SolarScout — The solar energy benchmark. Tested. Scored. Ranked.

Top Rated Home Batteries

5 Best Home Battery Backup Systems 2026: Tested and Ranked

Tesla, Enphase, and Generac put through real-world backup tests — we tracked capacity loss, outage runtime, and true cost per kWh. See who won.

9.2 /10

Rankings

EV Chargers Editor's Pick

9.2 /10

10 Best Level 2 Home EV Chargers 2026: Tested, Ranked, Priced

Real charging speed tests, smart scheduling scores, and install cost breakdowns for the top 10 Level 2 chargers — pick the right one for your garage.

Apr 10, 2026 Read review

Home Batteries Editor's Pick

9.2 /10

10 Best Portable Power Stations for Camping 2026: Ranked by Runtime

Jackery, EcoFlow, Bluetti — ranked by real usable capacity, solar recharge speed, and weight so you never run out of power at camp.

Apr 10, 2026 Read review

inverters Editor's Pick

9.2 /10

Enphase vs SolarEdge 2026: Microinverter vs Optimizer — Verdict

Enphase beats SolarEdge on shaded roofs; SolarEdge wins on cost. Real efficiency data, 25-year ROI, and which system is right for your install.

Apr 10, 2026 Read review

efficiency Editor's Pick

9.2 /10

Heat Pump vs Furnace 2026: Which Saves More Money?

Heat pumps cost $3K–$6K more upfront but cut heating bills by up to 50%. Real installation data, efficiency ratings, and ROI for pairing with solar.

Apr 10, 2026 Read review

EV Chargers Editor's Pick

9.2 /10

Solar EV Charging 2026: Cut Fuel Costs to Near Zero — Here's How

Pairing solar with a smart Level 2 charger can cut fuel costs by 90%. We ran the numbers on setup costs, top chargers tested, and the breakeven timeline.

Apr 10, 2026 Read review

Solar Costs Top Rated

9.2 /10

Solar Panel Cost by State 2026: Real Prices for All 50 States

Solar costs $2.40–$3.90/watt depending on your state. See actual installed prices, available incentives, and payback timelines for every US state.

Apr 10, 2026 Read review

More Reviews

Solar Costs Editor's Pick

9.2 /10

Solar Panel Installation Cost 2026: What You'll Actually Pay

Average install runs $15K–$30K depending on system size and state. See real price-per-watt data, incentive stacking, and calculate your exact payback period.

Apr 10, 2026 Read review

Solar Panels Editor's Pick

9.2 /10

SunPower vs REC 2026: Which Premium Panel Earns More Over 25 Years?

SunPower Maxeon hits 22.8% efficiency; REC Alpha Pure costs 15% less per watt. Real output tests, cost-per-watt data, and 25-year ROI compared side by side.

Apr 10, 2026 Read review

Solar Panels Tested

9.2 /10

7 Best Solar Panels for Cold Climates 2026: Winter-Tested Rankings

Snow load scores, temperature coefficient data, and winter output tested — these panels produce up to 25% more in cold weather than budget alternatives.

Apr 9, 2026 Read review

incentives Tested

9.2 /10

Federal Solar Tax Credit 2026: Claim Your 30% Before It Changes

The 30% ITC is still claimable in 2026 — but eligibility rules matter. Here's exactly who qualifies, how to calculate your credit, and which IRS forms to file.

Apr 9, 2026 Read review

Solar Panels Editor's Pick

9.2 /10

Best Solar Panels 2026: SunPower vs REC vs Q Cells — Tested

SunPower leads at 22.8% efficiency, but Q Cells delivers better value per watt. 5 top panels ranked on efficiency, durability, and 25-year ROI.

Apr 1, 2026 Read review

off-grid Editor's Pick

9.1 /10

Best Solar Generators for Off-Grid Living 2026

Four best solar generators for off-grid 2026 ranked by LFP vs NMC chemistry, solar input ceiling, and real cost-per-cycle math. EcoFlow wins decisively.

May 9, 2026 Read review

off-grid Editor's Pick

9.1 /10

EcoFlow Delta 2 Max vs Bluetti AC200P: Which Solar Generator Is Worth It in 2026

Compare EcoFlow Delta 2 Max vs Bluetti AC200P on solar input, charge speed, and expandability. Find out which portable power station is worth buying in 2026.

