I use individual inverters so if one goes bad the rest still work (this has happened) and they are under warranty for 10 years.
When I did it in 2009 I calculated that I would be even in 9 years and my installer agreed (after then current incentives and tax write-offs).
I am in the 'metered' program with Edison which balances what I put into the system (make more than I use) vs what they calculate that I use from them.
So I went from $1500 per year average ($125 per mo) to about $140 a year average paid once a year.
There is still a delivery charge of less that $2 month for most months.
On the whole I am pleased with my investment and feel I am well served by it.
Rentals, managed by a third party and other schemes that seem to be cheaper will probably not work out that way and I think are designed around the premise you will not stay in your home more than a few years.
We are in for the long haul.
“I have (and paid for completely) solar panels with a 25yr guaranteed life.”
Sounds like you did very well.
"paid for completely" is the smartest way to buy a solar panel installation. Some deals like that seem to have a positive return-on-investment. It is the hidden financing costs that can put things underwater.
Again, however, the expected useful life of solar panels appears to be 8-10 years, and that is what should be included in the planning basis. A 25-year "guarantee" means absolutely nothing. None of these companies will be around in 5-10 years.