Solar Panels convert sunlight to electricity. The pricing is now frequently about a dollar a watt, but you can find cheap imported panels and used panels for less.

Rule of thumb is that solar panels produce at their peak for about 20 years, they continue to produce after that but slowly the efficiency goes down. 

Solar panels are not the most efficient conversion method, roughly up to 22% currently, but with the price going down, they will certainly do the job.

Monocrystalline solar panels 

Currently the gold standard for solar panels, made from single, high-purity silicon crystal.

Most expensive but with the highest efficiency (~ 20% - 22%) but also the longest lifespan of 25 to 40 years.

They also generate better in low light and high temperatures.

Polycrystalline solar panels 

Made from silicone parts melted together, they are cheaper than monocrystaliline, but less efficient (15% - 17%)

They can last for over 25 years. They are larger panels to produce the same amount of power as monocrystailine panels.

Thin-film solar panels 

Can be more flexible, made by depositing thin layers of PV material on glass or plastic. It is the lowest efficiency (10 - 12%) but is also the lowest cost to produce. They generate better in hot and low-light situations but are less durable to extreme weather and has a shorter lifespan of between 10 and 20 years.

A new type design is Bifacial. It captures sunlight from the front and back surfaces, it also seems to collect power on more overcast days.

Types of installation:

Tie-in: This is what is frequently sold by Solar Installation companies and Utilities.  Basically you are a generating facility. The power generated by your system is tied into the power grid.  A meter records how much power you are providing and the utility reduces you electricity bill in kind, or cuts you a check (or credit) if you produce more than you use.

Off-Grid or Standalone: You own your panels and charge controller, you purchase the battery storage, you provide the Inverter to convert the DC power to AC. You connect it to your home power. You maintain it. Depending on the size of your system, you can reduce or eliminate the need for a utility company. 

Plug and Play: Buy panels, extension cords and power supplies. Plug them all together. Start using the power. Can be more expensive, but more convenient and portable.

When researching for panels, keep in mind that the specs the company provides are for a perfect day. Perfect temperature, maximum full sun. Factors you will most likely never see. Keep that in mind.

Line loss - you will lose power in the process of getting it from the panels to the Charge Controller. The wire size (gauge) and the length of run all factor into the amount of energy loss that will occur.

When sizing a system, do an inventory of everything you will be using as a load. Appliances will include the working voltage, Amps, and usually Watts. Appliances like refrigerators go through cycles when they consume a larger amount of power for awhile then calm down to a lower state. 

Keep in mind you have to account for keeping some items powered through the night. Also cloudy or stormy days. 

SOLAR CALCULATORS

Solar Load Calculator - www.solar-electric.com/solar/calc?srsltid=AfmBOopCotgofmFMbod1d9gBSccUE80k-fPzqKqhF5uU4QwfYWsDJx9L 

Calculate Solar Cost For Your Home - https://geni.us/solar_reviews 

Line Loss Calculator: https://geni.us/Hhxpk 

Small backyard wind power generator

http://www.treehugger.com/wind-technology/how-make-small-backyard-wind-power-generator.html