The only problem with solar is if the sun isn't shining, you aren't getting any power. Geo thermal is quite successfull in Iceland. Enough to grow fruit commercially in greenhouses there. Newer solar panels work pretty good now even in cloudy conditions, but then you still rely on batteries at night. Potential problems with having a huge bank of batteries sitting in your basement. LED lights have gotten affordable. I've considered when I build a new house to do them through out. The draw is next to nothing compared to a mono-filiment bulb. If everyone could afford to switch over to a low voltage system like that what would that save us in energy across the country?