power conditioners, your thoughts please

[The Tasmanian]

All this exiting info brings me back to the subject - If I had a small studio in Syd or Melb and i needed to by a $2k UPS - it would make sense to look at this money as a start for a basic solar setup - It would be the wisest use of this money - even if it meant a small system that I only ran my computer and my most valuable stuff from, and as I continued to make some more money, I could add to the setup (panels and batteries) - because the whole point of getting a UPS is really protection from power surges, and then there is the addition of a clean earth reducing the noise floor, plus as the cost of power is rising rapidly the investment eventually future proofs against massive power costs down the line.
If we are to run businesses in the power expensive future then this is the way -
Just remember fellow Trockers - your humble home studios may end up becoming great businesses ( I started BJB with $500, a sampler, 2 mics and a Atari computer 15 years ago - never intending for it to grow into a commercial premises, it was for me and my mates to make albums!)
So project forward my friends!

[Ben M]

A friend of mine was telling me about his Dad's farm in outback Victoria that's been running off solar for several years - he was saying the next upgrade they make will be to self cleaning solar panels (discussed here http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/26116/) as they apparently should improve efficiency by a significant amount (once they make it to market).

I'd say the need is more about them living in the victorian outback. Dry areas are emphasised in the article. But in general I'd say it's an unnecessary expense to the affordability of panels. Or should I say that would be great for dry areas? You know...for dusty regions it may be worth investing in that.
Dave I quote from one of the comments left at the bottom of the link you posted;

Here on Earth wouldn't it be cheaper to hire a immigrant with a bucket and rag?

Ha! So wrong but so true. If solar panels need cleaning then that could be a great industry for someone. Not me... but .... you know.

The only time I felt it necessary to wash my panels was after that amazing dust storm that happened out of SA and blew across the east coast of Australia and even to NZ. Remember that? I got up on the roof and washed the roof and panels while bypassing the feed into our water supply. Clean start.

[Adam Dempsey]

I heard a program on the radio claiming the Chinese have invented and are currently
building see through glass solar panels to replace the glass in any highrise building
the average 30+ story building could and will power itself before very long
it's a new world out there

Yep, sliver cells and quantum dot solar technology, in time, should see the light of day (pun not intended). See also the promise of graphene (carbon flakes).
To quote an old engineer friend: "the possibilities are mindless".

[Dallas]

If you're going solar make sure you get German panels (a lot of the 'cheaper' companies use chinese manufactured stuff - the B#&*$*rs of the solar world) with all the inherent risks involved (ie manufacturing standards dropping off after c-tick approvals are granted)... my missus sells solar made by a particular company that sponsors an AFL team - she always gets "outquoted", but sells a lot of replacement panels!! - check the panels as they are being installed, they will have a VIN type plate with their serial numbers, c-tick approvals etc on them - one of her (now former) installers was quoting his own "cash" jobs with her panels, then installing cheaper ones with stickers on them with the reputable companies name on them.

The solar industry is new, not very well understood & basically un-regulated at the moment - lots of former insulation installers trying to make their next fast buck!!