So you're interested in a starter solar package. Great! There are many variations on what your could have installed. A good solar contractor can show your your options and make sure that your system can be upgraded without difficulty if you think you may want to do that. But here's a very rough idea what a typical starter system might look like:

for electricity:

7 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels producing rated at about 1,300 watts

1 SMA Sunny Boy 1800 watt inverter

hardware for PV system (includes hardware to attach panels to roof, AC disconnect, electrical wiring, etc.)

A system like this would meet SOME of your electricity needs. That really depends on how big your house is, how energy efficient your appliances are, and how much energy you tend to use.

It would also significantly reduce your impact on the environment.

A starter system like this wouldn't have a battery backup, so during electrical outages, you would have some electricity available from the panels on sunny days, but not at night. If your state allows "net-metering", like Virginia and Maryland, you can sell excess electricity back to the power company. The electrical utility in essence stores your power instead of using a battery. This is a much more cost effective way. When you're not home on a sunny day, even a modest system can produce excess electricity.

To learn more about your options, find a local solar contractor or consultant.