Editorial Policy
Updated
Our readers make expensive, long-term decisions based on what we publish. These are the rules every guide on OwnerHandbook follows.
1. Answer first, then show the work
Every article opens with a direct answer. The details, assumptions and caveats follow, so you can check our reasoning.
2. Primary sources, dated
We rely on primary and authoritative sources: government agencies (EIA, NREL, IRS, state energy offices), utilities and their published tariffs, manufacturers’ datasheets and peer-reviewed or national-lab research. Every figure carries its source and the date we checked it. Each article lists its sources at the end.
3. Numbers live in one place
Prices, rates and specifications are stored in a central dataset and inserted into articles automatically. When a number changes, every page that uses it is updated at the same time. Estimates are labeled as estimates.
4. Fact-checking and review
Articles are reviewed before publication. When a guide has been checked by a subject-matter reviewer, the reviewer is named at the top of the page.
5. Updates and corrections
We review time-sensitive guides regularly and show the date of the last substantive update. If you spot an error, tell us. We correct factual errors promptly and note significant corrections in the article.
6. Independence from advertisers and partners
Advertisers and affiliate partners will never review, approve or influence our content. The site has no advertising or affiliate links today; if we add them, they will be labeled, and we will recommend products only when we would recommend them without a commission. See how we make money.
7. Use of AI tools
We may use AI tools to help research, draft and edit. A human editor is responsible for every article, verifies every figure against its source and approves it before publication.
8. Not professional advice
Our content is general information. It is not financial, tax, legal or engineering advice. Confirm details with your installer, your utility and a qualified professional.