May 9, 2026 Read review

installation Editor's Pick

9.1 /10

Best Solar Companies in California 2026: Ranked by Installer Stability and NEM 3.0 ROI

Compare 6 top California solar installers for 2026, ranked by stability, NEM 3.0 payback math, and verified customer reviews from the post-ITC era.

Apr 24, 2026 Read review

technology Editor's Pick

9.1 /10

Best Solar Panels with Built-In Optimizers 2026: 4 Systems Tested

Enphase IQ8, SolarEdge S440, APsystems DS3, and Tigo TS4 compared on shade recovery, cost per watt, and warranty terms — see which earns the most on a shaded roof.

Apr 15, 2026 Read review

Solar Costs Editor's Pick

9.1 /10

10kW Solar System Cost in 2026: $20K–$31K — Is It Worth It?

$20,200–$30,500 installed. Here's what drives the price gap, which panels earn the fastest ROI without the federal ITC, and how to cut costs today.

Apr 14, 2026 Read review

Solar Panels Editor's Pick

9.1 /10

5 Best Solar Panels for Small Roofs 2026: Max Watts per Sq Ft

Limited roof space? These 5 high-efficiency panels squeeze the most watts per square foot — with real installed costs and ROI data for roofs under 400 sq ft.

Apr 13, 2026 Read review

batteries Editor's Pick

8.9 /10

Goal Zero Yeti 1500X vs Bluetti AC300: Which Wins for Home Backup in 2026?

Compare Goal Zero Yeti 1500X vs Bluetti AC300 on capacity, cycle life, and LCOE. Clear winner for home backup and solar-paired use with real specs and honest cons.

May 9, 2026 Read review

EV Chargers Editor's Pick

8.9 /10

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV at Home in 2026?

Calculate your real monthly EV charging cost with state-by-state rates, TOU savings, and tested charger picks for every budget in 2026.

Apr 22, 2026 Read review

batteries Editor's Pick

8.8 /10

Best Solar Batteries for Home Backup 2026: 5 Systems Tested and Ranked

Compare the 5 best home solar batteries for 2026 with real installed costs, ROI math, and no-ITC calculations — Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ 5P, FranklinWH, and more.

May 12, 2026 Read review

off-grid Editor's Pick

8.7 /10

Best Portable Power Stations Under $300 (2026): Tested and Ranked

Compare the top 5 portable power stations under $300. Real solar charge times, LFP vs NMC battery data, and capacity test results — Jackery wins.

May 18, 2026 Read review

off-grid Best Value

8.7 /10

Best Portable Solar Generators Under $500 (2026)

Compare the best portable solar generators under $500 in 2026. EcoFlow RIVER 2 vs Jackery 300 Plus vs Bluetti EB3A — real specs, real limits, one winner.

May 9, 2026 Read review

off-grid Editor's Pick

8.7 /10

Best Solar Panels for Van Life 2026

Compare four van life solar panels for 2026: Renogy 200W, BougeRV flexible, Rich Solar, and Newpowa tested on real roof heat, weight, and warranty.

May 9, 2026 Read review

batteries Editor's Pick

8.7 /10

EcoFlow Delta Pro vs Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro (2026): Which Is Worth It?

Compare EcoFlow Delta Pro vs Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro on capacity, LFP vs NMC chemistry, cycle life, and solar charging before you buy in 2026.

May 9, 2026 Read review

off-grid Editor's Pick

8.7 /10

Renogy vs Rich Solar 200W Solar Panels: Which Wins in 2026?

Compare Renogy and Rich Solar 200W panels on efficiency, cell tech, weight, and price — expert pick for camping, RV, and off-grid builds.

May 9, 2026 Read review

incentives Editor's Pick

8.7 /10

Net Metering by State 2026: Where Solar ROI Is Good (and Bad)

Full retail credit in 38 states — but California's NEM 3.0 slashed solar savings by 75%. Check your state before you install to know your real payback period.

Apr 13, 2026 Read review

efficiency Editor's Pick

8.6 /10

Best Programmable Thermostats 2026: Budget Picks That Cut Your Energy Bill

Compare 7 smart thermostats for 2026 — real energy savings, solar production-window scheduling, and utility rebates after the 25C credit expired.

May 7, 2026 Read review

incentives Editor's Pick

8.6 /10

Community Solar 2026: How to Subscribe and Save Without Panels

Compare top community solar programs for 2026: real savings rates, state availability, and what the fine print actually says. No roof required.

