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Solar panels - MEO Help

Want to install solar panels and save on energy? Find out how to buy them, how they work and how much you can save.

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Solar panels

  • What is self-consumption?

    Self-consumption is the production of electricity in the place where it is consumed, directly contributing to lower energy costs in the home. Self-consumption systems are known as self-consumption production units or UPACs.

    The energy coming from the panel can only be consumed when it is being produced and there is no storage.


  • How photovoltaic solar panels work

    Photovoltaic solar panels produce electricity from sunlight.

    Connected to the solar panel is a piece of equipment, the microinverter (included in the kit), which is responsible for transforming the light captured by the sun into electricity that can be used in our homes for self-consumption. 



  • Why you should invest in solar energy

    Because it allows it:
    1. Produce your own energy;
    2. Consume the energy produced for free;
    3. Consuming green and renewable energy;
    4. Reducing the ecological footprint and contributing to a more sustainable world;
    5. Save on your electricity invoice.   
    6. Enhancing your home


  • Do I need a license to install solar panels?

    Consumer-producers don't need to register to install panels of up to 700 watts. Simply buy the equipment and install it.

    Installations between 700 watts and 30 kW are subject to prior notification to the Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG). If you purchase solar panels from MEO with these power ratings, our partner will take care of both the installation and the licensing of the panels with the DGEG.

    Projects from 30 kW to 1 megawatt (MW) require registration with the DGEG and an operating certificate.



  • I have solar panels, so if the mains power fails, can I still power my equipment with the panels' energy?

    The system always needs grid power to boot up.

  • Can I increase the number of panels I already have?

    MEO's panels use a modular system, connected with microinverters, allowing more panels to be installed at any time by simply contacting MEO.

    You can also add solar panels for balconies, even if you already have other energy production systems. When connected to electricity, these panels immediately start injecting energy into the electrical installation 


  • How do I know if I'm consuming energy from the grid or from the panels?

    The energy produced by the panels is consumed first. It will consume energy from the grid whenever it is consuming more energy than is currently being produced by the solar panels.

  • What photovoltaic solar panels does MEO offer?

    MEO offers: fixed solar panels that can be installed in different parts of the house:

    Self-installable for terraces, gardens and grounds:
    • They allow anyone to install their own self-consumption system; 
    • Completely Do It Yourself
    • In just 15 minutes, it can be assembled and start producing energy. 

    With installation for roofs, balconies and walls:
    • Installation carried out by specialised and certified technicians

    And now MEO also has solar panels for balconies available for purchase, both with and without installation. 



  • What are photovoltaic solar panels for balconies?

    MEO has launched a new line of lightweight, slim photovoltaic solar panels designed for balconies. These panels, which mount on railings or balcony frames, are easy to install yourself and plug directly into a standard household outlet, without needing to be connected to the electricity meter. 

    This offer aims to make the use of solar panels for self-consumption more accessible to everyone, as it allows all households—even apartments in large cities—to generate their own energy, saving money and contributing to a more sustainable world.



  • Who are photovoltaic solar panels for balconies intended for?

    customers who live in houses or apartments with balconies or small rooftops and who want to make the most of that space to generate solar energy for their own use.

  • On what types of balconies can they be installed?

    These panels can be installed on balconies with railings, masonry, or a combination of both. Balcony lengths: 
    • Horizontal position: minimum: 2.18 m wide x 0.80 m high
    • Vertical position: minimum: 1.60 m wide x 1.088 m high

    They should preferably be installed facing west, south, and east. 

    For kits to be installed on masonry balconies, for safety reasons, you will need to purchase panels and have them installed by a technician. 



  • What are the characteristics of a solar panel?

    Fixed photovoltaic solar panels have the following characteristics: 
    • Panel power: 340 Wp (without installation), 370 Wp (with installation)
    • Microinverter power: 300 Wp
    • % production: 94.1% of the microinverter's total capacity
    • Dimensions of 1 panel: 1.68 m x 1 m
    • Total weight: 25 kg per kit
    • Panel type: Full Black monocrystalline
    • Number of cells: 120 cells

    Photovoltaic solar panels for balconies have the following features: 
    • Panel power: 150pWP per panel / total power per kit: 300Wp
    • Microinverter power: 300 Wp
    • Production efficiency: 22.4%
    • Dimensions of 1 panel: Height: 1.088 m; Width: 0.80 m
    • Total weight: 2.60 kg per panel
    • Panel type: Full Black monocrystalline
    • Number of cells: 64 cells 



  • What is included in the purchase of the MEO Self-install Kit?

    Contents of 1 MEO Solar Kit with Fixed Panels:
    • Panel with a power rating of 340 Wp (dimensions: 1.68 m x 1 m)
    • 300 WP Microinverter
    • Smart Outlet – Solar Energy Meter
    • Gateway (for purchases of 3 or more panels only) – which consists of an uplink, an uplink charger, and a cable that connects the uplink to the internet router. This solution allows you to monitor your system via the MEO Solar app.
    • Aluminum mounting bracket
    • Connection cables

    Contents of 1 MEO Solar Panel Kit for Balconies:
    • 2 panels with a total power output of 300 Wp (dimensions: 1088 × 800 × 2 mm each)
    • 300 WP Microinverter
    • Smart Outlet – Solar Energy Meter
    • Clamping straps 
    • Cable for connecting to an electrical outlet


  • I live in an apartment building. Can I install solar panels?

    In the case of fixed solar panels, if your home is part of a building or property with more than one independent unit and an established homeowners’ association, you must obtain the necessary authorization from the association to install solar panels in common areas. If you are only using space within your unit (e.g., a balcony), you must consult the homeowners’ association if the installation alters the building’s appearance and to verify whether there are any other potential restrictions regarding the installation.

