Solar States guides
Solar literacy that doesn't flinch
Plain-English guides with source links, review dates and buying checklists. Coverage and review limits are stated; examples are not quotes or guaranteed outcomes.
Guides published9/9
Primary sourcesIRS, CPUC, EIA, DSIRE
Editorial approachSource-first
Latest guide review2026-09-24
- Federal residential solar tax credit: the 2025 cutoff — The IRS cutoff, earlier qualifying projects, eligible expenses and documents to keep before claiming a credit. published · reviewed 2026-09-24
- Net metering vs net billing: read your utility tariff — Separate onsite use from exports, check enrollment dates and compare tariff-specific credits without assuming retail netting. published · reviewed 2026-09-24
- How to compare solar quotes in dollars per watt — Use comparable cash prices and DC capacity; separate financing, storage and roof work before judging a quote. published · reviewed 2026-09-24
- Batteries: when they earn, when they don't — Compare backup needs, storage losses and export-credit tradeoffs before buying a battery. published · reviewed 2026-09-20
- Solar loans: what to avoid — Compare cash and financed prices, payment changes and tax-credit assumptions before signing. published · reviewed 2026-09-20
- Roof condition before you sign — Roof inspections, removal costs, warranty responsibilities and tax limits before solar. published · reviewed 2026-09-20
- Solar 101: from panels to your electricity meter — Understand DC and AC, kW and kWh, onsite use, exports and the limits of a rooftop production estimate. published · reviewed 2026-09-24
- How many solar panels do I need? — Start with annual kWh, a site-specific production estimate and module wattage; treat sizing math as a planning screen. published · reviewed 2026-09-24
- Your first solar bill: what to check — Match billing dates, imports, exports, fixed charges and credit balances to the tariff on your account. published · reviewed 2026-09-24