Chris's calculation shows that the cost of the solar energy derived this way would be some 20p/kwth. I just added that this cost will likely never come down (absent a technology breakthrough) because of the maintainance and replacement costs. Whether concentrated in large solar farms or subsidised by us taxpayers individual panels on the rooftops doesn't really matter - someone will be paying for it.

Now I think the real question we should ask the people is are they willing to pay 20p/kwth and more? I suspect that the answer will be "hell no". People would accept some small scale solar plants, but once the bills grow to unbearable heights the pressure will grow towards the cheaper sources and there is the chance that solar will be compromised completely. I think something similar is happening in Germany and Denmark which have already gone well down this path.

The bottom line is that it is not the time yet for this - subsidised small scale to stimulate the development of the technology - yes; large scale plants or "rooftop" programs - I don't think so.