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SolarGem

Frequently Asked Questions

Some Of Our Common Questions

SolarGemFrequently Asked Questions
Q
How much does a system cost?
Rough estimates follow this pattern. These estimates are before rebates and tax credits

Small system (1–2 kilowatts); $5–$10 K

Medium system (2–5 kilowatts); $10–$20 K

Large system (5–10 kilowatts); $20–40K

System costs are affected by the type and height of the roof, location of PV array, and various other factors.
Q
What if I produce more electricity than I use?
When you generate more power than you use, at the end of your billing cycle, you can receive a check from the utility company for the excess production.
Q
How much will my electricity bill be reduced?
Solar electricity systems can be designed to reduce or eliminate your electricity bill. For most systems, you should expect a reduction of 90% of your monthly electricity bill although the final decision regarding what you want to get out of your system is up to you.
Q
How long will it take for a system to pay for itself?
On average, it takes between 5 and 7 year for a return on your solar investment. This payback is generated by reduced electricity bills. The more power you make, the faster the payback.
Q
How long will my system last?
If a system is properly designed and installed it should last for the life of the house. The power output will be nominally reduced over the years but the system should be functional and generating significant power for 30 - 40 years.
Q
Will I have electricity during a power outage?
Yes and no...
Yes - If you install at grid tied solar electricity system with a battery or generator backup, you will have electricity during a power outage. Systems with these backups are common but they add substantial monetary and maintenance factors.

No - If you install a grid tied solar electricity system with no battery or generator back-up, you will not have electricity during a power outage. The main reason for this is safety. The power generated by your solar electricity system flows back to the grid. During a power outage, your solar electricity system is still producing power. If that power continued to flow back to the grid, workers attempting to restore grid power could be inadvertently injured. When no power is available from the grid, the inverter circuits switch open so that no power can be transmitted to the grid. The panels on the roof are still producing voltage but no power is flowing from the panels to the grid.

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