Brad,

I'm glad we agree that solar is a good idea because it's cleaner, but there's more to it than that. As I previously mentioned, the true cost of electricity should include the environmental damage and the cost of the health problems resulting from mining, transporting, and burning coal. When those things are considered, I do believe that solar PV is cheaper.

Another thing to consider is that solar panels have a life expectancy in excess of twenty years. Unless you know how much utility-supplied electricity will cost in the future, how can you say that solar isn't cheaper? And, considering the state of the world and recent steep oil price increases, I'd guess that solar will be much cheaper in the not-to-distant future.

I'm not sure what you've been reading regarding the solar/utility cost comparisons. Perhaps some solar equipment supplier is misrepresenting the facts. I know that I've been writing about my experiences with solar for about 7 months, and I don't remember ever writing that it's cheaper. http://solarjohn.blogspot.com

When I add a solar panel, or otherwise upgrade my system, I pay cash. I'm not concerned with how long it takes for that purchase to pay for itself in utility bill reductions. If I ever stop adding to my system, I'll enjoy free electricity from it, probably for the rest of my life. When my grandchildren ask me about the equipment I'll tell them I did it to help keep their air and water clean, and to conserve natural resources for them and their children.