I’m amazed to realize that we don’t see more of such simple solutions as solar trough power, which essentially involves setting up a back-yard scale set of parabolic troughs which use focused sunlight to heat liquid that spins a turbine and generates power. At present these are simple and effective for generating small quantities of power, like enough to run a commercial refrigerator, although larger scale installations are contemplated: http://www.news.com/8301-11128_3-9816886-54.html?tag=nefd.blgs

ADDENDUM (November 20): Similarly, solar concentrators are being used get more effeciency out of solar cells: http://www.news.com/8301-11128_3-9820924-54.html?tag=nefd.top

(Thanks again to the News.com Green Tech Blog!)