@mr X. will start a solar projects thread, I'll take some pics tomorrow. I'm going to build a "power shed". should be fun. Warning: this project comes under the heading "experimental."
Looking at engadget, the chinese are forecasting solar in the .25 cent range by 2015. So rather than the grid getting too expensive, (hopefully) more like solar will get so cheap.
I've been really surprised this year by how quickly new tech is going mainstream. There was an article in 2008 about a lab developing "CREE" led lights and setting a record of 140 lumens per watt. This year I bought a led camping lantern (on sale of course) ... and you guessed it. The light uses CREE leds. And, with intermittent use, it's been running for a month and half of trips around the farm without recharging. And it is pretty bright.
Also @ Xringer: a chainsaw could serve two masters: firewood and solar enlightenment.
