We had a 10.5k system installed on our roof, 52 panels. We owned outright. Produced a consistent 15M each year, although I cleared snow in winter. At the end of a year cycle, any unused power was paid to me via a credit. Not much, but something. this was in CT. Net metering/owning is the way to go.
I have friends who lease. They pay a fixed amount per kwh used, and what they don't use, the leasor gets to sell that power. The savings is not much vs. power company.
Net metering is like a bank account, any excess power you produce goes into that account. In the summer, we don't use much, so it is saved for winter. Then we draw on it. The only monthly charge was a $20 service charge to Eversource, the local, power company. We had switched to heat pumps, and the ROI on solar was about 9 years. When we sold house, we received about a $50k premium over what the house would sell for without solar. Yes, we made out very well. If I was younger, in a place with more sun than VT, I'd do it again, the same way.
