Editorial policy

Solar is a major financial decision, so we hold our content to a high standard for accuracy and transparency. Here’s exactly how we work.

Primary sources only

Every quantitative claim traces to an authoritative primary source:

• Electricity rates — U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
• Sun-hour / irradiance data — National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
• Incentives & net metering — DSIRE, state energy offices, and utility tariffs.
• Federal tax rules — the IRS, with industry context from SEIA.
• Install costs — SEIA/Wood Mackenzie market data and reputable marketplace benchmarks.

Independent fact-checking

Numbers are verified against at least two authoritative sources before publication. The person who verifies a figure is not the person who wrote it — a deliberate separation that keeps us honest, especially on money-sensitive (YMYL) topics.

Transparent math

Our calculator’s formula and every assumption are published openly on the calculator page. We label all outputs as estimates and never hide the model behind a lead form.

We don’t chase the credit that’s gone

When the federal residential tax credit expired at the end of 2025, we updated the model to a 0% federal credit for 2026 purchases rather than keep inflating savings. Accuracy beats optimism.

Updates and corrections

Rates and incentives change, so we date every article and refresh figures as the market and law move. Found an error? Tell us — we verify and correct promptly, and note the update date.

Independence

Advertising or installer partnerships (clearly labeled when present) never influence our estimates, rankings, or recommendations.