Why is "Going Green" So Expensive?

With the recent push to renewable energy resources, it is hard to believe that they are so expensive. Over recent years it has been proven time and time again, that our natural resources are depleting, and we are in need of sustainable energy sources. Yet the most obvious and easy choices still cost more to obtain than a normal person can afford.

Take solar power for example. If a home had solar panels on the roof, they would create more than enough energy to power their home. With a battery room they could store power for later use when there wasn't enough sunlight. In some places batteries aren't necessary any longer, as you can feed back into the grid, and would receive a check from the electric company. But then if the power goes out you are at the mercy of the power company when the sun is down. The most expensive part is usually the batteries. I understand big Power companies being against this form of sustainable energy as they do not make money off of this (in a way they do, since they charge more for the energy they sell then they give), but in some places this takes pressure off of them. Why doesn't the government fund research about cheaper forms of solar power? Why is this not a priority?

Wind power is a controversial topic. Some "Green" people think it is the energy of the future, in some areas there is always a strong wind, while others believe it is more harmful than good. In some animal rights circles the belief is that birds may become injured or worse by big windmills. But again, it is difficult to get permission, or funding for this. Although this is more of a "farm" style energy, and not for the average family.