Learn
Straight answers, with the sources to check them.
A lot of what's written about EVs, solar and heat pumps is either sales copy or out of date. This section is the reference shelf: what changed with federal incentives, which common worries hold up and which don't, and the state data the rest of the site is built on.
Every page names its sources, from the IRS and EIA to NREL and the EPA, and says when the numbers were last checked.
Answers and myths
The questions people actually ask, and the claims worth checking.
Money and data
What incentives are left in 2026, and the state numbers behind every calculator.
- Guide2026 tax credits and incentivesWhat ended, exact IRS dates, and where state rebates are
- DataState dataElectricity prices, EV charging cost and solar output for every state
- GuideHow we calculateThe formulas and data sources behind our figures
- DataLatest headlinesEV, solar and battery news, linked to the original articles
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Questions people ask
- Is there still a federal tax credit for solar panels or a home battery?
Not from the federal government for homeowners, but solar can still pay for itself without one, and there are cheaper ways in. Full answer
- Is there a federal tax credit for an EV or a home charger in 2026?
Not from the federal government any more, but some states pay their own and charging at home still saves the most. Full answer
- Does a heat pump save money compared with a gas furnace?
It depends on what you pay for electricity and gas, how cold your winters get and how efficient the heat pump is. Full answer
- Do heat pumps work in cold weather?
Yes, and cold-climate models are tested for it. ENERGY STAR certifies cold-climate air-source heat pumps with third-party verified performance down to 5°F, and says they keep working below that, though pairing one with backup heat is the most efficient way to cover the very coldest days. Full answer
- How much does electricity cost per kWh in my state?
The US average home price was 18.2 cents per kWh in January–July 2026 (EIA). Full answer
- Why is my electric bill so high?
Partly because prices are rising: the average US home paid 18.2 cents per kWh in January–July 2026, up from 17.0 cents a year earlier, about 7% more (EIA). Full answer
- Where can I find state rebates for solar, EVs and heat pumps?
Start with two free databases: DSIRE, operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. Full answer
More from Spark Powered
- Electric cars & e-bikesFree tools to pick a car, check it fits your driving, price home charging in your state and choose the right charger. No sign-up.
- Home energySolar, batteries, backup power and the everyday costs on your bill, worked out for your state. No sign-up, no sales calls.
- RV, boat & camping powerRun-time calculators and battery pickers for RVs, vans, boats, kayaks and campsites, using the makers' own power figures.
- Off grid & emergency prepSize solar and batteries for winter, then plan the water, food and kit that get a household through an outage. Built on NREL, CDC, FEMA and Ready.gov.
Photo: Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash (Unsplash License).