Solar Guides & Learning Center

The background reading behind our calculators — plain-English, updated for 2026, and honest about what changed this year.

Sizing

How Many Solar Panels Do You Actually Need? A Complete 2026 Guide

The real math behind system sizing — usage, sun hours, roof space — and where most quotes get it wrong.

9 min read
Money

Solar Tax Credits in 2026: What's Left After the Federal Credit Expired

The 30% federal credit is gone for owned systems. Here's what still works and what to check locally.

8 min read
Storage

Solar Battery Storage 101: Sizing, Cost, and Whether It's Worth It

Usable vs. rated capacity, chemistry trade-offs, real installed cost, and the math on payback.

10 min read
Money

Net Metering vs. Net Billing: How Solar Export Credits Actually Work

Why two homes with identical panels can get very different bills — and how to check yours.

7 min read
Money

Net Billing vs. Gross Billing: Which Solar Metering Pays You More?

Two completely different ways utilities pay for solar exports — and why mixing them up costs money.

6 min read
Product Guide

GAF Timberline Solar Shingles: Cost, Savings & a Free Online Estimator

An independent cost and savings estimate — not another installer lead form.

7 min read
Money

Cash vs. Loan vs. Lease vs. PPA: Which Solar Financing Actually Wins?

Four ways to go solar, one honest comparison of what each actually costs you over 20 years.

9 min read
Sizing

Off-Grid Solar 101: What It Actually Takes to Leave the Grid

Panels, battery, backup generator and the realistic budget for going fully independent.

10 min read
State Comparison

Solar in California vs Texas: Which Saves You More in 2026?

Two of the biggest solar markets in the country, compared head to head with real numbers.

6 min read
State Comparison

Solar in California vs Arizona: Which Saves You More in 2026?

Both sunny, both expensive electricity — but very different net metering rules.

6 min read
State Comparison

Solar in Texas vs Florida: Which Saves You More in 2026?

Two sunbelt giants with very different net metering policies.

6 min read
State Comparison

Solar in New York vs New Jersey: Which Saves You More in 2026?

Neighboring states, both with strong incentive programs — here's the real gap.

6 min read
State Comparison

Solar in Florida vs Georgia: Which Saves You More in 2026?

Neighboring southeast states with a real gap in net metering strength.

6 min read
State Comparison

Solar in Massachusetts vs New York: Which Saves You More in 2026?

Two of the strongest incentive states in the country, compared directly.

6 min read
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