The biggest issue with setting up a Solar Electric System or Photovoltaic power generation system is the cost is all up front and minimal costs later in the system's life.  With Utility power, they don't require any up front fees because they know you will be paying fees, taxes, etc, month by month by month.... 

So, the important thing to remember is that you only pay for a Solar Electric system once.  No new taxes, no hidden fuel adjustment fees, no rate increases, EVER!  You will enjoy your Solar Electric System so well you will probably never want to sell your house.  But if you do, the resale value is great or investment recovery when you sell your house is wonderful.  Imagine telling the next owners of your home, "By the way, you will never have to pay an electric bill!".  This definitely has resell value.  

"At SESP, we are committed to helping you find all the incentives possible to reduce your system costs.  We have researched what is out there available to you and would be glad to share that research with you.  "

So what do we do to reduce the "sticker shock" of a new Solar Electric system?  

1. First and foremost thing to do is to perform SESP's Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis model.  It will show that, over the guaranteed life of your solar panels, and all associated costs, you will be paying a lower per-Kilowatt-hour cost than the Utility Company's per-Kilowatt-hour cost you are paying TODAY!  The other calculation that SESP will perform with you is a Return on Investment (ROI).  It indicates how long it takes to break even with the ever increasing utility costs.  

2.  There are several Federally sponsored programs to assist in reducing the high upfront initial costs of setting up a photovoltaic system.  The government will eliminate all sales taxes, tax deductions of the system up to a set amount (Usually about $5,000).  

Federal programs exist, some are listed at:

Million Solar Roofs (EREN, DOE) and Solar Federal Incentives

3.  State by state will have different local incentives.  Best source for finding Incentive programs by state can be found at:

National Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE)

4.  Since California has such a severe power shortage problem, they give large additional financial incentives.  If you live in California, try looking at:

California's Emerging Renewables Buydown Program

5.  Even a bank is set up to give funding for solar system acquisition:

SolarBank - Home

6.  And finally, internationally, to help underprivileged families and countries: