How much power an average home needs depends on location and personal consumption, but is estimated at around five to seven kilowatts (5,000 to 7,000 watts). So even at a lower estimate of roughly $300+ for a 200 watt plug-in panel, you’re looking at dozens of panels, totaling thousands of dollars. Still cheaper than the expected $12K to $16K for a 5 kilowatt solar panel system (not counting installation), but there are other factors to be aware of.
As with any plug-in devices, cords can be unsightly, get tangled, and create tripping hazards. Additionally, plugging solar panels into a shared circuit (i.e. one that’s connected to any other devices or appliances) can be a pretty significant fire risk. If you’re really interested in going solar and can’t justify the initial cost of a proper installation, try looking into Community Solar availability in your area to see if you can add your household to a nearby solar array.
Or if you’d prefer something specifically centered around your home, there are a multitude of solar power stations and generator options on the market right now. These smaller solar power systems are sometimes self-contained (as in some models have their own built-in or included panels) and work much like a gas-powered generator — except without the exhaust fumes. They won’t fully power your home all day and night, but they can be useful during hours where you don’t use as much power.
