[conradpdx]

Concrete...is it really that expensive. If the ability to go solar was opened up it'd be easy and cheap, all that would really be need to start as a property owner for a solar array would be about $1000.

1) Start with one panel and an inverter. Simply plug inverter into an outlet. Any DIY'r that's routed a 3 way switch can wire a grid tied system. It's not even as difficult as a 3 way switch.

2) take the money you saved with panel one and bank it till you have enough to buy panel 2.
3) repeat process till entire roof structure is covered and other components are bought with this same principle.

It would work much like a savings account. Start small and watch you array grow.

At some point within the first 5 years most houses will get to the point where in the summer months they wouldn't be paying a bill and would be getting checks. Turn it around right away and expand your system.

Once you got to the point that you were within three years of producing excessive power from your site you could then apply for a business license. This would then make any further expansion in hardware and loan interest would then be a tax write off.

This along with the fact that the governments already got incentives for alternative energy would make this process even faster.

But what stops this is that running the meter backwards with a panel is illegal. And the power companies often have a limited size of array that they're willing to allow net metering.

I honestly don't think the problem is desire of the population, money, or engineering but one of political power (pun somewhat intended).