Everything you need before going solar
Honest, jargon-free guides on cost, savings, incentives, and financing — written to help you decide, not to sell you.
Solar Panel Maintenance: What It Costs and How Often in 2026
Solar panels are famously low-maintenance, but not zero. Here's what upkeep actually costs, how often to clean panels, what wears out, and how to protect your investment.
June 22, 2026Community Solar: How to Go Solar Without Putting Panels on Your Roof
Renters, condo owners, and people with shaded or unsuitable roofs can still save with community solar. Here's how it works, what it costs, and how to tell if it's a good deal in 2026.
June 18, 2026Net Metering Explained: How It Works and Why It Makes or Breaks Solar
Net metering is the billing policy that decides how much your excess solar is worth. Here's how it works, how California's NEM 3.0 changed everything, and what to check in your state in 2026.
June 5, 2026Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value? (2026 Data)
Solar panels typically raise a home's value by about 4%, and solar homes sell faster. Here's what the research shows, how ownership status affects the premium, and what's changed in 2026.
June 2, 2026Is Solar Worth It in 2026? An Honest Breakdown
The 30% federal tax credit is gone. Is solar still worth it in 2026? Here's an honest look at the updated math, who it still makes sense for, and who should wait.
May 30, 2026How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Most solar panels last 25–30+ years with a 25-year performance warranty. Here's how panel degradation works, what wears out first, and how the long lifespan affects your payback math.
May 28, 2026How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in 2026?
A clear breakdown of solar panel costs in 2026 — price per watt, total system cost by home size, and what you pay after state incentives now that the federal tax credit is gone.
May 25, 2026Solar Battery Storage Cost in 2026: Is It Worth It?
A home solar battery costs about $10,000–$15,000 installed. The federal tax credit for batteries was also eliminated in 2026. Here's when storage genuinely pays off and when to skip it.
May 18, 2026Solar Incentives by State: What You Can Claim in 2026
The federal solar tax credit is gone for new 2026 installations. But state tax credits, rebates, SREC markets, and net metering still exist — and they still stack. Here's how to find and use them.
May 12, 2026Cash vs. Loan vs. Lease: How to Pay for Solar in 2026
The 30% federal tax credit is gone for homeowners in 2026. That changes the cash vs. loan vs. lease comparison significantly. Here's how to choose the right financing for your situation.
May 5, 2026How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
A simple way to figure out how many solar panels your home needs, based on your electricity usage, your local sun hours, and how much of your bill you want to offset.
January 15, 2026The Federal Solar Tax Credit in 2026: What Changed and What's Left
The 30% federal solar tax credit for homeowners was eliminated on December 31, 2025 by the One Big Beautiful Bill. Here's what happened, who it affects, and what options remain.