Raspberry Pi

I am not sure this should be in the Hardware so I put it here.

I need to automate my home a bit, the pool equipment, solar panels, solar heating, etc will work much more efficiently if I coordinate them.
I am thinking I will use a Raspberry Pi and just wondering if any here have experience working with it. I will be sending commands to a bank of interposing relays to get the equipment on and off and inputting a dozen or more sensors.
What kit should I get? Interface systems?