I'm still waiting to see someone, anyone, In Government, energy or banking, push the idea of "green loans" so that homeowners can install solar systems and energy saving measures by refinancing thier existing mortgages. I spent a while on the *BP solar* website one night, and punched in all the numbers and variables for my area, (NJ) bottom line is, just adding a photo voltaic system to my home would save me almost 600$ a year, and that was the worst case scenario! Best case was that I would produce a surplus of electricity and sell it into the grid. Lets start making noise for green loans and we can boost the economy, wean ourselves from foreign oil, and stimulate the growth of free solar/wind and other alternative energy research. Current rebates and tax incentives are all very well and good, cutting the cost of a new solar system in half in most states, however, the manufacturers and installers still want to get thier money today, not a year from the day you purchase the system. Reduced rate refinancing of an existing mortgage would be a huge incentive for homeowners to convert to solar and take measures to conserve energy now, rather than waiting for the power company to convert thier systems to renewables, and letting them make all the profits. Do it yourself if you can, but do it sooner rather than later!