[RWebb]

The 1-3 years includes the location effect.

There is quite a bit of solar power available at higher latitudes - including even areas like rainy and cloudy Oregon.

PV panels are cheaper now, but can still be pricey. A HUGE amount of VC money is going into solar companies right now, so I expect continued improvement.

One option is to install a hot water heating solar system, not a PV electricity generating system on the roof. I may do that this year. They can be as low as $6,000. YMMV