PlainSolarData Editorial

Background

PlainSolarData is a data journalism portal that analyzes U.S. solar economics, irradiance, system cost, payback, and incentive programs, at the state level. Data is drawn from NREL (NSRDB, ATB), EIA (Form 861 electricity rates), DOE Solar Programs, DSIRE (state and utility incentives), and state utility reporting. Content is compiled by our editorial team from official source data. We do not accept payment from solar installers, equipment manufacturers, utilities, or financing providers to keep coverage independent.

How to use this site

PlainSolarData publishes reference material, data-driven pages, and explanatory tools. Use the source information, assumptions, limitations, and methodology shown on the individual page to decide whether it fits your situation.

Published information can summarize source data or provide an estimate; it is not professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. For an important decision, compare the relevant page with a primary source or a qualified professional.

How information is presented

Pages that present data or estimates identify the available source, method, and material limitations. Results can differ from real-world outcomes because inputs, rules, rates, rounding, data coverage, and individual circumstances vary.

The methodology page explains the site-level approach and limitations. Check the source information on the page you are using rather than treating site-wide wording as a substitute for the current source.

Feedback

If you find an error, stale figure, or missing context on any page we publish, please use the contact page or write to hello@plainsolardata.com with the URL and the issue.

Areas of focus

• solar energy economics
• state incentive analysis
• NREL / EIA / DSIRE data

Contact and identity

• Email: hello@plainsolardata.com
• Publisher: https://plainsolardata.com