[BrianG]

I just have to look up what the rules are. Something small, like a Smart car, but electrical would be a good idea for work commutes, particularly for those who live <15 miles from the office. But even a Smart car is too heavy really. You could lighten a lot by getting rid of the extra seating, climate control system, aesthetic interior trim, etc.

Yeah, I was talking about the individual consumer - I agree, commercial power needs are too high. But if enough individuals utilize alternate power sources, the overall oil-based demands would be MUCH lower, in turn lowering the costs (hopefully) and dependency on those oil tyrants. The newer solar cells are supposedly much cheaper than the ones of old - they're just not out yet. Within a few years of market release, the prices should drop enough to allow most people to afford it. I would think even the government would provide some sort of tax break for this type of thing. Even if you couldn't live totally off the grid, it would surely help. There are just some things that are energy hogs in a house: electric heaters, electric dryers (anything that has electric heating elements really), and some motors (eg: washing machines). But lighting and many small appliances could be powered through alternate means, with the power grid providing supplemental power where needed. And IIRC, power companies are required by law to buy excess power from the individual (something to do with the monopoly laws).

back to the lightning idea, we really should do more research into harnessing that!