Solar math, home battery reviews, and real payback numbers for US homeowners.
The numbers are in, and they’re kind of remarkable: wind and solar together generated a record 17% of all US electricity in 2025. For solar specifically, the growth trajectory over the past five years has been steep enough that analysts who were calling “peak solar adoption” a few years ago are quietly revising their models. […]
Three years ago, a windstorm knocked out our power for 58 hours. We had a flashlight, a drawer full of candles, and a refrigerator full of food we watched slowly go bad. I swore it would never happen again. Last month, the same storm pattern came through. We barely noticed. The lights stayed on, the
Enphase vs SolarEdge: an installer’s honest comparison of the two dominant solar inverter systems in 2026. Covers efficiency, shading, battery storage, cost, warranty, and real-world reliability.
For years, if you wanted serious home battery backup power , your options were basically: pay a lot for a Tesla Powerwall or pay a lot for a different branded whole-home system. The DIY market was…
The question I get more than any other right now: Is battery storage worth adding to a solar system in 2026? Not “is it cool” or “does it work” — but is the financial case…
Mike, a licensed electrician and solar installer, breaks down the Tesla Powerwall 3 with real specs, installed costs, a head-to-head competitor comparison, and the honest drawbacks installers won’t always tell you.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. 2026 Buyer Guide Best solar panel brands in 2026: who actually makes the best panels? After 15 years around residential solar installs, my view is pretty simple: the best solar panel brand is
Generator vs battery backup: Mike compares runtime, cost, noise, and solar integration to help you make the right home energy resilience choice.
How many solar panels does your home need? Mike’s step-by-step calculation shows exactly how to size your system based on your consumption and location.
If you’ve been asking yourself how much does solar cost in 2026, you’re in the right place. I’m Mike — licensed electrician, solar installer, and someone who’s been on more…
Solar panels only help with electricity — but a heat pump can electrify your heating too. Mike shares his real numbers after pairing a cold-climate heat pump with his existing solar system.
Virtual power plants let homeowners earn money by letting utilities draw on their home batteries during peak demand. Mike explains exactly how VPPs work, how much you can earn, and how to enroll.