I installed solar panels on my house. About a 8-9 year break even. I've generated between 70-85% of my annual energy consumption every year since I installed them. If I had a battery system, I could be pretty damn close to completely independent of the grid.

EDIT: panels should have a 20-25+ year life, and effectively zero maintenance. Strongly positive after year 10-15.

I installed solar panels on my house. About a 8-9 year break even. I've generated between 70-85% of my annual energy consumption every year since I installed them. If I had a battery system, I could be pretty damn close to completely independent of the grid.