Solar Guides & Data
Deep dives on the questions that actually decide whether solar pays off — updated for 2026.
Is Solar Still Worth It in 2026 After the Federal Tax Credit Ended?
The 30% federal residential solar credit (Section 25D) expired Dec 31, 2025. Here is how much longer payback takes now, which states still make solar worth it, and how to decide.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar in Texas vs California: Two Completely Different Economies
Texas has cheap power, no net metering law, and the lowest install costs. California has expensive power, NEM 3.0 net billing, and the highest install costs. Here is how the solar math actually differs in 2026.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Net Metering vs Net Billing: Why Your Export Rate Changes Everything
Full-retail net metering credits exports at your bill rate. Net billing pays wholesale-style rates. Here is how to tell which one your state uses and what it means for solar payback.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Panel Cost by State 2026: $/Watt, Total Price & Payback
How much do solar panels cost in each state in 2026? Compare $/watt prices, typical 6kW system totals, and how installed cost changes your payback period.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Average Electricity Bill by State 2026: kWh Usage & Rates
The average U.S. home uses 875 kWh/month. See the average electricity bill by state, which states pay the most per kWh, and how your bill compares before going solar.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →California Solar Payback 2026: NEM 3.0, Batteries & Real Numbers
NEM 3.0 cut California solar export credits to ~5¢/kWh. Here is the real California solar payback in 2026, why batteries changed the math, and how to size your system.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →New Jersey Solar 2026: TREC Income, Net Metering & Payback
New Jersey pays ~$85 per TREC (solar renewable energy certificate). See how TREC income shortens NJ solar payback, plus net metering, exemptions, and real 2026 numbers.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar in Florida 2026: Net Metering, Insurance & Payback
Florida solar: full-retail net metering, sales & property tax exemptions, and hurricane considerations. Here is the real Florida solar payback in 2026.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar in Arizona 2026: Highest Production, Net Billing & Payback
Arizona produces more solar per kW than any state (1,755 kWh/kW). But net billing caps export value. Here is the real Arizona solar payback and whether it beats the odds.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar in Texas 2026: Buyback Plans, Cheap Power & Real Payback
Texas solar is cheap to install ($2.55/W) but has no statewide net metering. Here is how Texas solar buyback plans work, which providers pay the most, and realistic payback.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar in New York 2026: 25% Tax Credit, NY-Sun & Fast Payback
New York offers a 25% state tax credit (cap $5,000) plus NY-Sun rebates and full retail net metering. See how the strongest state stack in America shortens solar payback.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Massachusetts Solar 2026: SMART Payments, 15% Credit & Payback
Massachusetts pays SMART performance incentives for 20 years plus a 15% state credit. See why MA still has one of the fastest solar paybacks despite high install costs.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →How Many Solar Panels Do I Need? Size by Usage, State & Roof
The average US home needs 15–25 panels (400W) to cover its bill. Here is how many solar panels you need by monthly kWh usage, state, and coverage goal — with a free sizing calculator.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Is a Solar Battery Worth It in 2026? Payback by State
Solar batteries rarely pay off in full-retail net metering states but shine under NEM 3.0. Here is when battery storage is worth it in 2026 — with a payback calculator.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Lease vs Buy vs PPA: The Real 25-Year Math
Cash, loan, lease, or PPA — which solar financing really pays off? Here is the honest 25-year comparison, why cash has the highest IRR, and who keeps the tax credits.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Peak Sun Hours by State 2026: Full Ranking & What It Means
Peak sun hours range from 6.5 in Arizona to 3.2 in Alaska. See the full peak sun hours by state ranking and how it drives how many panels you need.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Panel Efficiency 2026: Best Panels, Watts & What to Buy
Monocrystalline panels hit 22–24% efficiency in 2026. Here is what solar panel efficiency means, which panels are best, and how wattage changes your roof needs.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →SREC States 2026: Which States Pay You to Produce Solar Power
SRECs pay you per 1,000 kWh your solar produces — but only in a handful of states. Here are the 2026 SREC states, current prices, and how to claim the income.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →State Solar Tax Credits 2026: The Complete State-by-State List
The federal solar credit expired — but several states still offer their own solar tax credits in 2026. Here is the full list of state solar tax credits, caps, and who qualifies.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Incentives 2026: The Complete Guide (Federal, State, Utility)
Solar incentives in 2026: which federal credits are gone, which state credits and rebates remain, utility rebates, SRECs, and how to stack them for the fastest payback.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Is Solar Worth It in My State? The 2026 State-by-State Answer
One national answer cannot tell you if solar is worth it — your state's electricity rate, sun, net metering, and incentives decide it. Here is how to get your personal answer in 60 seconds.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →How Do Solar Panels Work? PV Cells, Inverters & Net Metering Explained
How solar panels turn sunlight into electricity: photovoltaic cells, inverters, net metering, and what every part of a solar system does — explained simply.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Does Solar Increase Home Value? The 2026 Appraisal Data
Solar homes sell for about 4.1% more, per Zillow data — roughly $9,200 on a median US home. Here is the real data on solar home value and how to protect it when selling.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar ROI vs the Stock Market: Which Is the Better Investment?
