Don't give up on the dream - have wanted one for the longest, too, and finally got one two years ago, and it's an awesome feeling to raise it every morning. (Posting the pledge graphic on mine in the morning)
We take it down in the evening, but actually the spotlight on the corner of our house illuminates it very well - it's just that we don't turn that on often either! :)
All I can say is: It's a grand ole flag!