I think the solar panel is a good investment and with the lower prices it just makes sense to put them in use.

i got a 27" iMac a few years back and this sucker can heat up a room all by itself. in the summer I know its like having a heater on while having the ac going at the same time. I wouldn't mind just having a panel with a fan on it just running behind my computer. since my ac runs all day pretty much 9 months out of the year I'm better that would've saved me some money by now. and I'm sure there's a million other little things a solar panel is more efficient at. just have to make the initial investment and have the ideas.

also a good investment in educating yourself. power goes out and you know you can rig up a way to keep a few electronics going without burning up other resources.