I saw this topic and even though it is old, I have some info.
I live in Hawaii where we use oil, solar, wind, geo-thermal and I think some wave power. Our geo-thermal plant was shut down recently because of active lava encroachment - thus 20% of the island electrical production ceased in minutes). Electricity is very expensive here. Running just LED bulbs a computer and a couple to TV,s microwave and some stove and oven and a small water heater, my usage is about 18 to 19 KWH/day. My bill (including taxes) is $168.38 or .35 per KWH (almost $6 a day). I purchased during the 1st Kickstarter campaign a total of 20 ea 100 watt panels, 10 inverters and a hub. Because of some delays they sent the new regulator instead of the hub. This 2kw system is going to be ground mounted and tied into a switch box which I will add to the meter panel on a separate unused breaker. Their new regulator will look at power from the meter and should I start to generate more power than I am using, will then reduce my production. Thus I will not send any power to the utility (which suits me just fine). So 2kw worth of power and all associated equipment and shipping (except the mounting) I'll come up with cost me $3199.
My system was delivered just before our last hurricane and I stored it. Then later I took two panels, cabled them, plugged them into a wattmeter and into the electrical outlet. As I pointed in the general direction of the sun, I got about 167 watts in early morning sun kinda pointed that direction. I have to assume better output when properly installed. Total time to hook together was about 15 minutes.
Their Kickstarter 3 campaign will include the option/ability to use your own battery system.
My first look at solar was a simple panel given to a fellow ham radio operator from Solarex in Maryland when they first started. I wanted to get into solar but after hearing a friend tell me how much trouble it was for him, I held off. This sounded (and became) so easy that I have no qualms telling people my experience and that they should consider it, if it is in their price range. Adding extra panels is simple. I do suggest a separate circuit on the panel and if they are going to general a lot of power, perhaps a separate connection to the other power lead in the breaker box.