Frequently Asked Questions
Solar questions, answered plainly.
Straight answers about cost, installation, battery storage, service for existing systems, SRECs and financing for homes, businesses and public facilities in southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.
Getting started
Planning a system.
How much does a solar system cost?
System cost varies based on the property's solar potential, energy usage, equipment, design, permitting, and installation requirements. Genesis Solar provides a project-specific proposal after reviewing the home and goals.
What happens during an assessment?
We review your roof or property, shading, electrical service, energy usage and goals. Then we design a system and walk you through a clear, itemized proposal and the assumptions behind it.
Is my roof suitable for solar?
Most roofs can support solar, but suitability depends on roof age, pitch, orientation, shading and structural condition. We assess the site before recommending a system, and we'll tell you if the roof needs attention first.
How long does installation take?
Timelines vary with system design, permitting, inspections, equipment availability and utility interconnection. We explain the expected timeline for your project during the proposal and keep you informed throughout.
Do you serve my area?
We serve southwestern Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh and Allegheny, Washington, Butler and Westmoreland counties, and northern West Virginia, including Morgantown, Wheeling, Fairmont and Clarksburg. See our service areas.
How solar works
Day to day with solar.
What happens when my system isn't producing enough power?
The home can draw electricity from the utility grid when the solar system is not producing enough power. Battery storage may also provide stored energy when included in the system design.
Will my solar system work during a power outage?
A standard grid-connected solar system typically shuts down during an outage for safety. Battery storage and appropriate backup equipment may provide backup power for selected loads when properly designed and installed.
What is net metering?
Net metering may give you utility bill credits for excess electricity your system sends to the grid. Availability and terms vary by utility and can change, so net metering benefits are not guaranteed.
How do I know my system is working?
Most systems include monitoring that shows production through an app or website. We set up monitoring at installation, and it helps catch issues early.
Battery storage
Storing your energy.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?
Battery storage may be added when the existing system, equipment, available space, and electrical design are compatible. Genesis Solar can evaluate the property and system before recommending next steps.
Will a battery power my whole home during an outage?
It depends on the battery capacity, the equipment configuration and which loads are connected. Most systems are designed to back up selected circuits rather than an entire home. Learn about battery storage.
How long will a battery last during an outage?
Backup duration varies with battery size, the loads being powered, solar production and weather, and the length of the outage. We can estimate scenarios for your design, but backup duration is not guaranteed.
Existing systems & service
Help for systems already installed.
Do you work on systems installed by other companies?
Genesis Solar can evaluate many systems installed by other companies, including systems whose original installer is no longer available. Evaluation does not imply that Genesis Solar assumes another installer's workmanship warranty, service warranty, or contractual obligations.
My installer went out of business. Can you help?
Yes. We help many owners of orphaned systems with diagnostics, monitoring, repairs and ongoing service. Learn about orphaned system support.
Will you take over my old installer's warranty?
No. We can service your system, but we don't assume another company's warranty or contract. Manufacturer warranties on your equipment may still apply, and we can help with those claims where applicable.
What does a service visit cost?
It depends on the system and the problem. We explain the diagnostic fee up front and provide a written repair quote before any repair work begins.
Can I add more panels to my existing system?
Existing solar systems may be expandable depending on available roof or property space, electrical capacity, equipment compatibility, utility requirements, and the existing system design. Genesis Solar can evaluate the current system and determine what expansion options may be appropriate.
I'm getting a new roof. What happens to my panels?
We can remove your panels before roof work and reinstall them afterward, coordinating with your roofer and testing the system before and after. Learn about removal and reinstallation.
SRECs, incentives & financing
Value and payment options.
How do Pennsylvania SRECs work?
Eligible Pennsylvania solar systems may generate Solar Renewable Energy Credits based on qualifying production, which can be registered and sold. Eligibility, generation, registration and market value vary and are not guaranteed. Learn about Pennsylvania SRECs.
What incentives are available?
Available incentives and utility programs vary by location, utility, equipment, project type and current law. We identify programs that may apply during the proposal process, but eligibility and value are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified tax professional about tax benefits.
Do you offer financing?
Ask about financing when you request your assessment. Financing is subject to lender approval and available terms.
Commercial & public sector
For businesses and public facilities.
Do you install solar for businesses?
Yes. We design and install solar and battery storage for businesses, farms, nonprofits and facilities, with a facility assessment, clear project economics and long-term O&M. Learn about commercial solar.
Do you respond to public bids and RFPs?
Yes. We prepare responses with a documented scope, itemized pricing, a project schedule and the forms and documentation the solicitation requires. Learn about public-sector solar.
Can you meet prevailing wage requirements?
Where prevailing wage and certified payroll are required by the project, solicitation, or applicable law, we plan staffing and payroll documentation to meet those requirements.
Still have questions?
Talk to the Genesis Solar team.
Tell us about your property or your existing system, and we'll give you a straight answer and clear next steps.
Production, savings, SREC value, net metering, incentives, financing and backup duration vary and are not guaranteed.