Solar panels deliver an IRR of 8–12% in good states — competitive with the S&P 500's long-run ~10%. Here is the honest solar vs stock market comparison for 2026.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Panels vs Heat Pump: Which Home Upgrade Should Come First?
Solar offsets your whole bill; a heat pump slashes it before solar. Here is the 2026 order-of-operations math for electrifying your home in the most cost-effective sequence.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Panel Warranties Explained: Equipment vs Performance vs Workmanship
Solar warranties come in three flavors: equipment (25 yrs), performance (25–30 yrs), and workmanship (5–25 yrs). Here is what each covers, what to demand, and what voids them.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar for Beginners: The Complete 2026 Guide Before You Buy
New to solar? This beginner guide covers how solar works, what a system costs, net metering, incentives, and the 5 questions to answer before you get your first quote.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →How to Read Your Electricity Bill: Find kWh, Rate & Solar Potential
Your electric bill hides the two numbers that decide if solar pays: monthly kWh and rate in ¢/kWh. Here is exactly where to find them and how to use them.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Panel Tilt Angle: The Best Angle for Your State
The optimal solar panel tilt is close to your latitude, facing true south. Here is the exact tilt angle by state and how roof pitch affects production.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Roof Orientation & Shading: What Hurts Production Most
South-facing roofs are best, but east/west works. Shading is the real enemy — one shaded panel can cut a whole string. Here is how orientation and shade affect your solar output.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Permits & Interconnection: How the Process Works
Solar needs a building permit and a utility interconnection agreement. Here is the step-by-step permitting and interconnection process, typical timelines, and who handles it.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Financing Options 2026: Cash, Loan, Lease, PPA Explained
The four ways to pay for solar: cash, solar loan, lease, and PPA. Here is how each works, who they fit, and the real 25-year cost difference.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Choosing the Right Solar System Size for Your Home
Too small and you still pay the utility; too big and you overpay. Here is how to size a solar system to your bill, future usage, and state — with the numbers.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Inverters: String vs Microinverters vs Power Optimizers
String inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers each fit different roofs. Here is how they compare on cost, shade tolerance, monitoring, and lifespan.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Panel Brands Compared: Q CELLS, REC, Maxeon, Canadian Solar
Which solar panel brand should you buy? Here is how the top 2026 panel brands compare on efficiency, degradation, warranty, and price — and what actually matters.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Batteries 101: How Home Storage Works & When It Pays
What a home battery does, how much it costs, and when it actually pays off — the basics every solar shopper should know before adding storage.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Tax Credit Form 5695: What to Know Before You File
The residential solar credit is claimed on IRS Form 5695 — but it expired for 2026 installations. Here is who can still claim it, carryover rules, and what to keep for your records.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Panels and Home Insurance: What Your Policy Covers
Most homeowners insurance covers solar panels under dwelling coverage — but there are gaps. Here is what to check, how much rates rise, and what hurricane/wind states should know.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →10 Solar Mistakes Homeowners Make (and How to Avoid Them)
From skipping multiple quotes to ignoring net metering, these are the most common solar mistakes — and how to avoid each one before you sign.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Installer Red Flags: How to Spot a Bad Contractor
High-pressure sales, "today only" pricing, vague warranties, and unverifiable claims — here are the solar installer red flags and the questions that expose them.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →How to Compare Solar Quotes: $/W, Warranty, Equipment & Terms
Solar quotes are confusing — different sizes, brands, and financing. Here is exactly how to compare them apples-to-apples and avoid overpaying.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Price Negotiation: How to Get a Better Deal
Solar prices are negotiable. Here is how to negotiate a better $/W price, when to walk away, and the timing tricks that get installers to sharpen their pencils.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar System Troubleshooting: When Your Panels Underperform
Production dropped? Here is how to troubleshoot a solar system — checking monitoring, inverters, panels, and knowing when to call the installer.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Repair Costs: What Repairs Actually Cost (2026)
Inverter replacement, panel replacement, and labor — here is what common solar repairs cost in 2026 and how warranty coverage affects your out-of-pocket.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Panels and Hail: Does Hail Damage Solar Panels?
