Data and fact-checking
Sorted & Saved data desk
The data desk maintains the database behind our state and city pages: electricity prices, solar output, installed prices, utility export rules and incentives. Every record carries its source link, a short verbatim quote from that source in our research files, and the date it was last checked. Records older than 90 days are flagged for re-verification before they can be relied on.
Read our editorial policy and methodology.
Pages by Sorted & Saved data desk
Home Solar Batteries Compared: Capacity, Power and Warranty
Tesla Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ Battery, FranklinWH, Generac, LG and SolarEdge compared from their datasheets, plus when a battery actually pays for itself.
Solar Financing: Loans, Dealer Fees and How to Compare Offers
How solar loans work, why a low advertised APR can cost more than a higher one, what dealer fees are, and a simple way to compare cash, loan and lease offers.
Solar Inverters Compared: Microinverters, String and Hybrid
Enphase IQ8, SolarEdge, SMA, Fronius, Tesla and Generac inverters compared from datasheets: type, efficiency, battery readiness, rapid shutdown and warranty.
Solar Lease vs. Buy in 2026: What Changed and How to Decide
With the homeowner solar tax credit gone, leases and PPAs are back in the conversation. How each option works, what they really cost and the contract terms to check.
Solar Scams and Red Flags: How to Protect Yourself
The solar sales tactics regulators warn about, the cancellation rights you have in each state, and where to report a solar scam.
Solar Savings and Payback Calculator
Estimate solar system size, cost, incentives, savings and payback with sourced defaults for your state, city and utility. Runs in your browser; no email needed.
How Our Solar Estimates Work
The formulas, data sources and assumptions behind every Sorted & Saved solar cost, savings and payback estimate, including what we leave out.
Why Your Utility's Export Rate Now Decides Solar Payback
Net metering, net billing and buyback plans explained with real utility rates from Arizona, California, Texas, Florida and New York.
The Federal Solar Tax Credit Is Gone: What 2026 Buyers Need to Know
The homeowner solar tax credit ended for systems installed after 2025. What that means for buying, leasing, payback and the sales pitches you will hear.
Solar Panel Cost in Arizona (2026): Prices, Export Rates and Payback
What solar costs in Arizona in 2026, how APS, TEP and SRP credit exports, the state tax credit that still applies, and payback by city.
Solar Panel Cost in California (2026): NEM 3.0, Prices and Payback
What solar costs in California in 2026 under the Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0), how LADWP and SMUD differ, the new fixed charge, and payback by city.
Solar Panel Cost in Texas (2026): Prices, Buyback Plans and Payback
Solar costs in Texas in 2026: no statewide net metering, how Austin Energy, CPS Energy and buyback plans differ, and the 2025 sales law.