Photovoltaic technology, developed to allow us to use the sun's energy to live in outer space, may make living on earth more comfortable, too. Solar panels capture sunlight and store this energy in batteries. Inverters convert battery power to alternating current so normal lamps and appliances can be used. The systems run themselves and do not require much technical knowledge. Photovoltaic systems have no moving parts so there is little maintenance and no noise.
Solar systems can solve specific problems.
One property uses solar energy to power necessary lights and a cellular telephone. Another has a small unit to run electric smoke detectors. Some homeowners go completely solar. I am not at their mercy. I am very pleased I am completely independent of any costs from hydro.