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Ever since handling my first tiny solar panel quite a few decades ago, I've been fascinated by them. The fact that a bit of glass had the ability to harvest power from a big nuclear orb 93 million miles away blew my mind back then, and continues to blow my mind now. Since then, solar panels have grown in size and efficiency and dropped in cost to the point where it's becoming economically feasible for you and me to buy panels and generate our own electricity.

Also: Considering plug-in solar at home? How to know if it's legal in your state - and actually worth it

Up until now, you've had two options. You could have a standard rooftop solar system, have that professionally connected to your home's electrical system, or you could connect your panels to a portable power station, and use that to power devices in your home.