Solar is a lot like Satellite TV. When DIRECTV first came out, it was the cool, high-end thing to have. "Get rid of cable" was part of the pitch, but it was no cheaper, and was about $1000.00 just for installation (plus the equipment, which was quite expensive at first). People got it cause they wanted it, not really because of any savings. But then, it started getting cheaper. Eventually, it became a commodity that they install for free, and basically give away the equipment.

Solar energy, to me, is in that early phase. There are a bunch of companies that will install systems, but it is pretty new still, and they can charge a premium. Plus, the equipment is still pretty expensive too. I just had an estimate done for a Solar Hot Water system--JUST the hot water system, and it was 13k. I laughed. But I know that in the not to distant future, there will be huge breakthroughs in the panels, and eventually there will be a DIY Solar Home Conversion kit at Home Depot.