Costco.com now shows several solar power kits from Grape Solar starting from $3599.99 for a 880 W expandable grid tie solar kit.  There is a 5 kW kit for $17,999.99. Professional installation is a must unless you are really gifted. Grape Solar has a network of over 5,000 installers who will be available to provide local customer support. This kit is eligible for the 30% Federal solar tax credit and possibly state and local utility rebates, making it a pretty good deal.

Costco had a limited time special discount on Solar electric systems for Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Oregon for Costco members back in 2009, that may be available in your area.

A typical system priced 1/10/2009 for Colorado:

$ 9,697.22 Solar Equipment – 3Kw system
$13,162.97 Installation
————-
$22,860.19
- $10,780 Colorado rebate
————-
$12,080.19 Costco Member purchase price

Possible additional savings:
- $92.40 1% rebate from Amex TrueEarnings Card
-$184.80 2% Costco Executive member reward
-$3624 Federal Tax credit
————-
$8178.99

Pretty sweet deal!  Check with your local Costco and tax adviser for your current special deal.

Thinking about solar – Are Solar Panels for me? helps you decide if they are right for you.