Apr 22, 2026 Read review

EV Chargers Tested

8.6 /10

7 Best Home EV Chargers 2026: Level 2 Tested and Ranked

ChargePoint wins on features, Emporia on value — after testing 8 Level 2 chargers on real homes. See speed results, app ratings, and which saves you the most per charge.

Mar 20, 2026 Read review

Solar Costs Tested

8.5 /10

Is Solar Worth It in 2026? 35+ States Say Yes — See the Math

Solar beats the grid in 35+ states with 300–500% lifetime ROI and a 5–8 year payback. Here's the honest cost analysis for your state before you decide.

Mar 15, 2026 Read review

efficiency Tested

8.4 /10

Whole-House Fan vs AC 2026: Real Cooling Cost Comparison

Compare whole-house fan vs central AC costs in 2026: real watt-by-watt analysis, climate suitability filters, and payback math for your specific climate.

Apr 25, 2026 Read review

costs Editor's Pick

8.4 /10

Solar Lease vs Buy vs PPA 2026: Which Financing Path Actually Makes Financial Sense?

Compare solar lease vs buy vs PPA for 2026 — real ROI math, escalation clause breakdowns, and the post-ITC payback reality for each financing path.

Apr 21, 2026 Read review

batteries Editor's Pick

8.3 /10

EcoFlow vs Bluetti 2026: Complete Brand Comparison

Compare EcoFlow and Bluetti solar power systems: real specs, pricing, and a clear winner for home backup and portable solar charging.

May 9, 2026 Read review

ev-chargers Tested

8.3 /10

Level 1 vs Level 2 EV Charging 2026: Do You Actually Need an Upgrade?

Compare Level 1 vs Level 2 EV charging with real speed data, installation costs, and the June 30, 2026 tax credit deadline — then decide if the upgrade makes sense.

Apr 28, 2026 Read review

Home Batteries Tested

8.3 /10

Tesla Powerwall 3 Review 2026: Integrated Inverter Tested

Dr. Raj Kumar tests the Tesla Powerwall 3's integrated inverter. Real efficiency numbers, ROI math, known issues, and who should buy it in 2026.

Apr 17, 2026 Read review

costs Editor's Pick

8.2 /10

Solar Leasing vs Buying 2026: Which Saves More Money

The federal ITC expired December 31, 2025 — so does leasing now win? Claire Dawson runs the real 2026 math on cash, loan, lease, and PPA to find out which financing path saves more.

May 16, 2026 Read review

comparison Editor's Pick

8.2 /10

May 9, 2026 Read review

panels Editor's Pick

8.2 /10

Renogy vs Rich Solar Solar Panels: Which Brand Wins in 2026?

Compare Renogy vs Rich Solar for off-grid builds: 2026 pricing, warranty analysis, and temperature performance data for RV, cabin, and DIY solar systems.

May 9, 2026 Read review

costs Tested

8.2 /10

Tesla Solar Roof vs Traditional Solar Panels 2026: Is the Premium Worth It?

Compare Tesla Solar Roof V3 vs traditional panels in 2026 after the federal ITC expired — real costs, payback, and our top pick.

Apr 21, 2026 Read review

efficiency Tested

8.2 /10

Common Solar Panel Problems and How to Fix Them (2026)

Microcracks, hotspots, PID, and inverter failure cost homeowners thousands. Here's how to diagnose and fix every common solar panel problem in 2026.

Apr 16, 2026 Read review

Home Batteries Editor's Pick

8.2 /10

Powerwall 3 vs Enphase IQ Battery 5P 2026: Tested Side-by-Side

Powerwall 3 costs less per kWh; IQ 5P scales better. Real installed prices, post-incentive math, and a state-by-state ROI breakdown to pick the right battery.

Apr 15, 2026 Read review

Solar Panels Tested

8.1 /10

Qcells Q.TRON BLK M-G2+ Review 2026: Is America's Largest Solar Factory Worth the Premium?

Qcells Q.TRON BLK M-G2+ hits 22.5% efficiency, qualifies for IRA domestic content credits, and avoids 37% import tariffs. Here's the financial math after the ITC expired.

May 8, 2026 Read review

EV Chargers Tested

8.1 /10

ChargePoint Home Flex vs Wallbox Pulsar Plus 2026: We Tested Both

ChargePoint wins on reliability; Wallbox wins on price — but there's a risk you should know. Real speed tests, tax credit math, and a frank verdict for solar homes.

Apr 14, 2026 Read review