Hail is the top weather fear for solar owners. Here is the real data on hail damage rates, UL 61730 impact ratings, insurance claims, and how to protect your array.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar in Winter: Snow, Shorter Days & Production Reality
Do solar panels work in winter and snow? Yes, but production drops. Here is how much, whether to clear snow, and why winter is actually fine for most systems.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Lease Regret: Why Some Homeowners Wish They Bought
Solar leases sound easy but some homeowners regret them — escalators, sale complications, and lost incentives. Here is what lease owners say and how to avoid the same regret.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar + EV: How to Charge Your EV with Solar Panels
An EV adds 3,000–6,000 kWh of annual usage — about 2–4 kW of extra solar. Here is how to size a system for an EV, when to charge, and what it saves.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar vs Other Home Upgrades: Where Your Money Returns Most
How does solar compare to a kitchen remodel, new roof, or heat pump on return? Here is the honest 2026 ROI comparison for common home upgrades.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Best Solar Companies of 2026: National vs Local Installers
Sunrun, Tesla, Momentum, Palmetto, and local installers compared — pricing, warranties, coverage, and who fits which buyer in 2026.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Tesla Solar Review 2026: Pricing, Powerwall & Real Experience
Tesla offers the lowest solar prices in America ($2.20–$2.60/W) with Powerwall 3. Here is the honest review — pros, cons, and who Tesla is right for.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Sunrun Solar Review 2026: Leases, PPAs & the Largest Installer
Sunrun is America's largest residential solar installer with 900,000+ homes. Here is the honest 2026 review — financing, pricing, warranties, and who it fits.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Momentum Solar Review 2026: In-House Crews & PPA Options
Momentum Solar covers 11 states with in-house installation crews. Here is the honest 2026 review — what it does well, its PPA model, and who it fits.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Palmetto Solar Review 2026: Monitoring & Platform Service
Palmetto pairs solar installs with a monitoring platform and "Palmetto Protect" service. Here is the honest 2026 review of this tech-first installer.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Monitoring: Apps, What to Watch & How to Catch Problems
Solar monitoring apps track production, catch failing panels, and protect your payback. Here is what to watch, which platforms, and how to act on the data.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →20 Questions to Ask a Solar Installer Before Signing
The exact questions to ask a solar installer — pricing, equipment, warranty, permits, timeline, and financing — so you never get surprised after signing.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →How Solar Companies Get Leads: What "Free Quote" Really Means
That "free solar quote" is a lead. Here is how solar lead generation works, what happens to your data, and how to get quotes without the phone calls.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar + New Roof: Should You Combine the Projects?
Re-roofing before or with solar saves money and avoids panel removal costs. Here is the timing math and how to coordinate both contractors.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Company Bankruptcy: Protecting Your Warranty & System
SunPower, Sunnova, and Freedom Forever all hit financial trouble. Here is how to protect your solar warranty when your installer goes bankrupt.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Panel Recycling 2026: Rates, Costs & Where to Recycle
Solar panels are ~90% recyclable, but the US recycles only about 10%. Here is the real recycling landscape — costs, companies, state laws, and what happens at end of life.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →How Long Do Solar Panels Last? Lifespan, Degradation & When to Replace
Solar panels last 25–30+ years, producing ~85% of original output at year 25. Here is the lifespan data, degradation math, and when replacement makes sense.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →How to Clean Solar Panels: Do You Really Need To?
Dust, pollen, and bird droppings cost a few percent of production. Here is when cleaning solar panels is worth it, how to do it safely, and when to hire a pro.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Maintenance Checklist: What to Check Every Year
Solar systems are low-maintenance but not zero-maintenance. Here is the yearly maintenance checklist — panels, inverter, monitoring, roof, and warranty.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Site Selection: How to Pick the Best Roof for Solar
South-facing, unshaded, 15+ years of roof life, and enough area — here is how to evaluate your roof and property for solar before getting quotes.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Solar Panel Degradation: The Data Behind the 25-Year Warranty
Quality panels degrade ~0.5%/year — but some hit 1%. Here is the degradation data, how it affects your 25-year savings, and what to check before buying.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →How to File a Solar Warranty Claim (and Get It Approved)
Solar warranties cover equipment, performance, and workmanship — but claims get denied on paperwork. Here is how to file a solar warranty claim successfully.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →Can You Add More Solar Panels Later? Expansion & Upgrades
Yes — you can expand a solar system, but inverters, permits, and interconnection caps complicate it. Here is when expansion makes sense and how to do it.
Updated 2026-08-10Read →