There are lots to choose from, depending on the size of the panel you want based on your application. Pretty much all of them are designed for a specific market or function, although they can be used for many things.
12 Volt Battery Charging:
BP Solar - 10, 20, 30, 50, 85, 125, 140 watt modules (not all sizes available all the time)
Kyocera Solar - 50, 85,135, 140 watt modules (not all sizes available all the time)
SolarTech Solar- 50, 85, 110, 120 watt modules (not all sizes available all the time)

24 Volt Battery Charging:
Suntech 190 watt modules
Trina 185 watt modules

Grid Tie:
Many manufacturers, sizes range from 220 watt to 285 watt. Output voltages are generally not designed for battery charging although they are sometimes used for that purpose with the use of specialized solar voltage controllers that can correct the voltage mismatch to the battery bank.

Price:
Generally speaking, the larger the solar panel, the cheaper the "cost per watt". Overall, prices can range widely, from up to $5.00 per watt on small solar panels to around $1.30 per watt on some of the big grid tie units. I've even seen some pricing below $1.00 per watt for "B" grade, or end of production, or desperate sellers. However, bigger is not always better. Grid tie panels charging battery banks need expensive "MPPT" charge controllers. They are also generally not suited for (or warrantied for) mobile applications (RV, marine, etc...). They have very large surface area's that will flex during movement. Eventually this movement will crack the brittle cells and break the soldered connections between them.
So, application or need determines product size, and then best pricing can be developed from there.

Makes sense. I've not been very lucky at finding retailers other than the expensive box stores.

My application will be domestic with a battery bank. I'm hoping to set up a sub panel which will drive the lower powered devices including lights & appliances. Eventually adding to that panel and slowly converting zones from grid to alternative. So the application for the time being will be a static one.

I will keep looking. I am wiring the subpanel this weekend and transfering ciruits. Next week will be the battery bank. I intend to grid charge the bank until I have a firm practical grasp of the AH consumption. Hopefully that will help in deciding the alternate power source.

Ok. Your application is very common. In that case, I'd go for the less expensive grid tie solar modules and the more expensive voltage converting charge controller. You have three charge controller manufacturers to choose from: Outback (FM60 or FM80), Xantrex XW, or MidNite Classic (150, 200, or 250 model).
You can connect just about any grid tie solar module (or modules) to them and they'll charge your batteries. The only design issue you need to worry about here is that the output voltage of the solar array doesn't fall below the charging voltage of the controller. Generally speaking, one grid tie solar module will charge a 12 VDC battery bank, two of them connected in series will charge a 24 VDC battery bank, and three of them connected in series will charge a 48 VDC battery bank.

Which VDC battery bank to choose?
Generally, the battery bank VDC is predetermined by the inverter (or inverter/charger) you select. In your case, assuming you don't want to net meter with your utility, you only really have a few inverter choices. They are:
Magnum Energy MS4024PAE or MS4448PAE - these inverter/chargers put out 120/240 VAC just like the utility, which makes them very easy to integrate into conventional electrical panels. They operate with either a 24 or 48 VDC battery bank.
Outback FX Series - these inverter/chargers put out 120 VAC, or single phase which means they can't operate 240 VAC loads. They are available in 12, 24, or 48 VDC battery bank versions.
Xantrex XW Series - these inverter/chargers put out 120/240 VAC just like the utility, and operate with either 24 or 48 VDC battery banks. These units are very large and expensive though.
The likely best choice is the Magnum lineup
NOTE: The "charger" portion of these inverters will charge the battery bank from an available AC charging source such as the utility or a gas generator. They will not charge batteries from solar.
No matter which inverter you choose, each of them will need extra distribution and programming equipment to install (code compliance) and operate.
So, here's my product suggestion:
Grid tie solar module x 2, or multiples of 2, depending on how much energy you want to produce, Midnite Solar "combiner" box.
Outback FM60 or FM80 charge controller (60 amp or 80 amp charging capacity, depending on how many solar panels you install, or want to install)
Magnum MS4024PAE inverter/charger with Magnum MEARC programmer/remote, Magnum MMP AC/DC distribution panel with backplate.

A good thing about the MS4024PAE series of inverters is that it can be programmed to use solar energy when the battery bank is fully charged to help reduce your utility bill. It will do that by using the solar to provide power to your dedicated AC load panel.

That's the basic hardware anyway.

Awesome. Sounds intricate but I'll research it a bit more. I ame looking into perhaps selling where I am now in town & moving in a much more suburban setting so that my choices of alternative energy doesn't aggravate my neighbours.

I ha e access to somewhat smaller 2kw inverters & that's the reason I wanted to transition slowly, also I'm not sure my choices of solar would be a big hit amongst home buyers??

I may take it slower until I sell in spring (gotta put daughter thru last year of school). Then choose property accordingly. Thank you so much for taking the time and the depth of details. Really helps!!

Bump up, for excellent info and advice

So, here's my product suggestion:
Grid tie solar module x 2, or multiples of 2, depending on how much energy you want to produce, Midnite Solar "combiner" box.
Outback FM60 or FM80 charge controller (60 amp or 80 amp charging capacity, depending on how many solar panels you install, or want to install)
Magnum MS4024PAE inverter/charger with Magnum MEARC programmer/remote, Magnum MMP AC/DC distribution panel with backplate.

How much would this setup cost (aprox)?

Thanks

hi Spinkx79, I'd rough that cost in around $3900.00 + tax for the two solar panels, inverter, remote, distribution panel. back plate, solar charge controller.
This set up leaves lots of room for system growth on the solar side, and provides bullet proof code compliance on the install side.

Connect just about any grid tie solar module (or modules) to them and they'll charge your batteries. The only design issue you need to worry about here is that the output voltage of the solar array doesn't fall below the charging voltage of the controller. Generally speaking, one grid tie solar module will charge a 12 VDC battery bank, two of them connected in series will charge a 24 VDC battery bank, and three of them connected in series will charge a 48 VDC battery bank.

solar energy system

Connect just about any grid tie solar module (or modules) to them and they'll charge your batteries. The only design issue you need to worry about here is that the output voltage of the solar array doesn't fall below the charging voltage of the controller. Generally speaking, one grid tie solar module will charge a 12 VDC battery bank, two of them connected in series will charge a 24 VDC battery bank, and three of them connected in series will charge a 48 VDC battery bank.

Grid tie solar panels can be used in battery based systems, but there will be a voltage mismatch. At that point, you have two choices:
1. Ignore the mismatch and loose up to 25% of the charging potential available in the solar panel, or
2. Buy an expensive "voltage converting" solar controller that will optimize the solar panel voltage for battery charging.

Depending on your overall system objectives, smaller "battery based" solar panels are still more cost effective and appropriate. Remember also that mobile installations (RV's, boats, etc...) should avoid using grid tie solar panels. The vibration of movement on the solar panel will eventually damage the cells and cell interconnections. This damage is not covered under warranty.

Welcome Andrew_paul111 and greetings from Northern Ontario.

Perhaps it would be better to introduce yourself first before you advertise your business. 😉

ICRCC,
maybe you can remove the spam link..
the spammer says IN ONTARIO, the link is to a com.au site, with a .com.au website

there is no info of value there to help anyone

You are correct WildE. I was giving the person a chance to introduce themselves. However on a little further investigation was spam. The source of the message was not Canadian, it was from Chandigarh, India. They are gone.

Anyone know of a good, cost effective solar panel here in Ontario?

Check out DNM Solar Solutions. They ship anywhere in Canada.

TAZ