[ctdonath]

Most other energy sources involve vast infrastructure for ongoing operation. Oil requires processing and shipping every gallon, electricity from large generators requires long wires, coal must be transported, etc. Economies of scale keep such vast complex infrastructure cheap and functioning.

Solar panels, while expensive to manufacture, can be put in a box, carried to the point of use, and left to function on-site indefinitely with nigh unto no maintenance.

Other options? Check out http://www.biolitestove.com - a very recent development of a wood-burning stove featuring a thermocouple electrical generator and very low emissions.

[cinquemb]

This. People often look past the infrastructure that has to be built and the natural resources required to keep it running.

The systems in "developed" countries have been set up over time to make it "cheaper" to run on oil (for now, but this only going to get more expensive). And even then, you must constantly deal with the supply/demand and inflation issues when it comes to acquiring oil. That issue does not exist with acquiring solar energy. With PV's and CSP, one side of the equation takes care of itself (radiant energy from the sun).