.

What will happened if there's Grid Feed In or Excess Production?

For Grid Tie Solar PV System: The excess production will go to GRID (DU-Distribution Utility or EC-Electric Cooperative) and if that will happen this production will be considered as consumption – if you did not availed of the NET METERING program from your DU/EC.

For Hybrid System (with Battery): The excess production will be stored in the battery once fully charged, and still there’s excess it will go to GRID.

What is Export Control?

Export Control is one of the added Features of WeGen Solar PV System (using Solar Edge Inverter) which feature prevents/controls the excess energy produced from going to the GRID (preventing power feed in to Grid) to avoid charges from your respective DU/EC. Export control is also known as Limiter or Zero Export Controller.

We usually program (med) the Export Control On if the facility is a) NOT Net Metered yet, if the facility is b) Not advisable for net metering or c) if there’s a potential excess production in a specific time of the day or day in a week/month to avoid charges from DU/EC once the excess energy goes to them.

Export Control is already included in WeGen Standard Offer for Solar PV System (using SolarEdge Inverter) with no additional cost.

What is Net Metering?

NET METERING allows the customers of Distribution Utilities (DUs) / Electric Cooperatives (EC):
– To install on-site Renewable Energy (RE) facility not exceeding 100 kW in capacity – 100 kWp DC of Solar.
– To generate electricity for their own use.
Any electricity generated that is not consumed by the customer is automatically exported to the DU/ECs distribution system (GRID)

DU/EC gives a peso credit for the excess electricity received equivalent to the DUs blended generation cost, excluding other generation adjustments, and deducts the credit earned to the customers electric bills.

Other but Similar Meaning:
Under RA 9513, also known as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, customers can install renewable energy (RE) facilities with a capacity of up to 100kW in their properties. Any excess RE electricity produced is exported to a distribution utility (DU) like Meralco, and its corresponding value will be given as credits to the customer’s next bill.

For RE installations above 100kW or for those that are solely for the customer’s own use, these are not covered by the Net Metering program, but fall under Zero Export (Own Use). Customers are still required to inform the DU about such installations to ensure that the RE facility does not inadvertently leak energy back to the grid.

However in NET METERING, the DU/EC will only pay around 40% kWh rate on the average (Basically the Generation Charge)

What will happen if you did not apply for NET METERING?

If you don’t have the right meter installed, DU/EC will read the excess power produced by your solar panels as additional consumption. This means you will be billed for both the power that Meralco supplied your home as well as the surplus power your solar panels provided.
EXPORT CONTROL should be programmed.

Can I own a Solar PV System even without applying for Net Metering?

Yes, you can use a Solar PV System even without applying Net Metering. The Net Metering is just an option or program from your DU/EC that enables you to sell to them your unused or excess energy produced. If you’re not planning to apply for NET METERING we can simply design a system based on your needs for your consumption during day time; or better simply shift your electric usage into day time between 10AM to 3PM which will increase your utilization of the solar energy produced. Also we will turn on the Export Control features to avoid possible feed in and charges.

Aside from NET Metering, what is the best solution to Maximize the Production of the Solar PV System and get more SAVINGS?

In order to maximize the production of the Solar PV System and generate more savings, it is recommended to shift some of your electric consumption to daytime between 10AM to 3PM. Change of Activities such as Ironing and washing of clothes, and to Schedule usage of Electrical Equipment and Appliances in the daytime between 10AM to 3PM.

What are the requirements for Net Meter application?

Common Requirements but not limited to, this will depend on the LGU/DU or EC provider:
– Identification Documents
– Application Form
– Electrical and/or Building Permit
– Certificate of Compliance (COC) – Energy Regulatory Commission
– Technical Requirements
– Distribution Impact Study
– Certificate of the Final Inspection
– NET Metering Agreement

Will a Grid-Tied PV System work in a blackout/brownout?

If your solar panel system is connected to the grid (Grid-Tie System), it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair-people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid.

This is in compliance to International/National Electrical Code of the Philippines.

Will solar panels generate power during cloudy or rainy seasons?

Yes as long as there is a light coming from the sun (even in the rainy or cloudy days). (Yung liwanag po yung kino-convert into Solar Energy, hindi necessarily – heat from the sun.)

It depends. But the idea is that as long as there is “Light “coming from the sun even if it’s cloudy or there is rain, that light will be converted into electricity and can be used by the household through our Solar PV System.
Usually it will still produce electricity but lower than the usual. However WeGen is actually using a PV Solution Software which already consider the weather pattern for the past many years in your location as a basis for determining predictable production. And in our energy forecast we always consider the system production to include even cloudy days and rainy season.

What is Grid Tie PV System?

Grid Tie Solar PV System, is basic solar installation that uses a standard grid-tied inverter and does not have any battery storage

What is Hybrid PV System?

Hybrid solar systems combine the best from grid-tied and off-grid solar PV systems. These systems can either be described as off-grid solar PV with utility backup power, or grid-tied solar with extra battery storage.

What is Off-grid PV System?

An off-grid solar PV system (off-the-grid, standalone) is the obvious alternative to one that is grid-tied. To ensure access to electricity always, off-grid solar PV systems require battery storage and a backup generator (if you live off-the-grid). On top of this, a battery bank typically needs to be replaced after 3-5 years. Batteries are complicated, expensive and decrease overall system efficiency.

Why you are not offering a system with Battery Package (Hybrid)?

WeGen is not actively proposing a Hybrid System for now (Solar PV System with Storage) due to certain valid reasons:

Not Economical – It is not practical to invest in Battery Storage as of now, due to high cost of the battery pack. It is usually more than doubles to triples the price for the entire system.

Maintenance Issue – Usually battery pack lasts for only 3 years or even less – you have not yet gotten back your investment and you already need to re-invest and replace your battery storage system again.

However WeGen is currently talking/partnering with a Battery Gel Supplier which is on the testing phase now. This new type of battery is cheaper and have a long lasting storage system of up to 10 Years. Once we are ready and everything is approved, we’ll definitely offer it to all our partners.

Also, our current Grid Tie PV System design can easily convert to Hybrid System by putting ad+C7ditional components.

What size of solar energy system is ideal for a home, business and religious establishments?

The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use monthly. We require you to give us a) at least 12 months electric utility bills, b) the load profile (result of installing data loggers) or c) an Energy Audit we will conduct (checking all of your electric appliances and your usage schedule) d) your DAY TIME CONSUMPTION and e) available roof space (South facing is ideal).C53

How long do solar panels last?

Solar panels have an expected lifespan of at least 25 years (there are panels installed in the 1970s that are still generating power), and they are typically warrantied for 25 years and they lasted even more than 25 years. They are generally made with tempered glass that is rated to withstand a direct vertical impact of a one-inch diameter hail stone traveling 50 miles per hour