Solar Guides
Honest answers. Real data. No installer pitch.
Written by the Sunfinder Editorial Team using PVGIS satellite data and EIA electricity rates.
Solar Panels Los Angeles 2026: LADWP Full Net Metering & Real Payback Data
LADWP offers full 1:1 retail net metering — unlike NEM 3.0 utilities. PVGIS yield: 1,622 kWh/kWp, rate 30.29¢/kWh, 3.8-year payback. Complete LA solar guide.
Solar Panels Houston 2026: ERCOT Buyback Plans, Texas Incentives & Cost Guide
Houston solar explained: ERCOT deregulated grid, best solar buyback REPs, Texas property/sales tax exemptions, and PVGIS-verified 1,394 kWh/kWp yield data.
Solar Panels Phoenix 2026: America's Highest Solar Yield + AZ 25% Tax Credit
Phoenix leads all US cities at 1,709 kWh/kWp. Arizona 25% state credit (up to $1,000), APS vs SRP net metering comparison, and 7.1-year payback calculator.
Solar Panels NYC 2026: Con Edison Full NEM, 25% NY Credit & 5.2-Year Payback
NYC's 28.37¢/kWh rate drives one of the best solar paybacks in the US. Con Edison full net metering, NY's $5,000 state credit, and NYC property tax abatement explained.
Solar Panels Denver 2026: Xcel Energy Solar*Rewards, NEM & Colorado Incentives
Denver's mile-high altitude boosts yield to 1,554 kWh/kWp. Xcel Energy's Solar*Rewards incentive, full retail net metering, and Colorado's property/sales tax exemptions.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in 2026? (Price Per Watt & System Sizes)
National average $2.80/W installed. An 8 kW system costs $22,400 before state incentives. Full breakdown by system size, state, and equipment type.
How Net Metering Works in 2026: State-by-State Guide
Net metering lets you earn bill credits for excess solar power. 40+ states require it, but rules vary widely. Best and worst states, NEM 3.0 explained.
How to Choose a Solar Installer in 2026: 7 Questions to Ask
NABCEP-certified installers, 3-quote strategy, red flags to avoid, and what every solar contract must include. The complete buying guide.
Solar Panel Lifespan & Warranties in 2026: What Lasts, What Doesn't
Modern panels last 25–30 years and degrade 0.5%/yr (NREL). Full manufacturer warranty comparison, inverter lifespan, and 25-year financial impact of degradation.
Best States for Solar in 2026 — All 50 Ranked by Payback Period
Which state has the fastest solar payback in 2026? We ranked all 50 states using real PVGIS yield data and current EIA electricity rates. Hawaii leads at 3–4 years.
Solar + Battery Storage in 2026: Is It Worth the Extra Cost?
Tesla Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ, and generic LFP batteries compared. We ran the ROI numbers across every electricity rate tier — including TOU rate savings.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need? (2026 Sizing Guide)
The simple formula for calculating your system size, panel count, and roof space. Includes state-by-state tables and panel wattage comparison for 2026.
Federal Solar Tax Credit Expired — What 2026 Buyers Need to Know
The 30% residential solar ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Here's what changed, what incentives still apply, and whether solar is still worth buying.
California Solar After NEM 3.0: Still Worth It?
NEM 3.0 slashed export credits by ~75%. Is rooftop solar still a good investment in California in 2026? We ran the numbers for PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E customers.
Texas Solar Without Net Metering: The Honest Numbers
Texas has no statewide net metering mandate. What does that actually mean for your solar payback? Less than you might think — here's the math.