About Jen Merithew

Jen Merithew - Author of Solar Reviews

Jen Merithew

Written Content Manager

Catherine is the Written Content Manager at SolarReviews, where she has been at the forefront of researching and reporting on the solar industry since 2019.

She leads a dynamic team in producing informative and engaging content on residential solar to help homeowners make informed decisions about investing in solar panels.

Catherine’s expertise has garnered attention from leading industry publications, with her work being featured in Solar Today Magazine and Solar Industry Magazine. Her insights have also been cited by outlets, including Forbes and Bloomberg, solidifying her reputation as a go-to source for reliable information on solar technology and sustainability.

Before joining SolarReviews, Catherine worked as an assistant project manager at an engineering firm, where she researched, inspected, and analyzed environmental remediation, indoor health, and construction cost claims. This experience gave Catherine a practical understanding of the unique challenges faced by the environmental and construction sectors.

Catherine holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science from Ramapo College of New Jersey, where she completed research on bird migration for the Ecological Society of America conference. She has also completed Solar Energy International’s PV 101: Solar Electric Design and Installation training course and is OSHA certified.

When she’s not writing about the solar industry, you can find Catherine at the movies or trying to master the New York Times crossword.

Recent articles by Jen Merithew

Is solar air conditioning right for you?

Jen Merithew

June 14, 2019

Is solar air conditioning right for you?

Installing solar panels on your home will result in lower utility bills. But what about when you install a solar air conditioner? Will you recoup your investment?

Complete review of the Q CELLS Q.HOME solar battery

Jen Merithew

September 16, 2021

Complete review of the Q CELLS Q.HOME solar battery

Q CELLS released its home solar battery storage solution, Q.HOME. Should you choose it over other solar batteries like the Tesla Powerwall or LG Chem?

How is solar energy stored?

Jen Merithew

July 12, 2021

How is solar energy stored?

Solar energy storage lets you save excess solar electricity for later, which comes with a number of benefits, including backup power and bill savings.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels? What you need to know

Jen Merithew

April 30, 2019

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels? What you need to know

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels? We answer this question and explain how these financing options work, and which might be right for you.

Residential incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act: What you need to know

Jen Merithew

August 12, 2022

Residential incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act: What you need to know

A breakdown of the incentives for residential solar, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient upgrades in the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act.

The impact of recent policy changes on solar in 2020

Jen Merithew

January 10, 2020

The impact of recent policy changes on solar in 2020

It's been a rollercoaster year on the solar policy front. Here’s a review of some stand-out policy stories from 2019 and their effect on solar progress in 2020.

Moving Forward Act pushes for brighter solar industry future

Jen Merithew

June 24, 2020

Moving Forward Act pushes for brighter solar industry future

The Moving Forward Act has many solar-friendly provisions; most notably an extension of the federal tax credit.

Kentucky net metering changes: Is coal stifling the sun?

Jen Merithew

November 27, 2019

Kentucky net metering changes: Is coal stifling the sun?

KY just passed a bill that replaces full retail net metering with a lower compensation rate for solar customers. How will this affect their savings?

5 best portable solar panels for RVs and camping

Jen Merithew

April 12, 2019

5 best portable solar panels for RVs and camping

Portable solar panels let you use solar energy on the go. We review the top 5 portable solar panels on the market, and what you should look for when buying them.sy to deploy, and sometimes even foldable. Are they the right choice to meet your RV & camping