I've been watching this guy on YouTube off and on, for ideas on how to power my sail boat (when I get it) purely using solar power.
Errol Prowse Because one side of the roof on my home faces south, I also intend to install solar heating this autumn. Because there's no means of feeding energy into the grid in N.I., so far as I'm aware. I'll probably also look at powering the home, at least in part. Even in N.I. / Scotland, it ought to be possible to get these systems to pay for themselves in a reasonable time period, though I've yet to do the man maths.
The ability to go completely off-grid for a few weeks with ease at sea is very attractive. Solar power and a water maker make that possible and both systems aren't a difficult, nor expensive build for an amateur.
I believe that we've left it far too late to limit the effects of global warming. Once the Amazon basin and permafrost in northern latitudes start releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere, I believe the cascade effect will be unstoppable.
So, for me, making the most of solar is simply about reducing my utility costs, so that I can spend that money on more enjoyable things over the next twenty odd years that I hope to remain here.