    In the case of balcony panels, installation is possible because we are talking about a small, removable system that does not require any work on the exterior; authorization from the homeowners’ association is only required if the bylaws expressly prohibit the installation of solar panels or any type of removable structure on balconies.

    With regard to current municipal and condominium laws and regulations, there is currently no municipality that explicitly prohibits the installation of solar panels on balconies. The only exceptions apply to the installation of solar panels on buildings located in historic districts or classified as buildings with protected facades. 



  • Warranty and technical assistance for solar panels

    Fixed solar panels come with 3 types of warranties:
    1. The manufacturer's warranty is for 10 years
    2. The installation warranty is valid for 3 years
    3. The production warranty is for 25 years 

    Solar panels for balconies come with the following warranties:
    1. The manufacturer's warranty is for 3 years 
    2. 3-year installation warranty (where applicable)

    If any malfunction is detected in the equipment after purchase, please contact the partner's technical support ( support lines , BeON Energy):
    • Phone: 242 249 088 Weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Local call rates apply)
    • Email: meo@beonenergy.com

  • How do I buy MEO solar panels?

    You can purchase your panels on the meo.pt website, under the "Smart Living" tab.

    Fixed panels:
    • Self-installing solution
    • Solution with specialised installation

    Balcony panels:
    • Self-installing solution
    • Solution with specialised installation

    You can also purchase your panels—whether they're freestanding or for balconies—at any MEO store or by calling 800 200 400.


  • Can I pay in installments?

    Yes, as long as it meets the following requirements:
    • Be at least 18 years old
    • You have had an electronic communications service with MEO for more than 12 months
    • Make sure you have direct debit and electronic billing enabled
    • Do not have debts exceeding €5.00
    • Have a bundle TV+BROADBAND+PHONE or higher
    • customer TV+Broadband+Phone: Cannot have an active Installment Sale plan (VEP)
    • customer TV+Broadband+Phone+Mobile: Cannot have an active Installment Sale plan (VEP) that exceeds €1,715.00


    The amount of installment sales is limited to the available credit limit; you must have a minimum cumulative net amount of €40 in paid MEO service bills over the last 4 months. If you meet these criteria, customer will allow you to pay for your solar panels in 50 interest-free installments, with a 30% down payment plus €40 in administrative fees.  

    You can also pay in cash at any time.

  • How can I tell if my solar panels are working?

    You can monitor panel production using the two available solar energy meters:
    • Outlet with a display screen, available for balcony panels and, in the case of fixed panels, for purchases of up to and including 2 panels. This outlet with a display screen allows you to view the energy production of the solar panels in real time.
    • Smart Outlet with Mobile App Android andiOSavailable for purchases of 3 or more panels (not available for balcony panels).


  • Can I buy the panels without installation?

    The MEO Self-Installation Kit is an advantage because it allows customers to install their panels on their own, without the need for a technician (for systems with a capacity of less than 700WP). These kits are designed to be placed on the ground and on rooftops.

    Installing these panels requires only two things: enough space to place the panel and an electrical outlet.

    For kits with a power output greater than 700WP intended for installation on roofs and/or on masonry balconies (balcony panels), you must always purchase the panels along with installation.  


  • Can I install the panels off the roof?

    Yes, depending on the layout of the house and its orientation relative to the sun, it is possible to install panels in other locations, such as the ground, balconies, and terraces.

    In the case of fixed panels on roofs, balconies and walls, installation by specialised and certified technicians is mandatory.

    In the case of fixed panels installed on terraces, in gardens, and on open lots, or panels for balconies, the installation can be done by the customer customer, as the kits are quite simple to assemble and install (up to 700WP).



  • What tools do I need to assemble the panel?

    Assembly is simple, and the tools needed to assemble the panel are included in the kit. 

    Refer to the installation manual for fixed panels. 
    Please refer to the installation manual for balcony panels.

    For fixed panels, you'll need a drill to secure the panel to the floor. 


  • Are there government incentives for buying solar panels in Portugal?

    When you purchase and install solar panels, you may be eligible for a reimbursement of up to 85% of the panel’s cost through the Environmental Fund. There is currently no application process underway. However, you can purchase your panels and submit your application later. We suggest that you find out what information is required for the Environmental Fund application to ensure you have everything ready.

  • How do I know how much I'm producing?

    There are two types of production monitoring available, depending on the number of panels purchased in the same order:
    • For balcony panels and fixed panels purchased in quantities of two or fewer, monitoring is done using a solar energy meter that allows you to view the panels’ energy production in real time right at the outlet (smart outlet).
    • For fixed panels, when three or more panels are purchased, monitoring is done through a smart plug that connects to the MEO Solar mobile app, which provides information on energy production. The app can be downloaded for free via: Android and iOS.




  • How many solar panels should I install in my home?

    Using oursimulatorand based on your energy consumption and production, we can determine the optimal number of solar panels to install on your home

  • I'm not MEO customer, can I buy solar panels?

    Yes, you can, as long as the purchase is made with cash. The solar panel offer is available to all consumers, but the installment payment option is only available to customers who have signed up for an electronic communications service with MEO and who meet the eligibility requirements.

  • Do solar panels require a lot of maintenance?

    Solar panels require virtually no maintenance over their expected decades of use. Typically, the panels only need a quick wipe-down of the front glass if there is dirt that prevents or hinders light from entering the panel. 

  • Does the MEO solution allow you to accumulate energy?

    At this time, the existing solutions do not appear to be cost-effective.

    New technologies are being tested so they can be installed alongside MEO solar panels and provide even greater savings.



  • I bought a panel without installation, but now I can't install it. What should I do?

    That's no problem. You can request installation separately. To do so, please contact us through one of our channels: Stores or 800 200 400.