Are you alright? Whats with the long lectures? I think being an EE who has solar panels at home I think I know more than a layman how the economics of this technology models up. Please spare me the long posts next time as I am already aware of how much it costs.
Spock sahib welcome to the club, :D
I have at least 5 neighbors with those panels on their roofs and mind you not much sun is shining in this part of the world!
Those guys are completely covering their energy needs (both electricity and hot water) with those panels + selling back the extra power to the Govt by adding it to national grid.