If you’re looking for a ray of hope within the recent economic downturn, this may be it: solar panels have been significantly reduced in price, and are being sold in record numbers. Not only has the federal government increased financial incentives for homeowners who switch to solar power, manufacturers are lowering their prices to move their products in such a difficult market. The depreciation of solar panel prices is, of course, great news for the environmentalist community, but it can also attract a wider range of homeowners interested in slashing their electricity bills. This Los Angeles Times article lays out the details of switching to solar, and the financial number crunching that is required to asses the long-term payback.