Your First Step Towards Smarter Solar Energy

Going solar is one of the largest energy investments a homeowner can make. A professional solar consultation gives you a clear picture of what solar can do for your property — before you spend a dollar.

At Genx Solutions, every consultation is free, carries no obligation, and prioritises education over sales. Here is what the process involves, how to prepare, which questions to ask, and what financing looks like in 2026.

What Does a Solar Consultation Actually Cover?

Energy Usage Review and Utility Bill Analysis

The consultation begins with your electricity consumption. A specialist reviews 6 to 12 months of utility bills to map seasonal patterns and calculate how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) your home draws annually. This prevents costly mistakes — an oversized system wastes money upfront, while an undersized one leaves you overpaying your utility company.

Homes across Ohio, Texas, and Virginia sit under different rate structures and net metering policies, so a good consultant factors in regional variables alongside raw consumption.

Roof Assessment and Shading Analysis

Next comes the physical evaluation: roof age, condition, orientation, and pitch, plus any obstructions from trees or neighbouring buildings. Research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) shows that partial shading alone can reduce a solar system’s output by 25 to 40 per cent. A thorough analysis catches these issues before they become expensive surprises.

Custom System Design and Production Estimate

With energy data and site assessment in hand, the consultant builds a custom layout using solar modelling software — including panel placement, estimated annual production, and inverter sizing. Genx Solutions offers hybrid inverter options suited to both grid-tied and off-grid setups, so system design can be tailored to backup power needs, full independence, or simply lower bills.

How to Prepare for a Free Solar Consultation

Documents and Information to Gather Beforehand

Collect electricity bills from the past 12 months. Note any planned roof replacements or electrical panel upgrades, since both affect system design. Then clarify your primary goal — lower bills, outage resilience, or environmental impact.

If your home is in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Kansas, or Missouri, each state has distinct incentive structures and interconnection rules. A knowledgeable specialist accounts for these without you needing to research them yourself.

What a Reputable Solar Specialist Will Never Do

A quality consultation is educational, not high-pressure. If a provider pushes you to sign on the same day, treat it as a red flag. Look for NABCEP certification and BBB accreditation. Genx Solutions carries both and treats every consultation as a conversation, not a closing opportunity.

Five Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask

Questions About System Sizing and Equipment Quality

What size system does my home need?
What panel and inverter brands do you install?
What warranty coverage comes standard?

Reputable providers make warranty activation straightforward and transparent.

Questions About Timeline, Permits, and Installation

How long from consultation to a fully operational system?
Who handles local permits and inspections?
Is the installation crew in-house or subcontracted?

These details matter more than most homeowners realise, particularly for accountability if something goes wrong.

Solar Financing Options and State Incentives in 2026

Understanding Your Options After the Federal Tax Credit Change

The financing picture changed at the start of 2026. The Section 25D federal tax credit — which returned 30 per cent on purchased systems — expired on 31 December 2025. That does not mean solar is unaffordable.

Third-party owned (TPO) systems, including leases and power purchase agreements, still qualify for Section 48E credits through 2027. Cash purchases and solar loans remain viable. Equipment costs continue falling and utility rates across Ohio, Texas, and the Midwest keep rising — meaning the long-term return stays strong without the 25D credit.

SREC Registration and State-Level Incentives

In states such as Ohio, Virginia, and Illinois, homeowners earn additional income through Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs). Each certificate represents the environmental value of your solar production and can be sold on open markets. Genx Solutions provides SREC registration support to help you monetise your system’s output from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a solar consultation really free?
Yes. Reputable providers offer no-obligation assessments at zero cost. Anyone charging for an initial consultation is a warning sign.

2. How long does a solar consultation take?
Most take 45 minutes to two hours, covering energy review, site assessment, and system design.

3. Do I need to be home during the site assessment?
Typically yes. The specialist needs electrical panel access and will ask about your energy goals.

4. What size solar panel system does the average home need?
Most homes require 5 kW to 10 kW. Divide your annual kWh usage by 1,200 for a rough estimate.

5. Can I still go solar in 2026 without the federal tax credit?
Yes. TPO financing, falling equipment costs, state incentives, and rising electricity rates support a strong return.

6. What is an SREC and how do I register?
An SREC represents clean energy your system produces. In eligible states, you sell them for additional income. Your provider handles registration.

7. How do I know if my roof is suitable for solar panels?
Your consultant evaluates age, condition, orientation, pitch, and shading. South- or south-west-facing roofs with minimal obstruction are ideal.

8. What should I look for in a solar consultation provider?
NABCEP certification, BBB accreditation, transparent pricing, and an education-first approach.