The farmer-homesteader must be a carpenter, mechanic, amateur scientist, cook, sometimes baby-sitter all in one. The house on Frog Holler, more than 100 years old, is sound but was not built with luxury in mind.

Improving technology and uncertainties in the housing market are clearly contributing to solar energy's recent rays of hope. Record high oil prices and ongoing violence and instability in the Middle East may be playing a role as well, brought even closer