Build guides
Every guide is written from cited sources and says so at the top. When we test something ourselves, the guide will carry a "Tested by us" label and the method.
Laws by state
Plug-in solar laws: where it is legal, and from when
Ten states have signed plug-in solar laws, but only some are in effect yet. What the laws allow, what they leave to your utility and landlord, and how to check your state.
Pennsylvania plug-in solar: where HB 1971 stands
Pennsylvania's plug-in solar bill is still in committee. What HB 1971 would allow, why PPL and PECO customers still need utility approval today, and what you can do now that is legal.
Safety
Why plug-in solar goes dark in a blackout
A plug-in solar kit shuts off when the grid goes down, on purpose. Why that protects line crews, and the setups that do keep power on in an outage.
Is plug-in solar safe? What protects you, and what does not
How certified plug-in solar avoids shocks and protects line crews, the 360 W limit on a shared household circuit, and the checks to run before you plug anything in.
Batteries and backup
How we work
Coming next
Planned, not yet written. Listed so you know what is missing.
- What to download for offline learning, and the licenses that come with it
- Running Linux offline: updates, restores, encryption and recovery media
- Local AI requirements by model size, memory and graphics
- Rooftop solar repeaters: site planning, coax loss, grounding
- New versus used mini PCs: what to check on a refurbished unit
- Field range testing with a repeatable method