Are solar panels worth it?

[ampm]

I'm thinking about getting solar panels for my house. Does anyone here have them and do they really save money? What issues do I need to be aware of and is it better to pay for them upfront or do a contract where the company pays for installation and upkeep, but I agree to a set rate charge for a certain number of years?

[lorraineb]

It depends a lot on the area you live and the incentives that are provided. You need to work the numbers to see if it makes sense. They can be quite expensive to repair/replace so personally I would go for a deal where that is all covered by the company. Work the numbers and see if it makes sense.

[Bob B.]

I agree with lorraine on this. Totally depends on where you live. Arizona vs. Coastal Washington State makes a huge difference. Is it fairly cloudy where you live, or almost always sunny?