Guides & Resources

Plain-language guides on U.S. solar incentives, net metering policy, battery storage economics, and renewable energy credits by state. According to the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory NSRDB (National Solar Radiation Database, 2024 release) and the DSIRE U.S. Database of State Incentives, the U.S. has more than 5,000,000 active residential solar installations as of 2024, with average annual solar irradiance ranging from 3.5 to 6.5 kWh/m²/day across all 50 states. See our methodology for refresh cadence and source vintage.

Solar Panel ROI Calculator Guide

Step-by-step guide to calculating solar panel return on investment. Learn the formulas, key variables, and how state incentives and electricity rates affect your payback period.

Net Metering by State 2026: Full State-by-State Comparison

Complete net metering policy lookup for all 50 states plus DC. Find full retail, partial, and no-net-metering states ranked by electricity rate and solar ROI.

Solar Tax Credits and Incentives Explained (2026)

Complete guide to the federal 30% ITC, state tax credits, utility rebates, property tax exemptions, SRECs, and how to stack multiple incentives for maximum savings.

Home Battery Storage: When It Makes Financial Sense

Home battery storage can significantly improve solar ROI in states like California under NEM 3.0. Learn when the math works and when it doesn't.

Understanding Net Metering by State — Solar Bill Credits Explained

Net metering allows solar owners to earn bill credits for excess electricity sent to the grid. Learn how rates differ across all 50 states.

Solar After the Federal Tax Credit: What Incentives Remain (2026)

The 30% federal ITC for residential solar expired December 31, 2024. This guide covers what state and utility incentives remain available.

SRECs Explained: How Solar Renewable Energy Credits Work

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) let solar owners earn passive income from their system's clean energy generation. Learn how SREC markets work.

Community Solar Explained: How Shared Solar Works

Community solar lets renters, condo owners, and homeowners without suitable roofs access solar savings through shared projects. How subscriptions work and which states lead.

Methodology

Our guides are based on publicly available data from authoritative government sources. All statistics, ratings, and figures cited in these guides are drawn directly from official datasets and publications, with sources clearly referenced throughout.

We aim to present complex government data in plain language that is accessible to general audiences. When methodologies differ between data sources or change over time, we note these variations inline. Our editorial process includes regular reviews to ensure accuracy and timeliness of the information presented.