Solar decisions, explained without the sales pitch
The federal solar tax credit changed the math for 2026. We break down real costs, incentives, financing, and equipment choices for U.S. homeowners — sourced from EIA, DSIRE, and IRS guidance, updated when policy changes.
Latest guides
- Federal Solar Tax Credit 2026: What Changed and What You Can Still ClaimThe 30% residential solar tax credit ended Jan 1, 2026. Here's exactly what the law changed, who's affected, and what options remain.
- Home Battery Storage 101: Do You Need One With Your Solar Panels?Home battery storage explained: what it costs, how long it lasts in an outage, and whether you actually need one with solar in 2026.
- How Do Solar Panels Work? A Complete Guide for HomeownersHow do solar panels work? A clear, jargon-free guide to the photovoltaic effect, panel types, inverters, cloudy-day output, and panel lifespan.
- How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in 2026? Full Price Breakdown by System SizeSolar panels cost $15,000-$36,000 before incentives in 2026, or about $2.50-$3.50 per watt. See prices by system size, state, and financing method.
- Is Solar Still Worth It in 2026? (After the Federal Tax Credit Ended)The 30% federal solar tax credit expired Jan 1, 2026. Here's what actually still saves you money, and how to tell if solar pencils out for your home now.
- Solar Loan vs. Lease vs. PPA: Which Financing Option Makes Sense in 2026?Solar loan vs lease vs PPA in 2026: who owns the system, who gets a tax credit, and how the math changed now that Section 25D has expired.
- State Solar Incentives Guide 2026: How to Find What's Available Where You LiveState solar incentives vary widely and didn't end with the federal tax credit. Here's every incentive type to check and where to verify your state's rules.
Browse by topic
- Incentives, Rebates & PolicyFederal and state solar incentives change often, and 2026 brought the biggest shift in over a decade when the 30% federal residential tax credit expired. This section tracks what rebates, credits, and net metering rules actually apply to homeowners right now.
- Solar Costs & SavingsReal numbers on what solar panels cost, how fast they pay for themselves, and how much you can expect to save on electricity bills, broken down by system size and location.
- Buying, Financing & InstallationHow to actually go solar: comparing loans, leases, and power purchase agreements, vetting installers, and understanding the installation process from quote to activation.
- How Solar Works & EquipmentThe fundamentals: how photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into electricity, the equipment involved, and what actually affects a system’s efficiency and lifespan.
- Battery Storage & Backup PowerWhether a home battery makes sense alongside solar panels, what they cost, and how they hold up during grid outages.
- Solar for Specific SituationsSolar guidance for homes that do not fit the standard case: renters, small or shaded roofs, HOAs, mobile homes, RVs, and cabins.