[RadioAstronomer]

I think this is a good idea. The more energy independent you are in your own home, the more you are prepared for emergencies such as earthquakes, blizzards, etc.

[Amerigomag]

I was wondering how solar power would benefit the consumer in a blizzard until I read your tag.

[Republican in CA]

I think the system they're talking about is not independent. You're still on the grid, just sending electricity to the electric company during the day (which they pay you for). If the power goes out, yours does too.

The independent system is more expensive and takes lots of maintenance (or so the salesman told me five-ten years ago).