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$10k is the low end for installing solar. Which probably wouldn't even cover your entire bill depending on how big your house is and how much you use.
It's worth it in the end though. 1. You get crazy tax write offs. 2. You don't have an electric bill any more. 3. It pays for itself eventually.
Here in Colorado Xcel energy actually has to have X percent of their system switched to solar by a certain time (government mandate). Instead of building the units themselves they pay for residential installations - up to 60% of the bill. So let's say you get one installed on your home for $15k, electric company pays $9k of it. You owe $6k still. Come tax time, you get a $4,500 tax deduction for the installation. You now have only payed $1,500 out-of-pocket. Which, if you're saving 50-100/month on the electric bill should be payed off in no time.
Seriously, I don't know how you guys do it over in California. But it sounds like you don't know all the information. You need to look into the tax deductions and what other type of government benefits you can get.
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