Net-Zero USA Blog
Data-driven guides on solar panel costs, state incentives, payback math, and clean energy policy — written for homeowners, not engineers.
Free Solar Salespeople Got Louder After the Federal Tax Credit Died. Here's the Loophole They're Using.
My neighbor handed me a 47-page solar lease last month. Page 23 is the one I am still angry about. A line-by-line on the post-ITC 'free solar' pitch — escalators, buyout schedules, UCC-1 filings, and the math over 25 years.
I Bought an EV Five Months After the Federal Tax Credit Died. I Still Saved $9,400.
The federal EV tax credit died on September 30, 2025. I picked up a 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 in February anyway and stacked five other programs to come in $9,400 under sticker. Here is the exact line-by-line.
Heat Pump vs. Gas Furnace in 2026: I Tracked 14 Months of Real Bills
I ripped out my 22-year-old gas furnace and put in a cold-climate heat pump. Here is what 14 months of bills, a polar vortex, and four installer quotes actually cost me.
Home Battery Storage in 2026: Is It Finally Worth the Money?
Battery costs dropped 40% since 2020 but the federal tax credit is gone. We compare Tesla Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ, and Franklin WH with real pricing, payback math, and which states still help pay.
Are Solar Panels Still Worth It in 2026 Without the Federal Tax Credit?
The 30% federal solar ITC expired in Dec 2025. We break down whether solar panels are still worth the investment — with real cost data, state incentives, and payback timelines.