Clean, environmentally friendly solar power has always made good environmental sense, but the return on investment was not always very attractive. That's all changing today. Over the past 30 years, the cost of a solar system has dropped from about $100 per watt to $8 or $9 per watt. As the price of electricity and non-renewable energy systems increase, solar is becoming an affordable, mainstream alternative for home and business use alike. On average, a solar system will pay for itself in 7 years or less.
Although it is possible to build a solar electric system that would completely eliminate your electric bill, it is not recommended. The most cost-effective solar system produces enough electricity to avoide the highest power company rates while allowing you to continue to use their least expensive basline rates.