I applaud you for looking into solar.

I firmly believe that solar has a place in our energy solution. As a matter of fact, I believe that so strongly, I took a position with a start-up solar company a year ago (watch for Innovalight to go IPO at the end of 2009).

That being said, solar is extremely expensive right now. With the advancements on the horizon, the cost should drop substantially in the next few years.

If you are "going green" now because you like the idea, I say GO FOR IT!

If you are "going green" right now because you want to save money, you might want to do the math again.

By putting up solar panels that cost you $15000 after rebates (and I would check back into that, there is a lot of uncertainty on how long the rebates will be going on) and paying your old $300 energy bill to the finance company instead the power company, it would take you five years to off the loan...but that is calculated WITHOUT interest.

How much longer will it take to pay off WITH interest??

It might be more cost effective in the long run, to hold off a little while longer.

Just food for thought...