Just make sure you are getting a quality solar panel... don't skimp here. There are "cheap" solar installations, that use inferior solar panels that pull only around 1 to 1.5 kw/hr per kw. Then there are top quality panels that pull upwards of 4.5kw/hr per kw. Easy to see that you will get more money back sooner if you use a quality panel. I believe Kyocera pull at the highest end of the scale, but you do pay more for them. A 5kw installation using Kyocera panels will likely cost upwards of $13K, as compared to $8K using cheaper panels. Plus, Kyocera have a fantastic record insofar as warranty returns, barely any are ever sent back or require maintenance. I know an installer who has been in the game for decades - long before the concept became "vogue" - who informed me that he has never seen a Kyocera solar panel returned for warranty in 30 years. As with all things I guess, you get what you pay for. You could go the cheap alternative and run the risk of being stuck with dodgy gear that needs replacing after 3 years. Or, you could cough up a few extra $$$ now and save in the long run. Personally, I would go the 5kw with high quality panels, as you may find that even with a decent herp collection running a heap of heating and lighting, you will probably not need to worry at all about the cost of electricity. Just a damned shame I still rent...
