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Guides and explainers

Home Energy Blog

Plain-English guidance for solar incentives, system sizing, EV charging, and battery backup decisions.

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Solar and EV incentives in 2026

Start here for the expired homeowner solar credit, the EV charger deadline, and the tools that help you price the next move.

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Home backup power in 2026

Use the backup-power hub to connect outage strategy, solar behavior, V2H, and the right review category.

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Generator vs. Home Battery vs. Portable Power Station: Which Backup Option Fits Your Home?

11 min read

Generator vs. Home Battery vs. Portable Power Station: Which Backup Option Fits Your Home?

Three very different backup power options, three very different price points and use cases. Here's how to figure out which one or combination actually fits your home and your typical outages.

Can My EV Power My House? A Plain-English Guide to V2H in 2026

10 min read

Can My EV Power My House? A Plain-English Guide to V2H in 2026

Vehicle-to-home (V2H) lets some EVs power your house during an outage. Here's what V2H actually means, which vehicles support it, and whether it makes sense instead of a home battery.

Will Solar Panels Power My Home During an Outage? (The Answer Surprises Most Homeowners)

10 min read

Will Solar Panels Power My Home During an Outage? (The Answer Surprises Most Homeowners)

Most grid-tied solar systems shut off automatically during a power outage even on a sunny day. Here's why, and what actually keeps your home powered when the grid goes down.

Is Solar Worth It in 2026 Without the Tax Credit?

11 min read

Is Solar Worth It in 2026 Without the Tax Credit?

The 30% federal solar tax credit ended for homeowners after 2025. Here's the real math on whether solar still pays off in 2026 and how leases change the equation.

EV Charger Tax Credit Deadline: What Homeowners Need to Know Before June 30, 2026

10 min read

EV Charger Tax Credit Deadline: What Homeowners Need to Know Before June 30, 2026

The federal 30C tax credit for home EV chargers expires June 30, 2026. Here's who qualifies, how much you can claim, and what to do before the deadline.

Federal Solar Tax Credit 2026: What Changed and What's Still Available

9 min read

Federal Solar Tax Credit 2026: What Changed and What's Still Available

A clear 2026 update on the expired homeowner solar tax credit, the December 31, 2025 cutoff, Form 5695 for historical claims, and which incentives still matter now.

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?

7 min read

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?

Estimate how many solar panels your home needs using electricity usage, panel wattage, roof sun exposure, and local rates.

EV Charger Installation Cost Guide

7 min read

EV Charger Installation Cost Guide

What homeowners should expect to pay for Level 2 EV charger hardware, electrician labor, panel upgrades, and permits.