solar
You have understand there are three types of solar energy; passive, thermal (hot water) and photovotaics (silicon cells converting to dc electricity). I worked with the later and higher recommend all three where it makes sense.
Speaking of photovoltaic panels, they really only make sense in remote areas off grid. The DR is not the normal place and sometimes (like Hillbilly) it makes sense to use solar even when you can connect. Sometimes wind is better depending on the location, but most of the time renewable energy systems need to be used in combination in medium to large systems unless you are pumping the electricity directly into the grid.
The idea of having a charging station has been tried in Brazil and a few other places. It was an attempt to reach a section of the population of the poor in developing world that spent between US$5-10/month on electricity. I'm not sure if these projects lasted the lont term without outside help. Most of the people who use solar panels in the DR (probably 10,000-15,000 rural households.) are willing to pay the equivilent of US$10-20/month to not have to carry a car battery back and forth.
You must remember that these systems are replacing kerosene lamps, dry cell batteries for a small radio and having to carry to battery to the grid once a week for a small black and white tv. Any of us who are used to living in a urban area would have to spend US$10,000-$20,000 to satisfy our energy needs. You would have everything except air conditioning. If you invested in 12v and 24v dc appliances and changed some habits you could live with a US$5,000 system (2 people)
Jim, be careful, I have read that 90% of microwaves start to leak after 2 years.