I myself am probably going to go solar next year and am going to go to the the local solar business and get an idea what the cost for a system that can generate for a 12kw demand(when actual demand is usually 8kw). One that can switch on and off with electrical company power. ************************ The technology is there to generate electricity at decent prices with the sun, wind and other sources for individual consumers. The inefficiencies begin when you try to STORE it for the times when the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow. As you note you will still need the utility and they will charge you a flat rate for access on top of usage fees. Ultimately the community/nation needs the infrastructure to generate and transmit electricity to your hospitals, supermarkets, malls and industrial sites 24/7. So you wind up with the inefficiencies of standing wind farms and banks of solar panels without eliminating the need for monstrous coal, nuclear and natural gas generation. It will take generations to sort out the myriad possible balances between fossil fuel, alternative energy and conservation. In the meantime it looks like the Utilities have a lock on the racket and are looking forward to another 4 years of a coal and nuclear friendly, industry friendly administration http://stockcharts.com/candleglance?$util,SO,TXU,EIX,ED,TE,WMB,DUK,IDU,CPN/C
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