About PlainSolarData

Our Mission

PlainSolarData exists because we believe the decision to go solar should be driven by data, not sales pitches. We built PlainSolarData to give homeowners, businesses, and researchers access to the same government data that industry professionals use — organized by state, presented in plain language, and free from commercial bias.

Why we built PlainSolarData: solar energy is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S. economy, with federal tax credits, state incentives, and utility programs creating a complex landscape that varies dramatically by location. Yet most information available to consumers comes from solar installers with a financial interest in the outcome. Our purpose is to provide an independent, data-first resource that helps people evaluate solar economics on their own terms.

We believe access to transparent energy data empowers better decisions. When homeowners understand their state's solar resource potential, electricity rates, available incentives, and realistic payback timelines, they can negotiate with installers from a position of knowledge rather than relying on projections they cannot independently verify.

Our Data Sources

All data comes directly from authoritative U.S. government and research institutions. We rely exclusively on primary data sources with established methodologies and public accountability:

  • Solar Resource Data: NREL National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB) — average peak sun hours and irradiance values by state, based on decades of satellite and ground-station measurements
  • Electricity Rates: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Form 861 (2024) — residential, commercial, and industrial electricity rates by state and utility
  • Incentive Programs: DSIRE USA (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency), maintained by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center — state and utility incentives, tax credits, rebates, net metering policies, and renewable portfolio standards
  • System Costs: NREL Annual Technology Baseline (ATB) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Tracking the Sun report — installed costs per watt by system size and state
  • Federal Tax Credits: Internal Revenue Code Section 48 (Investment Tax Credit) — current federal solar tax credit rates and phase-down schedule

How We Process the Data

Our methodology combines data from multiple federal sources into state-level solar profiles. We download raw datasets from NREL, EIA, and DSIRE, then normalize them into a consistent structure that allows direct state-to-state comparison. Each data point is traceable to its original source.

The Solar Score (0-100) is a composite metric we calculate from three weighted factors: solar irradiance (40%), estimated payback period (30%), and incentive density (30%). This approach balances the physical solar resource with the financial factors that determine real-world ROI. The score provides a quick comparison signal, but we always display the underlying data so users can evaluate the components independently.

Our ROI calculator estimates system performance using state average data. System size is derived from monthly electricity consumption and state rates, annual production uses state-level irradiance with an 80% system efficiency factor, and costs use NREL average installed cost per watt. We do not project future electricity rate increases or panel degradation, keeping estimates conservative and transparent.

Data Currency

PlainSolarData currently displays electricity rate data from the 2024 EIA Form 861 release, solar irradiance data from the most recent NREL NSRDB compilation, and incentive program data synchronized with DSIRE's current listings. System cost data reflects the latest NREL ATB and Lawrence Berkeley Tracking the Sun report.

NREL, EIA, and DSIRE release updated data on different schedules — typically annually for EIA rates and NREL cost data, and on a rolling basis for DSIRE incentive programs. Our update schedule tracks each source's release cycle. We rebuild our database when new releases become available, typically in the first quarter each year for annual datasets. All data pages display the specific source and vintage year.

Not Affiliated

PlainSolarData is not affiliated with NREL, EIA, DSIRE, or any government agency, utility, or solar installer. We are an independent data portal providing public information in a more accessible and searchable format. We receive no compensation from solar companies, installers, or equipment manufacturers.

Editorial Independence

Content on PlainSolarData is compiled by our editorial team from official source data. Raw data from NREL, EIA, DOE Solar Programs, DSIRE, and state utility reporting is transformed into readable state and incentive profiles by our continuous editorial pipeline, then validated against the source before publication. The PlainSolarData editorial team, operating under Kiznis Studio, is responsible for editorial standards, methodology, and corrections.

We do not accept payment, sponsorship, or promoted placement from solar installers, equipment manufacturers, utilities, financing providers, or any covered entity. Our only revenue source is contextual display advertising served by Google AdSense — advertisers do not influence which programs or states we cover or how we present data, and they do not receive preferential placement.

Limitations and Disclaimers

PlainSolarData is an informational resource, and users should understand several important limitations of the data and calculations we present.

State averages do not reflect your specific property. Solar economics vary significantly by roof orientation, shading, local utility tariff structure, system design, installer pricing, and financing terms. Our state-level data provides a starting point for evaluation, not a substitute for a site-specific assessment from a qualified installer.

Incentive programs change frequently. State legislatures, utility commissions, and local governments regularly modify, expand, or terminate solar incentive programs. DSIRE data is the most comprehensive available source, but programs may have changed since our last database update. Always verify current incentive availability with your state energy office or utility before making financial commitments.

Calculator results are estimates only. Our ROI calculator uses conservative assumptions and state averages. Actual system performance, costs, and savings will differ. We do not project future electricity rate increases, panel degradation, or changes to net metering policies — all of which significantly affect long-term returns.

PlainSolarData is for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified solar installer, tax professional, and financial advisor before making solar investment decisions.

Contact

Questions, data corrections, or feedback? We welcome hearing from homeowners, researchers, and industry professionals. Email us at hello@plainsolardata.com.

If you notice an incorrect electricity rate, outdated incentive program, or calculation error, please include the specific state and data point. We verify all reports against the original government sources.