SolarIs Solar Worth It in 2026? What Changed After the Federal Tax Credit Ended
The 25D federal credit ended for systems installed after 2025. Here is what now decides whether solar pays off, and how to estimate your own payback.
Electricity, solar and energy-saving guides
Plain-English guides to electricity bills, solar panels, switching providers and saving energy – built on government data (EIA, NREL, DOE) and linked to our free calculators.
Solar
Switching ProvidersHow to Switch Electricity Providers in Texas: Step-by-Step Guide
Compare plans on the PUCT's Power to Choose, read the Electricity Facts Label, check your fees, and switch. Your delivery utility and meter stay the same.
SolarHow Many Solar Panels Do I Need? A Simple Sizing Guide
Divide your yearly kWh by production per kW to get system size, then by panel wattage to get a panel count. Worked examples and a roof-space check.
Saving EnergyHow Much Does It Cost to Run an Air Conditioner? (Window and Central AC)
Estimate the cost to run a window or central air conditioner using published wattages and the DOE formula: watts × hours ÷ 1,000 × your rate.
Saving EnergyHow to Lower Your Electric Bill: 12 Practical, Sourced Ways
Practical ways to lower your electric bill, from free thermostat and standby-power fixes to LEDs, insulation and rate plans, each backed by DOE, EPA or EIA guidance.
Electric BillsWhy Is My Electric Bill So High? Common Causes and How to Check
A high electric bill usually means more kWh, a higher price per kWh or a longer billing period. Here's how to tell which, and what to check next.
SolarSolar Lease vs Buy vs PPA: Which Is Better for You in 2026?
Owning, leasing or signing a PPA changes who gets the savings, who handles upkeep and what happens when you sell. Here is how they compare in 2026.
Switching ProvidersDeregulated Electricity States: Where You Can Choose Your Electricity Provider
Retail choice lets you buy electricity supply from a competitive supplier while your utility still delivers it. Here are the states where homes can choose.
Electric VehiclesHow Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car at Home?
Home EV charging cost comes down to your car's kWh per 100 miles, your miles driven and your electricity rate. Here is the simple formula with a worked example.
Electric BillsWhat Is a Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)? How to Calculate Electricity Cost
A kilowatt-hour is 1,000 watts used for one hour. Here's how kWh differs from kW and how to calculate what any appliance costs to run.
SolarHow Much Do Solar Panels Cost in 2026? Price per Watt and What Drives It
Solar is priced per watt. See the latest dated figures from Berkeley Lab and EnergySage, sample totals by system size, and what pushes prices up or down.
Switching ProvidersFixed-Rate vs Variable-Rate Electricity Plans: Which Should You Choose?
Fixed plans lock your supply price per kWh for a term; variable plans can change monthly. Here is how each works, state rules, and how to choose.
Start here
- New to electricity bills? Read what is a kilowatt-hour and how to read your electric bill.
- Bill too high? See why is my electric bill so high and how to lower it.
- Thinking about solar? Begin with is solar worth it.
- Can you shop for electricity? Check deregulated electricity states.
Frequently asked questions
Is there still a federal solar tax credit?
The residential clean energy credit (section 25D) does not apply to expenditures made after 31 December 2025, and for solar the expenditure is treated as made when installation is complete (IRS). State and utility incentives may still apply.
What is a kWh on my electric bill?
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is 1,000 watts used for one hour. Your bill multiplies the kWh you used by your price per kWh, then adds fixed charges, taxes and fees.
Can I choose my electricity provider?
Only in states with retail electric choice, such as Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Delaware, District of Columbia. Elsewhere your local utility supplies your power.
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home?
At 30 kWh per 100 miles and the US average rate of 18.16¢ per kWh, 100 miles costs about $5.45. Use the EV charging cost calculator with your own car and rate.
How do I work out what an appliance costs to run?
kWh = watts × hours ÷ 1,000; cost = kWh × your rate. Our appliance pages and calculator do this with your state's rate.
Free calculators
- Electricity cost calculatorTurn kWh into dollars at your state's rate.
- Electric bill calculatorEstimate a monthly bill from your usage.
- Appliance energy cost calculatorWatts and hours to cost per day, month and year.
- kWh calculatorConvert watts and hours into kWh – and cost.
- Watts to amps calculatorConvert watts ↔ amps at 120 V, 240 V or any voltage.
- Solar panel calculatorSystem size, cost, savings and payback.
- EV charging cost calculatorHome charging cost per month and per mile.