Actually Asher, solar panels are becoming much more efficient in the recent years. They have officially broken the 40% eficciency mark which actually make them more efficient than a typical fossil fuel generator @ 17% efficiency.
You are correct about the cost however each year the cost of solar cells decrease by 5%. Another thing that increases the cost is the battery systems, so if you live somewhere where you can take advantage of “Net Metering” and pump your excess electricity back into the grid to be used later that night, then use that and cut about 1/4 of the cost.
For those people who cannot afford a solar system, then there are other options such as renting (see: http://www.solarpowerfor.us ).
Wind turbines are also great, but they are not able to perform just anywhere, they are generally only usefull offshore of close to mountains and hills (for their updrafts). I would’nt say that they are better because of the moving parts, in fact the moving parts are what make them not last as long. The more moving parts that a system has the more chances they have to break down. This is why I really like the “Americas Wind Energy” company, because they have come up with a design which has much less moving parts than typical wind turbines, because the generator is actually built onto the spindel. http://awe-wind.com/Products/TurbineConstruction/tabid/75/Default.aspx
All in all solar is the best form of clean energy in my opinion, and as the price comes down you will see it used everywhere.
