Learn
Solar, explained simply.
Real answers to real questions. No sales spin. No jargon. If you're considering solar, start here.
Solar 101
6 articlesHow residential solar actually works — panels, inverters, batteries, weather, the basics.
How does residential solar work?
Photons hit the panel, electrons flow, your home runs on sunlight. The 5-minute version of what's actually happening on your roof.
5 min read
What's the difference between solar panels, inverters, and batteries?
Three components, three jobs. The panel makes power. The inverter converts it. The battery stores it for later.
6 min read
Do solar panels work in winter or cloudy weather?
Yes. Cold actually improves panel efficiency. Cloudy days drop output to 10-25% — but production averages out across the year.
4 min read
How long do solar panels last?
25-30 years of usable life. Manufacturer warranties run 25 years for tier-1 panels. Output degrades 0.4-0.5%/year — a 25-year-old panel still produces ~90% of its original output.
5 min read
Solar panel maintenance: what's actually required?
Almost nothing. Tier-1 systems are designed for 25 years of unattended operation. Texas rain typically handles cleaning. Monitoring is automatic. The two things that matter: keep shade off the array, and call your installer if production drops more than 10%.
5 min read
Solar panels pros and cons (the honest version)
The pros are well-known. The cons usually aren't. Here's the unvarnished list — including the ones our competitors won't tell you — so you can decide with both sides.
7 min read
Cost + savings
5 articlesWhat systems cost in 2026, payment options, incentives, and the timing question.
How much do solar panels cost in 2026?
An 8-12 kW residential system runs $20k-$35k installed. We break down the line items so you know what's behind the price.
6 min read
What is a solar PPA (Power Purchase Agreement)?
A PPA: you don't buy the system, you buy the power at a locked-in per-kWh rate. Best for $0-down with zero maintenance.
7 min read
State incentives + net metering, explained
Solar incentive programs vary by state and utility. Net metering credits, state rebates, SREC markets — here's how to figure out what's available to you.
7 min read
Should I go solar now or wait? (2026 timing answer)
The right answer depends on three variables: federal credit status, your utility's net-metering trajectory, and whether you have an aging HVAC or roof. Here's how to think about timing in 2026.
7 min read
Are solar panels worth it in 2026?
For most homeowners with a sunny roof and a 5+ year stay, yes. Here's the math at current Texas utility rates, who solar isn't worth it for, and the three numbers that decide your case.
6 min read
Going solar
3 articlesWarranties, when to add a battery, and the questions to ask before signing.
What's actually included in your solar warranty?
25-year workmanship. 25-year production guarantee. 25-year manufacturer warranty on parts. Service contract for life. Here's what each one covers.
6 min read
Solar + battery: when does it make sense?
Adding a battery doubles your install cost but unlocks backup power, peak-rate avoidance, and energy independence. The math matters.
6 min read
What questions should I ask before signing a solar contract?
12 questions that separate good solar deals from bad ones. From production guarantees to claw-back clauses.
8 min read
Texas + your home
2 articlesTexas-specific: home resale value, grid reliability after Winter Storm Uri.
Does solar help or hurt my home's resale value?
Owned solar adds 4-6% to home value on average. Leased systems are the complication — here's how to tell which boat you're in and what buyers actually pay extra for.
6 min read
Will my solar work in the next Winter Storm Uri?
Yes — if you have a battery. Grid-tied systems shut down during outages to protect line workers. A Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery islands your house from the grid and keeps essentials running.
6 min read
Avoiding bad deals
6 articlesRed flags from door-to-door reps, what happens when an installer goes bankrupt, and how to protect yourself.
What happens if my solar company goes bankrupt?
Manufacturer warranties stay valid (paid by the manufacturer, not the installer). Workmanship warranties don't. Here's what's actually at risk and how to protect yourself before signing.
7 min read
How to spot a bad solar pitch (and the 8 red flags that should kill the deal)
Solar has a sales-rep problem. Here are the 8 specific red flags that tell you the rep on your doorstep is selling commission, not solar — and how to verify any pitch in 60 seconds.
7 min read
7 red flags hidden in solar contracts (and how to find them in 5 minutes)
The pitch is one thing. The 20-page contract you actually sign is another. Here are the 7 specific clauses that make a solar deal bad — and exactly where to find them in the document.
7 min read
Is your solar quote overpriced? (The 4 numbers that decide it)
The all-in price tells you almost nothing on its own. The four numbers that actually matter — and what range each should land in — make overpricing obvious in 60 seconds.
6 min read
What to do if you already signed a bad solar contract
You have more options than you think. Texas's 3-day right of rescission, contract-specific cancellation windows, and federal cooling-off rules give you escape hatches — but the timeline is tight.
7 min read
Are 'free solar' programs real? (No — here's what they actually are)
The #1 lie in residential solar. Nothing about solar is free. Here's what 'free solar' pitches actually are, why they trick people, and the math behind each version.
6 min read