I noticed a message back on 2002 and have seen various comments regarding the subject of solar cost so I felt the urge to post a response.
Until now solar cost has indeed been an issue. Solar residential systems have not been a very cost effective method of fuel but if like me you've been out pricing things lately you will know that prices on pre made solar power kits are coming down almost daily. Technological advances along with more manufacturers getting into the marketplace are driving costs down while boosting efficiency of these kits at the same time. Even Ikea are getting into the fray! However, generating solar power at home couldn't be simpler. To generate the electricity all you really have to do is put up the solar panels in an appropriate location within your house and wire them up. Virtually all the stuff you need to build your own system you can buy at the local hardware store and over time it can pay for itself many times over thereby saving you a bundle so with a little knowledge and the use of a good solar how guide you can have your own solar system up and running in no time. Helping you get off the grid and possibly even sell your excess power back to the utility company for credits! There are a lot of misconceptions about solar power some interesting ones here