I am in the install biz. The payback issue is based soley upon which state you live in and panel prices. You cannot compare the payback rate in California to that in NJ. Its like comparing apples to oranges.

Sunpower is simply the best in the biz right now...no question. Their panel is physically smaller and produces more power than their competitors. They also have arranged financing deals which their competitors have yet to adopt. Sunpower can run lean for a long time and squeeze their competitors out.

Paybacks of 2 to 8 years are the norm for Solar PV. Thats a good deal considering the panels will last most likely 30 to 40 years with little or no maintenance. Business is really only starting to go green and they will do so for years to come. Come to NJ and see how fast it is being installed. Residential installation is accelerating as financing becomes easier to obtain.

SPWR PV works better than advertised and if you think its easier to go drill for natural gas or oil - you are nuts. This is a much easier and cleaner way to power your home. You dont even have to go to 100% renewable to contribute.

I sell it and I have it on my home - you should too. Stop bitching about the incentives and take advantage of them. They are there for the greater good and your neighbor who puts them on his home helps YOU by easing the burden on the electric grid and selling his excess power to you on the cheap.

Sunpower is Dell in the early 90's - get on the horse and ride it.