We're moving home to the states in 9 months and planning some serious reno on the house we own there when we get there (a few kitchen updates, gutting the bathroom, driveway needs resurfacing, needs a new garage door and we have some carpeting that needs to go).

We saw some stuff this weekend and are now seriously considering installing solar panels. Where we're from gets decent sunlight. Our yard is shady but not totally covered in trees.

Homeowners insurance paid for a full, brand new roof last year due to a hail storm that damaged the old one, so we figure nows the time since the roof is brand new.

Have any of you installed solar panels or have solar panels on your home? How much did you pay for them? How much are your average utility bills? How long did it take for them to pay for themselves?

We're just curious if it's something we could feasibly install ourselves and if it's a project you would recommend.