> Even then, a lot of homeowners didn't intend to own the home long enough to realize the returns, and I don't think small solar systems improve resale value. The feeling in the office is that if you're planning to resell, the money is better spent on the kitchen.

Not at today's power prices. A typical kitchen will easily cost as much or more than solar and solar ROI is about 20 to 25% right now, no kitchen will come even close to adding that kind of value to a house. If you can afford to do both, do both, but if you have to choose solar is #1 from an investment perspective (assuming you already have a kitchen...).