This looks like a great idea: http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/post.cfm?id=solar-panels-for-the-rest-of-us-2009-12-14

They are solar panels with their own micro inverters in them. My frustration with solar has been the huge initial investment; I'd like to try it out first on a limited basis. I have no idea what kind of real efficiency I'll see at my house (especially in the winter), which makes it sound risky. Plus, I'm under the impression it's not worth it (or not really feasible) to do a small-scale installation because of inverter sizing (or you'd have to buy a new one when you install more panels).

The idea of a panel with a typical AC plug is intriguing. I could easily install one, say on top of my deck, and use it for powering individual devices and testing over time.

Thoughts?

from NeilT at 2009-12-16 13:20:19