How We Test and Score

Open methodology for evaluating solar equipment: data sources, scoring rubric, and limitations.

Data collection

• Manufacturer official product pages and PDF datasheets
• Schema.org JSON-LD markup on retailer pages
• Industry-standard certification disclosures (UL, IEC, CE)
• Cross-referenced retailer feeds (Amazon, official storefronts)

We do not copy competitor databases or curated content. Specifications are factual and not subject to copyright; we reformat them into our standardized schema.

Scoring rubric

30%

Specifications quality

Capacity, output, efficiency vs class median

20%

Build & reliability

Chemistry, cycle life, warranty terms

20%

Feature set

Ports, expandability, app, charging options

20%

Value

Price-per-Wh relative to comparable models

10%

Documentation & support

Manual quality, customer support, software updates

What we do NOT do

• We do not currently conduct destructive tests or independent capacity verification
• We do not personally measure cycle life (manufacturer-reported, with disclaimer)
• We do not boost or suppress scores based on affiliate-program participation

Limitations

Manufacturer specifications can be optimistic (especially capacity ratings). Where independent third-party tests exist (e.g., Will Prowse, HOBOTECH, DC Rainmaker for relevant adjacent categories), we cite them. Until we have testing infrastructure, editor scores should be treated as a structured comparison aid, not a substitute for hands-on review.