The Wall Street Journal
The big question for any homeowner considering installing solar power is a simple one: How quickly will the system pay for itself?
The short answer: It depends on where you live.
That doesn't just mean how sunny it is, though weather obviously matters. Just as important are subsidies, such as tax credits and rebates, which differ from state to state and between cities. Another big local factor: how much you currently pay for electricity—because it determines what you can expect to save each month once you start producing your own power.
