Solar Powered IRAs

We just sold our first two SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) which are 1 Megawatt/hr blocks of energy from our PV array. The buyer actually does not buy the power itself, but the right to call it their renewable energy. We used all that power at home already for free, so its like getting paid twice at 2 to 3 times the going rate. The lucky buyer was Washington, DC for $250 each. We can also sell to PA and soon Ohio who has the best prices (~$300+)
Now that it has actually happened, after waiting 6 months, it gives me a renewed interest in adding capacity to our system. Our plan is to add a 6.9kw linear array across the pond dam. (see array further away in image) The two pedestal mounts by the willow tree are what we have right now and are rated at 3.6kw for both pedestals combined. Our total will become about 10kw capable of producing about 13 SRECs a year. The plan is to stuff that money away in our 2 IRAs for as long as the party lasts. We also get a 30% tax credit from the Feds and $2000 tax credit from the state of WV.
The capital for this installation comes from an online joint trading account we have maintained for years. Now that the market is up, we intend on liquidating part of our portfolio that has yielded good gains. One of those holdings is a domestic oil/gas field salvage company called Linn Energy. (LINE, stock symbol) It is both ironic and symbolic that we are taking the profits from petroleum and investing in solar. The whole country should be doing so by raising fuel taxes, enacting a carbon tax, and stopping subsidies to big oil and apply those funds into furthering incentives for alternative energy. According to my calculations, we can expect 8% to 25% (at much less risk than the stock market) return on our money depending on installation costs and future SREC and electricity prices. Any capital gains or dividend taxes are offset by the tax credits for PV and IRA investments.
But it doesn't stop there. We will have twice the generating capacity of what we currently use. The plan is to install a heatpump to replace our propane heat supplement. (we also burn wood) No more propane except the cook stove. Yea!
With all the incentives and the fact that electricity and propane prices will rise steeply over the coming years, this system makes sense to us. As we get older, we will appreciate the free energy (system payback in a few years) and yearly contributions into our IRAs. PV isn't instant grats, you must look out 5, 10 or 20 years. These modules should still be puttin' out in 50 years, although I most likely won't. Then there's my grandkids..........hmmmm