Section: Buying Guide
Buying, Financing & Installation
How to actually go solar: comparing loans, leases, and power purchase agreements, vetting installers, and understanding the installation process from quote to activation.

Buying Guide
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.July 22, 2026
Buying Guide
Solar Installer Red Flags: Warning Signs Federal and State Regulators Have DocumentedSolar installer red flags backed by real FTC, Treasury, CFPB, and state AG enforcement cases — the sales, contract, and financing patterns to watch for.June 25, 2026
Buying Guide
Solar Financing With Bad Credit: What Actually Works, and What PACE Financing Really CostsSolar financing with bad credit: realistic loan credit ranges, why leases/PPAs aren't credit-check-free, and PACE financing's real risks and 2026 rule.June 17, 2026
Buying Guide
Solar Panel Warranties Explained: Product vs. Performance, and What They're Actually WorthSolar panel warranty explained: the real difference between product and performance coverage, manufacturer terms, and what happens if a maker exits.June 11, 2026
Buying Guide
How to Compare Solar Quotes: A Checklist Based on Federal Consumer Protection GuidanceHow to compare solar quotes using the FTC and Treasury's own consumer guidance: what every bid must include, and the red flags that mean walk away.June 5, 2026