Anyone using solar panels for their house?

[Reef Pilot]

Well, we have solar for our cabin at the lake. We went low cost (Crappy Tire variety), and have just enough to handle our lights and small appliances and tools. We use propane for the fridge, stove and hot water (very cheap), and still have a generator for heavier tools (even vacuuming).

The main reason we got the solar was for convenience, so we don't have to run the generator, which is noisy, too. But there is no way you can ever justify solar based based on costs. The batteries alone (which need regular replacement) will cost more over time than any cost you would save from the power company.

Most of the cabins at our lake do have solar and/or wind generators. I can't believe what some have paid for their set-ups,... could buy a nice car for that money. Then they have to pay more after a few years, for batteries, upgrades, and other maintenance. It is just simply very, very expensive for what you get.

But for us at the lake, it is a necessity, as we don't have a connection to power. For me, though, I went cheap with the solar, and more for convenience than any other reason. My diesel generator is still the cheapest by far, for out there, but just don't like the noise and inconvenience.