The whole solar system cost us $2000 when the charge controller and the inverter are factored in, largely because we acquired some lightly used, very good quality, batteries being changed out by a company. Many companies, like tv stations, cable companies, ups...change out their batteries regularly and will give them away for free.
Our panels cost us a little over $900 ( the price has since gone down and usually runs a lot cheaper still over winter) for the pair and they, with our batteries, gave us about 2.5 KWh a day in the summer. The system was powerful enough to run an average sized LED, three computers, all of the lights we needed and a vacuum (or other medium sized, non-heat generating appliance), at once. There are adjustments needed to live at that level of consumption but we never felt like it was a real burden, in fact, we LOVED the fact that our power was free and clean and made in our backyard. That can be quite an addictive feeling. Our plan, when we move again, is to add in 4 or 5 more panels, as money allows and put up a wind-max or two for wind elec generation during the winter.
Although our way of doing things would probably not work for all, i certainly believe that people could easily and affordably, supplement a large portion of their energy consumption through solar.
Our panels and system...
The best place for cheap alternative energy supplies is SunElec IMHO. We loved working with them and they were always professional, helpful and fast.
http://www.sunelec.com/solar-panels-c-5.html?page=3&sort=9
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