actually some solar panels will pay for themselves, not only in energy saved but monetary gain from putting power into the grid, there are plenty of people in my state doign just that, granted i live in florida where we get nice long days and plenty of sunshine.
for people talking about batteries... you don't unplug from the grid, actually you run your meter backwards durring the day and take back at ngiht when there is less stress on the grid, newer smart meters you actually get paid more for putting juice in durring peak hours and taking it back durring less costly times.