MYTH #1: IT'S EXPENSIVE

Solar power is now less expensive than ever before. Over the past two years, solar panel prices have fallen by as much as 50% based on slack demand and excess production capacity. As a result, a solar panel that retailed for $900 in the summer of 2008 now costs less than $500.

MYTH #2: I CAN'T AFFORD IT

If you can afford to pay your utility bill, you can probably afford solar power. In most cases, you can swap your utility payment for a solar payment that is less than your utility bill is today, with all the state and federal subsidies factored in. And at the end of a loan or lease term, you've built equity in an asset you'll own, rather than making ten years of utility payments and having nothing to show for it.

MYTH #3: IT'S NOT RELIABLE

Solar technology was first commercialized in the late 1950s, and today the global market for solar panels represents nearly $20 billion in sales. Leading companies in the solar market include well-known brands such as Sharp, Hyundai, Siemens, and GE and 25-year warranties are standard, giving solar customers unparalleled assurance.

MYTH #4: SOMETHING BETTER IS WORTH WAITING FOR

If the past is any indication, this is more wishful thinking than reality. Since 1975, solar efficiencies have improved an average of 0.3-0.5% per year -- hardly the pace of progress to suggest dramatic short term gains oar just over the horizon.