Do-it-yourself solar power? These solar panels can be plugged in

Posted by David Brooks | Sunday, May 13, 2012

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SpinRay Energy says this is a picture of five of its panels attached with brackets it sells. They can plug directly into a socket, have their own inverters, and stop producing power when the power goes out so they won't zap linemen doing repairs - although that means they can't help you during an ice storm.

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SpinRay Energy has developed a system that lets consumers install up to five solar panels and plug them into an outdoor power outlet. People can install one panel at a time, and get up to 1,000 watts of power with five installed. It costs $1,100, each panel I think.

So says the story from Cnet; click here to read more.

Caution is required. As the story notes, other companies have made similar promises without following through. Still, this system appears to be actually for sale via Amazon. The company has a feeble website, which it says is "undergoing a redesign" - a message dating to May 7. That's a little worrisome.

The story also notes there's a shortage of reports about whether the panels actually deliver the power they promise. The efficiency of the inverter (which turns DC into AC) can make a huge difference.

I'd love a solar panel or two, but I think I'll hold off on this one until there's more of a track record.