I've been thinking about solar panels for when I move out into the country with much land. I would like to make a solar array mini-farm. I would never be off grid but I would have alternative power options. If I am going to live there 15+ years the cost would pay off. You should start thinking of different ways to power electronic devices in your home. You can create lighting everywhere in your house with propane. There are other ways to cool/heat then just using electricity. Think about ways to reduce your electric draw and solar, wind, or turbine generation will make it worth your time.