Learn how to choose, size, and use portable solar panels for camping, RVs, and emergency backup—plus real-life tips, and example setups. With the rise of portable solar panels for camping, it’s easier than ever to power your devices while enjoying nature. As you plan your next adventure, don’t forget about portable solar panels for camping…
Compare solar panel efficiency across monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels so you can choose the best type for your roof and budget. When I first started looking at solar, I honestly thought all panels were basically the same rectangle with a different logo on the corner. Then I started planning a real system. Suddenly, I…
Compare solar loan vs lease vs PPA options, see who owns the panels, who gets tax credits, and which deal delivers the biggest long-term savings. When I first started looking at rooftop solar, I thought the hardest part would be picking panels. Nope. The real headache was the contracts. Three companies came out. All three…
See the real costs of going solar—panel upgrades, R&R, permits, fees, financing traps, and policy risks—plus scripts and checklists to protect your budget. I love solar. But I’ve also seen “all-in” quotes turn into surprise invoices.When I helped a neighbor here in Hawaii compare bids, the cheapest proposal ballooned after the site visit: a main…
Panels, batteries, rates, VPPs, and permits—see what’s changing in solar over the next 5 years and how to plan a smart, resilient system. Hi, I’m Crazy Old Prepper. I live small, tinker constantly, and I’m building a micro homestead one practical project at a time. Here’s what I’m watching in solar over the next five…
Verify credentials, compare bids fairly, sanity-check savings, pick the right financing and gear, and avoid red flags. TL;DR for Skimmers Introduction: The quote that made me pause When I got my first solar quotes, the sales pitch was smooth. The numbers looked great. Then I asked for the license number and insurance cert—and the tone…
Last updated: January 2026 (rules change fast—bookmark this) Big 2026 headline: the federal residential solar/battery credit (IRC §25D, claimed on Form 5695) was repealed for “expenditures made after December 31, 2025.” In plain English: if your solar or battery installation is completed in 2026, you generally don’t get the federal residential credit.(You can still claim…
Boost solar efficiency with safe, simple cleaning. Learn when to wash, what tools to use, and how to track gains—without risking your roof or warranty. TL;DR Snapshot (Skim-Stopper) Why this matters (quick story) When I installed my first small PV array, I assumed tropical rain would keep it spotless. It didn’t. Pollen baked on. Salt…
See if solar pays off. Estimate payback from solar panel cost, rates, incentives, and net metering—plus when batteries help your ROI.. 1) TL;DR Snapshot (for skimmers) If your roof gets decent sun and you pay average-to-high electric rates, solar often pays for itself in 6–12 years, then keeps saving for decades. The biggest ROI swings…
2026 Update: 2025 Solar Costs Explained (and the fastest way to get your best quote) I remember the first time I priced out solar for my little homestead project. I thought the “panel price” was the price. Nope. By 2025, what you actually pay is a mix of hardware, design, permits, labor, and (if you…
