I do not know where you are, but the states with high utility rates (notably New Jersey, California and Hawaii right now) have solar companies offering to install a solar system
at no cost to you and all you do is buy the electricity the system produces. Now they require a grid tie in, but I've figured out how to disconnect the grid in the case of a
severe power outage and take advantage of my system. I paid nothing for the solar system and it their claim to cost was about $33k before rebates. I estimated I could
have built it for $25k eash and gotten the rebates "if" I paid taxes but that wasn't an option for me - I don't have a high enough income to enjoy the rebate so I let this
company do it (Verengo.com). I have no complaints. I'm paying .26 a kilowatt hour for the next 20 years fixed no increases and I paid nothing down. NOW I know if
you are in Texas, OK or some other states reading "$.26 a kwhr you are thinking I'm nuts, well guys - PGE here is .33 right now. Welcome to California.