[Green-Moo]

Are there government subsidies to help if you are able to stump up for a full system in one go?

[freeranger]

If you're in the US or Canada, I have no idea. Here in Australia there are subsidies but I've never received a cent for installing any solar system for electricity generation or hot water. Because of the drought here, people are even getting subsidies for installing water tanks!!!

[RFL1986]

I don't believe there are any government subsidies in place for Canadians and can't even venture a guess for Americans. I'd be inclined to believe that there aren't although it would be a great initiative to start getting people onto using alternative energy sources.

[mollyL]

I haven't heard of any US subsidies, but I know in certain sections of the country you can be subsidised to get "winterized" as in putting in double windows and the like. Oregon does it, but I don't know if that's a federal or state subsidy.

[RFL1986]

It would be great if the next president is more enthusiastic about environmental policies and tries to initiate federal subsidies more this kind of action. I bet a lot of people would get on board if there was government funding behind it.

[Rebecca]

I wonder if we will someday see roof shingles ready-made with little solar panels on them? Is this feasible? At some point solar panels may be small. It will take some time until we get there, of course.

Right now though, I would settle for them being affordable. I live in Arizona (southwestern USA - near Mexico) where it is sunny for most of the year. It is a shame we don't have them, really.
Perhaps, someday...

[ALF]

Currently there are solar shingles. I'm surprised there here in MI but niot in Arizona. Maybe I could ship them to you. Look deeper and if you cant find them I'll install these from MI for relatively free, (All expenses Paid).

[Roguegal]

In the US, there are tax breaks for anybody who installs energy-saving devices, such as solar energy panels. But, you can only take advantage of them if you file a longform tax return. Here's the URL from Energy Star that might explain it.

Federal tax credits For Energy Efficiency
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency : ENERGY STAR

[RFL1986]

That's good to know about the American tax breaks. Unless there are these type of initiatives implemented it's going to be very hard to get the population into installing their own solar systems and spending the start-up money.

[Roguegal]

RFL1986, you're very right. But they also need to bring the cost down of the equipment. Most Americans live paycheck to paycheck with most of their credit cards near or at max spending. Most Americans cannot afford the money to purchase the equipment. I'm one of those Americans.