Just came on this. I've always been frustrated at the cost of solar, thinking there had to be a better way.
Don't know if this is it or another pipe dream, but it looks pretty promising.
Now - the fact that it's home owner installable might means it'll be a hit, or it may mean the fire departments everywhere need to be ready with extra hoses.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/innovation/08/17/plug.in.solar.energy/index.html?hpt=C2