Frequently Asked Questions

Genesis Power Solutions doesn't sell solar roof tiles because they are a relatively new product. Because of this, most companies don't have access to them and there is likely to be multiple improved versions that come out over time as the technology faces problems and then progresses. What's most important for us is that our customers are satisfied with what we offer which means we will only offer technologies that are proven and provide a reliable experience.

Net metering refers to the difference between the amount of energy that a home uses and the amount of energy that the home produces.

Sometimes this gets misconstrued with a one-to-one swap between energy made and energy used. That's not really how you want to look at it because energy companies will give you a credit for the energy that you produce on your home, but they will still charge you for the energy that you buy for your home and a lot of times the amount that they charge you is more than the credit that they give you. So although the net number of kilowatts used might be zero there would still be a cost that you owe to the utility company. So net metering just simply when that term is thrown out it typically just means the difference between what you produce and what you take from the energy company.

In some areas it's as quick as three weeks. In other areas, it can take three months.

Most solar companies are ready to install your system the day after you say yes to getting it. The timeline has very little to do with the actual install company or the company who sold it to you. Most of the timeline is created by the utility companies, the jurisdictions that you live in, the city, and the County permitting. The timeline for when it gets installed is something you should definitely talk to your rep about because depending on the city you live in that's going to be different. Now once your install day comes, most installs that are under a 10 kilowatt system size take one day. It could be longer, it could be just six or seven hours, but for the most part, it's a day. Again, you should talk to your sales rep about this though. If they tell you it takes an hour, that's not real. But for the most part it's not going to be a three or four day process.

Solar absolutely can cover all of the energy needs for your home. The reality is most systems are not built that way though, because when you build a system you want to make sure you're leveraging the rate plan that your utility company has for solar, and if you're putting too many panels on the roof, sometimes it's not in your benefit. So can solar panels meet all of your home's energy needs? Yes. Should they? It all depends on the utility that you're in and how they have it set up to work with solar.

If you're asking this question, you may have had a bad experience with someone at your door or somebody doing direct sales in the past. Here's the reality. There are bad people in our industry. One of the reasons we founded Genesis is we just we felt like there was a need in the space for people who operate with honesty and integrity. At Genesis, we see solar as a math problem because that's all it is. Solar is either gonna make sense or it's not gonna make sense. In the past, a lot of people have tried selling solar, and if you're being sold solar that's very different than having someone sit down and explain the math behind it and helping to educate you on whether or not it actually makes sense for your home. We have the unpopular belief that not everybody should get solar and so our objective is to educate homeowners on whether or not solar is actually a good option for them. If it is, we help walk you through the process. If it's not, we tell you not to get it. So if you have the feeling that you're being sold something, that's a red flag. Make sure you're being educated and that the product sells itself.

When you take out a solar loan to get solar on your home a lot of times people ask about debt. Here's the reality: whether or not it's on your balance sheet or in your budget, you have debt with the utility company. The debt with your utility company is something called revolving debt. This is debt that doesn't show up on a balance sheet, but it is revolving every single month like clockwork. When you go solar, you're turning a revolving debt into a capital debt. That means now there's a product that you can actually pay down to zero, and once you get that to zero, you no longer have that payment. So is there debt? Sure, but it's the same debt that you had with the utility company. You're just transferring where you're sending that money to every month and instead of sending it to the utility forever, you now get to invest that money into your home and into your solar system with a payment that eventually goes away.

Solar panels have minimal maintenance needs. Occasional cleaning and checks for damage are advised and can be monitored through the app.

Homes with solar panels often have higher resale values and are considered more attractive to environmentally-conscious buyers.

Solar panels can be installed on most roofs, but the suitability depends on factors like roof orientation and shading. We typically do not install on clay roofs.

Yes, many local governments offer incentives, tax credits, and rebates to encourage solar adoption. Each utility company and government offers different incentives that can change year over year. That's why it's important to have a professional who has your best interest in mind guide you through the process.

Most solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, with performance gradually declining over time.

Solar power reduces electricity bills, lowers carbon footprint, and offers energy independence.

No one is going to install $40,000 worth of solar panels on your roof for free. There is a cost to that product. In almost every case, what most people talk about when they say zero cost or zero down is that there is no additional cost to the homeowner. If someone is paying $200 per month for their utility cost and they can get solar panels for a $180 per month, they're actually saving $20 per month. So there is no additional cost. Energy is not free in either scenario, but it's cheaper to use solar than it would be to use the utility in this case. So is it free? No, but it should cost less when it's done the right way.

Solar power is any energy that is created by harnessing energy from the sun.

Material type, roof size, pitch, accessibility, and local labor costs all contribute to the overall cost of a roof replacement.

Regular maintenance, keeping gutters clean, and promptly addressing any issues can extend the life of your roof. Trim overhanging branches and remove debris.

If your roof is showing signs of extensive damage, such as multiple leaks, widespread shingle damage, or if it's near the end of its expected lifespan, it might be time for a replacement.

The lifespan of a roof depends on the material. Asphalt shingles typically last 20-30 years, while metal and tile roofs can last 50 years or more with proper maintenance.

Look for water stains on your ceiling, peeling paint, or mold growth. These are indicators of potential roof leaks that should be addressed promptly.

It's recommended to inspect your roof at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall, to identify and address any potential issues before they become more significant.

Smart thermostats can help optimize energy usage, providing convenience and potential cost savings. They allow you to control your HVAC system remotely and can adapt to your lifestyle for efficient temperature management.

Use high-quality air filters, consider an air purifier, and maintain a clean environment. Regular cleaning and servicing of your AC system also contribute to better indoor air quality.

The size of the unit depends on factors such as the square footage of your home, insulation, and local climate. Because there are so many factors, consulting with an HVAC professional is advised to help determine the appropriate size.

Check your air filter every 1-3 months, depending on usage. A dirty filter can reduce efficiency and strain the system.

Keep air filters clean, ensure proper insulation, seal air ducts, and install a programmable thermostat. Regular maintenance also contributes to improved efficiency.

The lifespan of an AC unit typically ranges from 12 to 15 years. Regular maintenance can extend its longevity.

Unusual noises, reduced cooling capacity, increased energy bills, and inconsistent airflow are signs that your AC may need attention from a technician.

It's advisable to schedule professional maintenance annually. Regular servicing helps improve efficiency, prolongs the unit's life, and identifies potential issues early.