Solar Energy Guides
Expert-written guides to help you navigate solar tax credits, incentives, and policy changes in 2026.
Solar Tax Credit Guide 2026 — What Changed & What Didn't After OBBBA
The definitive guide to federal solar tax credits after the OBBBA. Section 25D expired, Section 48E remains — learn exactly what you qualify for.
ITC vs PTC: Which Was Better — and What's Left After the Deadline?
The 48E ITC and 45Y PTC construction-start deadline (statutory July 4, 2026; rolled to Monday, July 6 under IRC 7503) has passed — neither credit is claimable for new projects. How the choice worked, what grandfathered projects keep, and what still moves the economics.
Domestic Content Bonus: How to Qualify for the 10% Adder
Learn how to qualify for the 10% domestic content bonus on top of the 30% solar ITC. Covers US-made requirements and FEOC rules.
Section 48E Pass-Through: What Grandfathered Lease/PPA Customers Keep
The Section 48E construction-start deadline (statutory July 4, 2026; rolled to Monday, July 6 under IRC 7503) has passed. Only grandfathered lease/PPA projects with a documented pre-deadline construction start still carry the 30% via the commercial Section 48E pass-through.
Commercial vs Residential Solar Tax Credits (2026)
Commercial properties could claim the 30% ITC plus depreciation if construction began before July 4, 2026 (deadline now passed). Residential owned systems lost the federal credit. Compare the two.
State Solar Tax Credits That Stack With Federal Incentives
State incentives operate independently from federal rules and remain available. Some states even expanded programs after the federal credit expired.
Rental Property Solar Tax Credits: What Still Applies in 2026
Rental properties qualified under Section 48E — landlords could claim the 30% credit plus depreciation benefits if construction began before July 4, 2026 (deadline now passed). 100% bonus depreciation, MACRS, and state credits still apply.
What If My Tax Liability Is Less Than the Solar Tax Credit?
Learn carryforward and carryback rules for unused solar tax credits. Strategies to maximize credit value.
Installer Financial Health Guide — Freedom Forever Bankruptcy & How to Vet Your Installer
America's #1 solar installer filed bankruptcy in 2026. Learn the 5 questions, red flags, and warranty risks to check before you sign any solar contract.
How to Ask Your Solar Installer About 48E Tax Credit Passthrough
Solar lessors have no obligation to pass through the 30% Section 48E credit. Learn the 3 passthrough patterns (Aggressive, Partial, None) and the one question to ask before you sign.
Solar Lease vs PPA vs Buy After July 4, 2026: A Homeowner's Decision Guide
Step-by-step guide for homeowners deciding between lease, PPA, or cash purchase after the 48E deadline. Compare costs, understand 48E passthrough, and know exactly what to ask installers.
Electricity Rates by State in 2026: The Complete 50-State Guide
Compare residential electricity rates across all 50 states and DC for 2026 - and see exactly how your rate drives solar payback. National average, rankings, and sortable table.
Post-48E Solar Financing: Cash vs Loan vs Lease vs PPA
After the 25D credit expired, solar financing economics inverted. This unified, post-48E decision guide compares cash, loan, lease, and PPA - and tells you which wins for your bill size and time horizon.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last? Degradation & Warranty Data (2026)
Most solar panels are warrantied for 25-30 years and keep producing at reduced output for 40+. Real degradation math (0.25-0.75%/yr by tier), the actual warranty distribution across 5,285 panel models, and when replacement pays for itself.
How to Add a Battery to an Existing Solar System (2026)
Can I add a battery to my existing solar panels? Yes — if the coupling is right. AC-coupled vs DC-coupled decision path, three retrofit-ready batteries (Powerwall 3 + Tesla lease, aPower 2, Enphase 10C), and the post-48E lease-vs-own math with $0 federal credit.
Plug-In Solar: The Complete 2026 Guide (Legality, Costs, Safety)
Balcony solar kits plug into a 120V outlet with no rooftop install. 10 states have passed plug-in solar laws since Utah's HB 340. See the verified legality map, kit costs from sub-$1K, savings math, and UL 1741 safety rules.
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