While some investors feel they're still waiting for the sun to rise on the solar energy industry, it's already high noon for some parts of the sector.

In some places in the U.S. today, solar photovoltaic, PV, technology—the iconic glass panels being deployed on home and business rooftops—already allows users to beat what their local utility charges for electricity generated from coal-fired power plants.

"It makes sense if you look at it as a [retail] ratepayer," says Ted Sullivan, senior analyst at Lux Research. "We're there today."

For example, Californian utilities charge up to 40 cents/kwh for retail power users, while an installed solar PV system costs up to 18 cents/kwh.

The cost-benefit analysis, of course, depends mainly on local issues, like the rates utilities charge, the premium cost of using energy at peak demand times and the intensity of the sun in any given area.

Generally speaking though, solar energy users can expect a quick return on investment for installing PV panels and enjoy cheap energy for the system's lifetime, often guaranteed for 20 years or more.

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