What it actually costs. What installers won't tell you. When it's worth it. When it's not.
The honest read on payback math, what the federal tax credit actually does, and the four conditions where solar still doesn't make sense — even with a 30% credit.
Battery adds $10K–15K to the project. Sometimes it's worth it (California NEM 3.0, hurricane states, time-of-use markets). Sometimes it's not. Here's how to tell.
The five questions that turn a generic quote into a specific one. The clauses to negotiate out of the contract. The "savings" calculations that don't survive scrutiny.
Cash is always cheapest over the system's life. But the lifetime cost difference between a good loan and a bad lease is bigger than most homeowners realize — and you don't get the tax credit on a lease.
Equipment model numbers (not "tier-1 panels"). Production estimate in kWh/year. Workmanship warranty length. Itemized incentives. Cancellation clause. The five lines on a contract you can't skip.