Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about switching to solar, getting your government subsidy, and eliminating your TANGEDCO bill.
Costs & Savings
How much will my electricity bill drop?+
Typically by 90% or more. If your system is sized correctly, you will generate enough power to offset your entire usage, leaving you to pay only the minimal fixed connection charges to TANGEDCO.
What is the typical payback period for a rooftop system?+
For most residential installations in Tamil Nadu, the system pays for itself in 3 to 5 years through bill savings. After that, you enjoy almost free electricity for the remaining 20+ years of the system's lifespan.
Are there maintenance costs involved?+
Solar systems have no moving parts, so maintenance is incredibly low. Occasional cleaning of the panels (wiping away dust) is usually all that is required to maintain peak efficiency.
PM Surya Ghar Subsidy
Who is eligible for the PM Surya Ghar Subsidy?+
The central subsidy is available for residential (domestic) grid-connected solar installations. Commercial, industrial, and off-grid setups are not eligible.
How do I apply for the government subsidy?+
You don't have to lift a finger. Gama Power handles the entire end-to-end application, documentation, and filing process on the National Portal on your behalf.
When does the subsidy money reach my account?+
Once the system is installed, commissioned, and the net meter is activated by TANGEDCO, the subsidy is credited directly to your provided bank account within 30 to 60 days.
Net Metering & TANGEDCO
What exactly is Net Metering?+
A net meter is a bidirectional meter that records both the power you pull from the grid and the excess solar power you export to the grid. TANGEDCO calculates your bimonthly bill based on the net difference.
Do I need to visit the TANGEDCO office for approvals?+
No. We manage all TANGEDCO liaison work, load feasibility checks, application submissions, and coordinate the final meter replacement.
What happens if I generate more power than I use?+
Excess units are exported to the grid and carried forward to your next billing cycle as credits. TANGEDCO squares off these credits at the end of the settlement period.
Installation Process
How long does the installation take?+
The physical installation of panels, inverter, and wiring usually takes 1 to 3 days. However, the regulatory approvals and final TANGEDCO net meter commissioning can take 2 to 4 weeks.
Will installing panels damage or cause leaks on my roof?+
Absolutely not. For RCC roofs, we use heavily weatherproofed anchor fastening. For sheet roofs, we use specialized non-penetrative clamps. We ensure complete structural integrity.
Technical Questions
Will my solar panels work during a power cut?+
Standard grid-tied inverters automatically shut down during a power cut for safety reasons (anti-islanding), to prevent electrocuting line workers. If you need backup during cuts, a hybrid system with batteries is required.
How long do the solar panels actually last?+
We use Tier-1 solar modules that come with a 25-year linear performance warranty. The inverter usually comes with a standard 5 to 10-year warranty, which can be extended.
Do panels work during the monsoon or cloudy days?+
Yes, they still generate power using ambient daylight, though at a reduced efficiency compared to direct, harsh sunlight.