Is there research or products for solar power to lighting?

We’ve heard CFL or other ways a light bulb can maximize its effeciency with least energy.

We’ve also heard solar panels improving on harnessing sun light.

BUT, are there products that directly harness solar power for the sole purpose of using the power for lighting?
(collect light during day, make light during night)

spam links will be reported.
flourescent materials? sounds fun, but how long do they last?

How much will it cost me to install solar panels and is it worth it?

My home is all electric and the rates just keep going up, up, and up,
I paid 0 for Jan – Feb this year and froze my tail off keeping it that
low. If I install solar panels, will it cost me less then what I’m paying
for electric? If you’re currently using solar panels can you tell me what
the pluses and minus’s are for going this route.

Is it possible to power the whole United States by solar power?

I saw a movie at school a while ago that said we could power the whole united states if we made a certain state all solar power (I can’t remember which state). Also how many watts does the united states use that way i can calculate how many solar panels would be needed.

Would adding wind turbines and solar panels to utility poles be feasible to replace current electricity?

We already have utility poles and the wires and such. Why couldn’t we just add a wind turbine , solar panels, converter and battery and just convert the whole system. Instead of living off grid, we change the grid. But my research is frustrating me. I need to know if it could possibly work.

Can you charge a bank of batteries with solar panels in a room with artificial sunlight?

I was just curious if this is possible: Charge a bank of deep cycle batteries, and use it to run grow lights, and also having solar panels in the room to recharge the batteries that are creating the light.
What about the L.E.D. grow lights?

How hard and expensive is it to install solar panels on a house that is already built?

I live in central Texas. I want to install some solar panels on the roof of my house for electricity. Im just not sure how expensive it will be or if it even makes sense to do. My house is one story 2100 square feet.