If you are considering adding solar panels in Texas something to consider is the negative affect that tempature has on the amount of output power. In Texas when we get the most amount of sun is also the hottest time of the year generally. Every degree above 77 degrees is going to negatively impact the efficiency of the panel. When a salesman pitches the panels to you the payback is usually figured at the standard testing temp of 77 degrees. It's important to remember that any time the temp is above that your payback will be extended. Here in Texas that can be a lot of time.

Wouldn't some of that be offset just by adding shade? Even if they didn't generate electricity, they'd block the sun from your roof, and that has got to add some value to make up for at least part of the power loss form the heat.

This is getting nominated for dumbest post in the history of the TFF. Who wouldn't want free electricity in their new home? Other than idiots...

I've looked into them and they're not resistant enough to hail to be really appealing in this part of the country. They're allegedly resistant to anything under 2" in size, but it's not completely out of the question for us to get baseball sized hail or larger around here. But if you were buying a house and got the panels for free, you'd be literally insane to pass that up. If they get damaged in a hail storm, you get a check for the replacement cost minus your deductible. Win-win.

Most of the panels I've seen are installed on the back side of your roof away from the street. If you care that much about how the roof on the back of your house looks, then you probably live in a neighborhood where you don't need the electricity savings anyway.

But they are getting more efficient and more affordable. I'll definitely re-consider them in the next few years.

Anyone with a bass boat knows that batteries don't last too many discharge cycles and are expensive. The solar panels are like the battery charger...they will last longer than a battery. The question of ROI comes down to "What's the battery life for a system?"

Admittedly, I haven't looked into this. I think the life of a solar cell is much better than the life of a battery cell, but anyone who is considering adding solar panels should look into this as a consideration. If anyone here already knows the answer, please chime in because I'd like to find out.

I think you can back feed these systems into the public line and make money(if you aren't using them).....am I right?

You are thinking about a windmill?

That was their pitch, I am sure you might be able to sell it back, but I am sure they would pay you a fraction of the cost they sell it for.