Around here "free" solar panels are everywhere. In fact you get paid to have them installed and keep them installed. The catch is that you don't own them until after about 20 years. Basically the companies providing them are renting your roof. They provide power back to the utility and cut you a cheque every month for some dollar amount - I don't know how it's calculated. And I'm not sure how these companies make money with this.

The drawback is that your roof's warranty is pretty much out the window and that you're going to have a very hard time replacing the shingles under the panels when needed. New construction around here have been installing roofs that won't last longer than 10 years or so.