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The three ideas that decide whether solar pays: how payback is calculated, what your exported power is worth, and how the 30% federal credit works. No sales pitch — just the math, with worked examples.
How Solar Payback Works, Explained in Plain English
How solar payback works: the formula, a worked 6 kW example, and the five things that stretch or shrink your break-even point.
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Net Metering vs Avoided Cost: What Your Exported Solar Is Worth
Net metering, avoided cost and value-of-solar credits decide what exported power is worth. The same system, three very different paybacks.
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The 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit in 2026, Explained
The 30% federal solar tax credit explained: who qualifies, what counts, how to claim it on Form 5695, and a worked example.
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Ready to run your own numbers? Try the payback calculator or find your city on the cost-by-city index.