Photovoltaic cells are just not very efficient. The efficiency and volume from a natural gas powered plant makes it difficult for the homeowner to compete. With the lease model, the company installing the equipment makes money from us taxpayers via subsidies. If it's a viable solution, then it should be able to compete without government funding.

I looked into the lease model, and about the time the equipment is paid for the panels are already degrading.

On a side note, a home down the street from us was gutted in a fire. The fire was in the area of the solar panels. Coincidence?