To encourage the installation of solar panels, governmental agencies as well as some utilities have created different incentive and rebate programs to lower the cost.
Housing, Real Estate & The Green Revolution, Part 1 – Basic Green FAQ's
Wherever you turn these days, it seems that someone is talking about "Green," or "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings, and "Zero Energy Homes." Each of these share a commitment to reduced energy consumption and the "re-use, repurposing and recycling of materials," "improved indoor air quality" and use of "environmentally friendly" and "renewable products." Green or LEED buildings generally generate 20 to 70 percent in energy savings