[dangerdoc]

The spray on type solar technology is different than current solar cells. I understand the standard technology better than the newer quantum stuff.

Battery technology is changing and the potential of reasonably priced roomy storage is on the horizon. There are at least 6 different companies with varying levels of credibility that claim they will be delivering superior battery technology in the next 5 years. If claims are to be believed, it should be posible to store enough power to actually make a viable whole house UPS.

I think that cheap oil has actually suppressed some areas of technology for the last 50 years.

[toast]

Instead of a large UPS (or inverter) what would be more useful is would be a 3 or 4 way automatic transfer switch. Switch between the grid, battery (inverter), windmill, and generator. The generator could run on natural gas or whatever liquid fuel blend is cheapest at the time. You would just use small localized UPS's on electronic items that don't take the switch over well.

The priority of the transfer switch could be programmed by the homeowner. Choice would depend on cheapness and availability of source at the time. Could even sell back excess power to the grid.