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Can you actually make your own electricity? Yes you can, even without an elaborate setup you can reduce your monthly electric bill by 60% to 70%. Even with as little as a few solar panels producing only 400 watts total DC output. You calculate amperage as watts divided by volts. A Solar panel produces a certain number of watts at 12 volts, so 400 / 12 = 33.33 amps of DC Current. Once converted to AC for your home appliances even this could save you a lot of money each month.  

Consider that a household appliance that uses 400 watts would need 400 / 120 = 3.33 amps of AC current.  Do take into consideration that an DC to AC Converter is only about 90% efficient and any AC appliance that has a motor creates inductance which means a minimum of 20% to 30% loss to your converter so you need to add a minimum of 20% for your converter: 400 watt output plus 20% is 400 * 20% = 80 watts. You need a converter capable of at least 480 watts output and probably 500 watts to get the full 400 watts out of it.

Additionally, you need to realize that with this level of amperage you are not going to be using small gauge wiring either. Just be careful when working on these types of systems. Most people have a tendency of under estimating the level of  power associated with these systems due to the low voltage. The high level of current can be deadly so you must respect that fact.

Disclaimer: I do not consider myself to be an expert in the area of electricity or related matters. I am simply giving you information related to my experience with this type of system. When in doubt please consult an expert in these matters. That could even be someone at your local hardware or major electronics supply. This is assuming they are indeed an expert on this subject matter. Bottom Line: Don’t blame me if you blow yourself up!