A Solar Electric system will add to the resale value of your home in any state, even Arkansas. Depending on your location and cost per kWh for electric some pay back sooner then others. You have to understand that you are buying 30 years of electricity. Normally Grid Tie only systems last about 30 years.

If your utility bill is $100 per month over 30 years time you would pay rent of $36,000.00. Don't forget that the cost of living increases each year. So you would end up renting electric at a higher rate from the utility and nothing to show for all the payments, but the payment stubs, which has no value for resale. In the end Solar Power does pay for it's self.

Solar Electric Backup power will get you through the night after a storm. If a storm has taking the electric lines down there is no need for you to set in the dark

There is No fuel needed because the sun is the fuel. Add a wind mill or hydro system to a solar electric battery backup system and you will have an effective full time power supply. At some point the renewable energy system could turn in to your main source of electrical energy.