Roadblocks to Domestic Renewable Energy Change

I have wanted to for quite a few years, change to solar energy. Both/or solar electric, solar hot water heating.
When I first thought I might have an oportunity about 2000, I was discouraged at every step by my relatives and I thouight they might have a point and did not want to look an idiot. I don't think they were really looking at it from an environmental point of view, mostly economic, but I was not financial by any means, so that is where I saw the point. I also remember thinking about a heat pump but not having a telephone at the time, so getting someone else to take my call from the company about a quote for cost then having it cancelled by them without first notifying me and no discussion. Later on been recommended by these same persons to get one because they were coming more into use and they personally had seen it in another home.
So is been environmental and/or economic or getting certain appliances only a fashion thing?
I have become more fiancial now and went to enquire at a local bussiness about getting solar hot water. He came to visit me I mentioned about the $500 help I could receive from the government. He also said I was in all the right position for the way my roof was facing and nearly everything else, but he did not think it would be a good idea. Well this coming from a professional plumber who would also stand to gain by installing; he must be right surely. He said the $500 from the government was tiny in comparison to the cost which can be up to $8000. He said the savings I would make on electricity over the lifetime of the system would not be economic because of the cost. I am on my own here. He must be right surely he would gain financially by installing a system for me.
So is this type of thing general for most people who think about installing a Solar hot water heater or anything which might benefit the environment and their economics (in that order) or is it just totally uneconomic anyway. Does it apply to all economic brackets or means?
I don't know what have people experienced?
One thing I did see was someone I know who has used one from the 1970's and he swore by it. This would be less efficient than todays models but I think it is still working well.