I apologize for the length of this answer but I want to keep each answer to your questions distinct from each other.

First, I would not do anything until the Obama administration announces the details of their stimulus package. There is almost universal acceptance that a large portion of the package will go toward green renewable energy technology. As such, the time line(s) outlined in this package will give you a stronger idea about how quickly green technology, including solar, will improve.

Second, I would be VERY hesitant to go with any company's flier without researching several competitors. Quoting a flat price to "solar your house" makes me immediately skeptical. Your cost will depend on the type of solar you wish to install (panel vs. tube), the size of space available for installing solar (rooftop and yard), and the system you wish to install to hook up the solar to your household. Some states allow for you to hook solar up directly to the grid and sell your excess energy back to the company. Others don't. Other systems will hook up one or two appliances to the solar power, which requires much less internal hardware and labor.

Third, we can all give you our thoughts here on Mahalo but solar is a very fickle source of energy and highly dependent on your specific geographical location. The further south in the U.S. that you live the better suited you are to solar. However, if you live in are part of the country that experiences many cloudy days or you have several trees that obscure the sun from your property the benefits of solar will be greatly reduced.

Finally, while I consider myself to be knowledgeable on the subject I am not so knowledgeable as to be able to predict the future of solar, particularly without knowing the specifics of your exact geographical location. The expression "Six in one, half dozen the other" comes to mind. While solar prices will decrease over the next several years you will be paying higher utility costs during the period prior to making the switch. Over a period of twenty years whether you install tomorrow or in five years your total expenses in twenty years will most likely be very close together. The savings in utility bills will be offset by the increase in panel price and vice versa if you wait five years.

However, I feel that I need to make an exception to this rule if you are considering installing solar tubes for heating water. Solar panels (as shown in your photograph) are extremely durable and can withstand hail, falling branches, prying squirrels, etc... Solar tubes on the other hand are quite delicate. If you were looking into solar tubes I would strongly encourage you to hold off.

I will close with one final thought. If you are looking at saving money and getting that good "green" feeling I would recommend you consider geo-thermal. It's commonly believed that if you live in certain parts of the country the subsurface of your terrain is unsuitable to geo-thermal (too rocky making drilling deep bores cost prohibitive). In fact, if you have a little bit of space on your property a closed loop horizontal system can dramatically alter your heating and cooling bills. You only need to drill four to six feet deep (below frost line by a couple of feet) and after the system is installed you will be heating your house up from the constant temperature of the ground (roughly 56 degrees).

To provide you with an example, if you live in a town where the nightly low falls below 26 degrees at some point in the winter rather than having your heater warm 26 degree air to your thermostat's temperature all your heater must do is heat air from 56 degrees to your thermostat's temperature, much less work by your heater and a major cost savings to you.

I haven't cited any sources for this answer as the answer I have given come from my personal knowledge. I wish I could recommend a short list of sites for you but I would have to say that the best way is to take the information provided in all of the answers posted to your question, roll up your sleeves, and finish the search with your newly acquired information.

Whether tomorrow or in five years, congrats on making the move to a more environmentally friendly home!

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