We're almost there with PV Solar price/performance.

[kandrathe]

I'd be all for that in a big way!

This is the type of thing, where the private banks drive you to home equity loans. As long as the banks are giving out loans (a big if), and based on some figures on the back of a napkin here, you can replace about $200 of electric costs, with $200 of HELOC payment (assuming the variable rates remain low at 6%, or you are willing to go for a bigger payment ~$290 fixed rate @9% rate over 10-15 years.). The key being at the end of the loan, you have bought the infrastructure so theoretically, you have some life span in the solar equipment where your maintenance costs are well below what you would be paying for power.

There was a huge push to get Santa Barbara County solar and Carpinteria Valley was giving additional tax breaks to whomever signed up for solar power between $250-$500 off just a few months ago. ...

Yeah, if you don't think it makes sense with all the government write offs, then it is obviously the more expensive way to get power. When DOIY home solar is cheaper than the grid, then everyone will suddenly be on a band wagon to beat down the doors to get it installed (temporarily driving up demand prices). This could be because either the power prices go higher, or because the prices of solar equipment drop. This is the time that the government deals will start to disappear. but there will be an overlap which might be a good place to adopt it.

So, then, once we see the solar power bandwagon, wait for a little bit for the emotional adopters to go first. Once the boom is over the oversupply deals will emerge, then you know the price will be at its lowest. We could just as well be talking about electric cars. Same thing applies.