Green is Expensive
One of the major detractors of the many Green technologies that are now starting to come out, cost. With a worsening economy people are cutting back on expenses and green technology may have to wait a while. Much of the technology being new and still in their infancy, are still quite steeply priced and may wait till the economy recovers before their full impact may be felt. Small green innovations like the CFL lamps that save on electricity are already available for all and can be used to replace most lighting fixtures that still use traditional bulbs.
Solar energy is still expensive and installation requires skilled labor who know their job, though DIY proponents say they are so easy to install, a mastery of electrical technology along with mechanical and a little metal work are all needed. You also need storage batteries (a lot of them, usually lead-acid type) which need special housing or you can create fire hazards for they release hydrogen gas which is highly combustible, they also contain acids so care is needed. Wind power needs special permits for installation to a home due to the safety hazard they pose with towers and other structures that may need approval. Smaller units for light use are available for DIY but are small and limited. Time will come when all the green technologies would be indeed impacting the world, but unless you’re a millionaire who can spare a couple a hundred thousand bucks to convert your home into a power station, it’ll have to wait.