[msnln]

I considered investment return over 10 years while pondering this but how do you price in environmental benefits in dollar terms. Also, utility rates will most likely go up, instead of coming down so it may be less than 10 years before I recoup my costs but I am using current pricing as benchmark to be conservative.

I have been told that resale value of the house will go up because the buyer will never have to pay for electricity, up the the capacity of the panels and there is absolutely no servicing required, unless a component breaks down. Panels are warranteed for 25 years and inverter (which convers sun energy to household energy) has 5 years warranty. I believe labor also carries 5 year warranty. So, I dont really foresee any extra expense.

Also I said 10 years minimum stay at current home but realistically I do not see myself selling the house until kids are grown -- they are 4 and 2 now.