Kris De Decker wrote a fascinating piece in Low Tech Magazine about how to use small scale solar power in your home. Using solar panels on his balcony with a lead acid battery, he powers his lights, music system, laptops and device charging, which he calculates will cost €1,290 over 30 years. The piece also describes the Living Energy Farm that uses direct solar power without battery backups to run an entire farm with workshops, kitchen, and several homes.