EnergyCalcSuiteEnergy Guides
Practical, jargon-free guides to help you make smarter energy decisions. Each one links to the calculators you need to run the numbers yourself.
Whether you are trying to understand your electricity bill, evaluating solar panels, or comparing heating options, these guides provide the context behind the numbers. Pair them with our free calculators to get personalized estimates for your home.
Solar Energy
Understand the economics of going solar — from ROI and payback to self-consumption and system design.
A homeowner-friendly breakdown of solar panel costs, savings, and payback periods — so you can decide if solar makes sense for you.
Pros, cons, and cost comparison of off-grid and grid-tied solar systems — including when off-grid makes sense, equipment differences, and permitting.
How to power your electric vehicle with rooftop solar — covering system sizing, charger types, timing strategies, battery storage, and real cost savings vs grid and gasoline.
Battery Storage & Backup
Learn how home batteries work, when they make financial sense, and how to prepare for power outages.
How home batteries work, what they cost, and whether the payback makes sense for your situation — with or without solar panels.
How to prepare for power outages with battery backup, generators, and solar — including load prioritization, sizing for multi-day events, and a prep checklist.
Home Energy & Bills
Find hidden energy waste, understand your electricity bill, and prioritize improvements that save the most money.
A step-by-step guide to auditing your home energy use — from reading your electricity bill to identifying inefficient appliances, insulation gaps, and rate plan savings.
Practical tips to reduce your electricity costs — from understanding your bill to finding hidden energy waste in your home.
A plain-English walkthrough of every line on your electricity bill — from energy charges to delivery fees — so you know exactly what you are paying for.
How TOU electricity pricing works, who benefits from peak and off-peak rates, and how to shift your energy usage to save money on time-of-use plans.
Electrification & Heating
Compare EVs to gas cars, heat pumps to furnaces, and insulation upgrades — with real cost numbers.
What does it really cost to charge an electric vehicle at home? We compare home charging, public stations, and gasoline — with real numbers.
A side-by-side comparison of heat pumps and gas furnaces covering installation costs, running costs, climate suitability, and available incentives.
A practical guide to insulation types, R-values, costs, and energy savings — covering attic, wall, and basement insulation with ROI timelines.