Are solar panels, for your house, an investment?

It heavily depends on where you are located and your local conditions. Look at insolation maps to see how sunlight availability varies across the country. More sunlight will give give a faster break-even point. It also depends on the price of electricity in your area. A higher price of grid electricity will give a faster break-even point. It will also depend on how the panels are connected and local regulations. If they can be connected to the grid AND the electric utility pays you for excess power generated, then the break-even point will be faster. It also might depend on your personal consumption habits. Do you use much electricity during the mid-day when solar generation is at maximum? If you don't use much electricity during the day, then solar generation capacity will be wasted.

Yes

Homemade Solar Power Videos - http://solar.eudko.com/?Way

If you go to EnergySage.com you can use their instant estimator to find out how much you could save and long long it will take for the system to pay back it s cost.