Photovoltaic solar panels are a proven method of generating electricity from sunlight easily and economically. The primary limitation on any PV solar set-up is that nothing works when there is no direct sunlight (such as those regular time periods referred to as "night"). This leads naturally to the idea of battery storage, which is easy enough to do using common deep-cycle batteries (as used in golf carts, wheelchairs, boats, etc).
With a charge controller to direct generated electricity to the battery (or batteries) and a power inverter to convert stored DC electricity to AC power it is possible to be completely independent of public power sources.
Of course, therein lies the major economic leap, as battery storage capacity is rather expensive, and batteries have a limited service life (charge-discharge cycles). Storage batteries and connections to house circuits are the biggest part of home solar system expense.
I put together my first unit for camping and hunting trips. Started with a 100W PV panel with 12V charge controller ($83 at the time), 120AH 12V deep cycle battery ($110) with battery box ($16), and 800W 12VDC-to-120VAC power inverter ($66), all mounted on a 2-wheel moving dolly ($29). Total $304 for a completely portable solar power generator and storage unit that one person can load, unload, and move around to required positions. This took care of LED lights (tent and campsite), reading light, radio, laptop computer, cell phone charging, 12" mini-TV/VCR, and the Mr. Coffee machine. Also capable of jump-starting my truck if needed.
When I purchased a camp trailer it was equipped with 2 deep-cycle 12V batteries and on-board power inverter. It was easy to add the 3rd battery and mount up the PV solar panels (2X100W). This doubled my charging capacity and tripled my electrical storage capacity. Capable of running everything in the camper, although I did not use the air conditioner because required amperage would quickly deplete the batteries (the system would do it, but only for a couple of hours).
For those considering solar power, even for limited needs like battery charging, I recommend the addition of deep-cycle battery storage and power inverter. Then you will have power any time of the day or night, and a minimal back-up system for the home in case of power outage. The Harbor Freight 100W 4-panel outfit is actually pretty good, but there is no storage capacity (batteries), so it is a sunny day only system unless you add storage; with sufficient storage it will make a pretty good home back-up unit (capable of powering some lights, radio, furnace fan, limited use of a refrigerator, etc).
