You have to remember that there are other uses for the utilization of solar energy. There is for instance steam generation for the production of electrical energy with the solar farms in the desert or dryer areas in particular. Home use for the heating of domestic hot water is done very cheaply and can be built by the average homeowner. You don't need panels to get this done. They can be built out of soda cans, copper tubing and hight emp black paint. Others can be built out of old electric hot water tanks. Even the steam generators can be built for home use with a little technology that already exist and can be bought right off the shelf. There are some good sources available for the reading in publications like "The Mother Earth News"(and there are others) You just have to think a little outside the box.
Bill
Bill