How Do Residential Solar Panel Work?

Residential Solar Panels: Light Up Your Home’s Future with MJAK Contracting

At MJAK Contracting, we work hard to improve homes throughout North Carolina by lowering energy bills and offering greener energy options with our combined roofing and solar power systems. Many homeowners we meet often ask: “How do those shiny panels turn sunlight into power for my house?” In this guide, we explain the basics, the main parts of a solar system, and why our roofing and solar experience makes switching to solar easy and stress-free.

Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Solar Power

Electric bills in North Carolina have gone up more than 10% over the past 10 years. Storms and hurricanes also cause frequent power outages. Solar power helps by lowering energy bills, making energy more reliable, and reducing your impact on the environment. Learning how it works is the first step toward making the switch.

How Solar Panels Make Electricity

Solar panels work thanks to the photovoltaic (PV) effect—a science term discovered in 1839. Here’s a simple explanation:

1. Sunlight Hits the Panel: The panel has two thin layers of special silicon—one with positive charge, one with negative.
2. Light Frees Electrons: Sunlight knocks loose tiny particles called electrons inside the panel.
3. Creates Electricity: These freed electrons move in one direction, creating direct current (DC) electricity.

Several of these solar cells make a panel. A group of panels is called a solar array and can power your whole home.

What Makes Up a Home Solar Power System?

A full solar system includes more than just the panels. Here are the key parts:

Solar Panels

These capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. They usually convert 18–22% of sunlight into power. North Carolina’s sunny weather makes this even more effective.

Inverter

Your home uses AC power, but panels make DC. The inverter changes DC into AC so your home can use it. There are three common types:

• String inverters – Great for roofs that get full sun.
• Micro-inverters – Placed under each panel, best for roofs with some shade.
• Hybrid inverters – Work with batteries for added storage.

Mounting & Racking

This is the system that attaches the panels to your roof safely and at the best angle for sunlight. As roof experts, we make sure your roof stays strong and leak-free during installation.

Monitoring System

Apps let you watch how much electricity your panels are making—just like a fitness tracker for your home’s energy.

Net Meter & Power Company Connection

Sometimes your system makes more power than you use, especially on sunny days. That extra power goes back to the electric grid, and you earn credits from your power company through net metering. Most North Carolina utilities offer this benefit.*
*Note: These programs can change, but we always stay up to date.

Optional Battery Storage

Batteries like the Tesla Powerwall store extra solar energy for later—perfect for nighttime or during outages. Many locals are choosing this added protection during hurricane season.

How Sunlight Becomes Power in Your Home

1. Sunlight Arrives: Light from the sun hits your roof.
2. Panel Captures It: The solar panel traps the sunlight.
3. Power Is Created: Energy in the light moves tiny particles, creating electricity.
4. Electricity Travels: Wires carry the electricity as DC power.
5. Power Is Converted: The inverter changes it to AC power.
6. Used at Home: The power runs your lights, appliances, and more.
7. Extra Goes Back: Unused power goes to the grid or your battery for future use.

Why North Carolina Is Great for Solar

• Lots of Sun: We get 4.5–5 hours of good sunlight per day, ideal for solar.
• Mild Winters: Cooler temps actually help panels work better.
• Financial Help: Incentives from Duke Energy and federal tax credits (30%) make going solar more affordable, with many systems paying for themselves in 8–12 years.

Roofing + Solar = A Perfect Match

Usually, homeowners hire both a roofer and a solar company. But that can lead to problems like leaks. As licensed roofing and solar pros, we handle everything:

1. Roof Check: We inspect your roof and recommend replacement if it’s aging.
2. Teamwork: Our roof and solar teams work together for a safe, lasting install.
3. One Contact: You’ll have one project manager throughout the job.

Is Your Home Ready for Solar?

1. Roof Direction: South-facing roofs work best, but east/west is okay too.
2. Shade: Trees or nearby buildings that block sunlight can affect output. We can work around this.
3. Roof Strength: Newer homes are usually fine. Older ones may need extra support.

How Net Metering Affects Your Bill

• Debits: Power you use from the grid at night or on cloudy days.
• Credits: Extra power your system sends back to the grid.

Each month, your bill shows the difference. Many of our customers pay much less in the summer, and credits can roll over to winter months.

Common Questions from Local Homeowners

Do Solar Panels Need Much Maintenance?

Not really. Rain usually cleans off dirt and pollen. We also offer optional yearly cleanings and system checks.

Will My Panels Stay Safe in a Hurricane?

Yes. Our systems can handle winds up to 140 mph and include extra protection like hurricane clips and flashing.

How Long Do Panels Last?

They’re guaranteed to work well for 25 years, and many last over 30 years.

What if I Plan to Sell My Home?

Homes with solar often sell for more—about 4% more on average. In good school zones, they tend to sell faster too.

What to Expect with MJAK Contracting

1. Free Consultation: We review your roof using satellite images and check for shade.
2. Custom Quote: You’ll get a 25-year savings estimate and a plan that fits your home.
3. Paperwork Handled: We take care of permits, HOA paperwork, and utility forms.
4. Quick Install: We start early and often finish in one day.
5. Turn On & Learn: We show you how the app works and schedule future checkups.

Choose a Brighter Future with MJAK Contracting

Many companies can install solar panels, but very few do roofing and solar together like we do at MJAK. From historic homes to new builds, we guide you every step of the way and stand by our work with strong warranties. Ready to see if solar is right for you? Schedule a free, no-pressure visit with us today and take the first step toward a more efficient, valuable, and secure home.