Way off topic, any Babblers into Solar Power?

I'm working on purchasing and installing a 6kw solar grid tie system on our property. I would like to hear from others that have already or are considering installing a PV system. Now seems to be a great time as the rebate and tax credits can pay for up to 57% of the cost.

I'm getting 40 165 watt Sharp panels with 2 Sunny Boy inverters. I can build the whole system for 20k after rebates and tax credits. I figure I can save $2,400 per year with PG&E. I'm in the middle of a refinance and 20K over 15 years will cost me $166 per month. The interest is tax deductable to boot. In my first year my fully financed cost after tax is $1,400. That means I put $1000/year in my pocket.

Will this system last 15 years, maintain most of the 40x165 Watt output capacity, and incur only insignificant maintenance and repair costs?

Actually, the economics appear favorable even if the answers are "nearly" to all three questions. Plus the fact that PG&E is more likely than Mr. Sun to raise rates over the next 15 years.

The panels are warranteed for 25 years and are expected to last longer than that. The only other part of the system that might fail would be the inverters and they cost less then $4,500 for the pair. PV systems require almost no maintenance except keeping the panels clean from dirt and dust. Most people just hose them off a few times a year.

For residential systems installed in California you can take a state credit of 15% of the net cost of the system. Also in my area I qualify for a rebate of up to 50% of the cost of the system.