Solar Insights
Tips, guides, and savings insights for homeowners going solar.
Does Your Roof Face the Right Way? How Direction Changes Your Solar Output (With Real Numbers)
South-facing is the textbook answer, but the penalty for east, west, or even north is far smaller than most people assume. Here is how much each direction actually costs you in kilowatt-hours and payback, and when a "bad" roof is still a great solar bet.
How to Read Your Electric Bill for Solar (Before You Size a System)
Your electric bill holds the four numbers that actually determine your solar size and savings. Most homeowners and even some installers get them wrong. Here is how to read it correctly.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Actually Need? (The Real Formula, With 2026 Numbers)
How many solar panels does your home need? The real answer is 3 numbers: your 12-month usage, your ZIP code's peak sun hours, and your actual usable roof space. Here's the exact formula, with 2026 numbers by state.
How Much Does Solar Actually Save You Per Month? Real 2026 Numbers by State
Most homeowners save $100 to $150 a month with solar, but the real number depends on your utility rate, how much power your home uses, and your local net metering rules. Here is the math with real 2026 figures.
Do You Need a Battery for Your Solar System? (The Honest Math)
Most home solar systems are installed without a battery and still pay back faster. Here's how to tell, using real outage data and self-consumption numbers, whether storage is actually worth $8,000 to $35,000 for your specific home.
How Long Do Solar Panels Actually Last? (The Degradation Data, Explained)
Solar panels don't stop working after 25 years. They fade slowly by about 0.5% per year and keep producing for 30+ years. Here's the real degradation data, the two warranties to read, and the one component you will actually have to replace.
How Long Do Solar Panels Actually Last? (The Degradation Data, Explained)
Solar panels don't stop working after 25 years. They fade slowly by about 0.5% per year and keep producing for 30+ years. Here's the real degradation data, the two warranties to read, and the one component you will actually have to replace.
The 30% Solar Tax Credit Is Gone for 2026. Here's What Changed for Homeowners
The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025, with no phase-down. Here's what that means for your solar math in 2026, and which incentives actually still exist.
Do Solar Panels Work in Winter? What Happens to Production in Cold Months
Most homeowners assume solar shuts down in winter. The data says the opposite: panels keep producing, cold weather actually boosts efficiency, and snow losses are smaller than you'd think. Here's what NREL numbers say about your winter output.
The 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit Is Gone for 2026. Here's What That Means for Your Solar Math
The 30% federal residential solar tax credit ended on December 31, 2025. If you're considering solar in 2026, here's what still helps you save, and how the math changes.
Is My Roof Good for Solar Panels? A Simple Checklist for Homeowners
Not every roof is equally suited for solar, but far more of them work than homeowners assume. Here is what actually matters: shade, direction, pitch, age, and usable space.
PG&E and Google Just Launched a $5,000 Battery Heat Pump Deal for Bay Area Homeowners
PG&E, Google, and Rewiring America launched the SHARE virtual power plant in September 2026. Bay Area homeowners can get a $5,000+ battery heat pump and earn up to $350/year from grid dispatch. Here is what to know.
Solar Shading Analysis: Why Even Partial Shade Can Kill Your Solar Investment
Even partial shading can reduce solar panel output by 40% or more. Learn how to check for shading on your roof and what to do if shading is a problem.
Is Solar Worth It in 2026? The Honest Answer
Is solar worth it in 2026? It depends on your bill, your roof, your location, and net metering policy. Learn when solar makes financial sense and when it does not.
Solar for Real Estate Agents: How to Use Roof Analysis in Your Listings
How real estate agents can use solar roof analysis to make their listings stand out and justify higher prices.
Should You Replace Your Roof Before Installing Solar Panels?
Should you replace your roof before installing solar? The 10-year rule explains when it makes sense and when it does not.
Solar Panel Cost Per Watt in 2026: What You Should Actually Pay
The national average solar cost per watt in 2026 is $2.80-$3.80 before incentives. Learn how to spot red flags in quotes and why you should check your roof before comparing prices.
Solar Roof Analysis: What It Is and Why You Need One Before Signing
Learn what a solar roof analysis is and why you need one before signing any solar contract. Covers orientation, shading, roof age, and more.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need? The Quick Answer
The average home needs 15-25 solar panels. Learn how to find your exact number based on energy usage, location, and roof analysis.
Why Your Solar Salesperson Will Lie About Your Roof
Solar salespeople have a financial incentive to say your roof qualifies. Learn why you should verify with a satellite roof analysis before signing any contract.