The real question might be, why wouldn't anyone want to convert the
family homestead to function off the sun's rays? Sounds like quite the
formula for happiness, right?

The truth is, deciding to go solar has some pretty big benefits -- but
they're somewhat offset by potential drawbacks.

Solar power is free, after the initial investment of setting up the
system. Solar power is also efficient (although its actual level of
efficiency is debated by some experts) and free of pollution. But once
you decide to go fully solar -- off the grid -- you've got to cope
with foul weather that might put a damper on your plans.

If you stay on the grid (the traditional electric system), you can
still use traditional utility-provided power in situations where you
can't make enough power or don't have any power stored. The goal is
often to eliminate the need for fossil fuels entirely, but this option
might be enough to convert some skeptics who are hesitant to make the
leap. The terminology might also be off-putting, since "going off the
grid" is sometimes associated with tax dodgers and serial killers.
Rest assured, a wholehearted solar home is entirely wholesome.

Planning to run your house completely on solar power requires
considerable financial, mental and emotional investments. The
infrastructure is a little more complicated, the calculations must be
more precise, and a mistake can leave you without enough juice to get
by. At least there's already a light to guide you along the way.

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-i...#mkcpgn=r ss1