HI Sunni,

Here in Aus, most homes with solar panels are still grid connected because 1) they may not produce enough enough power, or consistently so, for their total energy needs, and 2) the power produced by their solar cells is fed straight back into the grid, for all to use, offsetting their total energy bill (i.e., as in an automatic rebate).

For freedom minded individuals anywhere on the planet, alternative energy would really have to be the 'holy grail' (please excuse the religious ref) - what better way to achieve freedom than by attaining energy independence?

Here is a link to a group (the Orion Project') trying to do just that:

http://www.theorionproject.org/en/

Of course, those in 'power' do not wish anyone to haver such independence - it's rather hard to dictate to those who do not rely on govt and utilities for energy...