....utility companies are fighting it, at least in some places.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/27/business/energy-environment/utilities-confront-fresh-threat-do-it-yourself-power.html?pagewanted=all

I've seen first quality solar panels on EBAY for as little as 75 cents
per watt. Installation and system costs can easily double or triple
that amount but for those of us in a sunny climate, and with a south
facing roof, things are starting to look interesting.