You could install the system yourself and save 50%. I took the solar/wind course at Frostburg State University in Maryland. At the time is was just $750 for eight weeks online with a 3 day lab. After the lab I passed the national exam. I can do it myself for $3.50/watt before incentives for a grid tied system.

My current incentives include Maryland = $10,000, County = $5,000, plus Federal Government 30% of the balance. That does not include the $1,500 annual savings on the electric bill or the check for selling the energy credits. I expect my payback in less than 4 years.

UL certified panels are available online for around $2.00/watt. The classes are open to everyone. Its 8 weeks online and 3 days in class. I was quoted $10/watt in the DC area for a system. It will save me $40K-$50K.

Good Luck.

 

 

I pay $16.29 a month just to have electric service.  Since I only use around 5500 kWh/year that represents around 23% of my total electric cost, that wont go away even if I install a grid tied PV system.  Just another item to factor in.

-Rosalinda

Very important to include government rebates in your equation as jonr was saying. Not sure how he got the price of $1/watt as it's more expensive than that in almost every case, but with rebates popping up more and more lately, it definitely helps the costs. Also, as the cost of energy bills increase and technology increases, payback rates in many parts of Southern California are approaching 7 years.