What information can be shared for solar panel installation on a home...who has out them and what benefits/downfalls are there to it?

When I was on the architectural review board for my neighborhood we met with a SMUD rep to find out about the ins and outs of solar energy in our neighborhood.  He recommended leasing solar energy from Solar City.    It usually takes around seventeen years to break even.  The idea is that the cost of energy is going to go up but your rates through Solar City will remain the same.  For every year you have the panels after that you should be able to save money.  

One of the most important factors was the condition your roof is in.  Having to replace a roof will cause you to incur the cost of having the panels removed and reinstalled so you are going to want to have a fairly new thirty year roof before you have solar panels installed.

go.solarcity.com/2012/ge…

Great response Joe, sounds like it wouldn't be worth it for my situation...17 years is quite some time to wait...

+1 joe, although albeit, technology will change in the next few years and make today's panels obsolete.

@ Minh - I mentioned that to the SMUD rep and he did not seem to think that was the case.  I tend to lean toward agreeeing with you.

Yeah. He just trying to make a sale. Panels are more portable and and thinner. They can be made to roll up and lighter than the previous models. If I can find solar lights for my garden at the Dollar Store which used to cost $75 per light, he's got no case.

What neighborhood has an architectural review board?

Suncountry

BTW - SMUD does not sell solar.

You can get soaked panels at Harbor Freight for $135!

Go for it.

Solar City is THE company for solar power right now. but thats just right now. Like minh said there are many companies working on scaling production into something more easily digestible to purchase. I got the average break even point is 12 years when i asked a friend working in the industry. Some companies were lower and even some were free! (see link) but all other factors play into it. maintenance, durability, if you even plan to stay for the break even. this might be something u are interested in. nytimes.com/2012/05/10/b…

Appreciate it Joe N.

You can also stage your solar investment.  Buy a controller and mgmt module to accomodate the entire home, and then buy one or two panels at your own pace.  Most systems are modular these days, and will allow for growth.  

The large cost is the controllers and management, permits and installation.  Once that is in place, adding panels is relatively easy and problem free.

As you are doing this, consider moving towards electric devices in the home to replace the gas ones.  You can now run electric water heaters, space heaters, and cook with an electric stove to add to the savings as your wattage generation increases.