Another way to go about it would be to set up a small system that will power a few lights then increase the capacity of the system as time goes on. Add another battery or two to increase storage, add a panel or two to decrease charging times and increase capacity. One thing is for sure, it is costly to get into. But electricity from the power company is also expensive. I spend almost $3000 last year to power my home. We heat the house, heat our water, dry our clothes and cook with natural gas, that $3000 is only for lights, entertainment, fridges and freezer, power tools in the shop etc.
I realize a solar system that would provide all the power that we currently use would likely cost in the neighborhood of $20,000 or more.........but at $3000 a year it would pay for itself in under 7 years! Yes there would be some upkeep but the bulk of the system would be paid off.
The high upfront cost definitely keeps people from even trying it but if you had a smaller system you would be more apt to try other things to save power, LED lights, maybe downsize a fridge or freezer etc.
I always encourage people to think outside of the box. I tend to have a "prove 'em wrong" attitude with many things. I applaud your thinking for even asking the question as it is what I'd be looking at doing too if I were in your situation!
This post was edited by Inno at 12:29:13 05/13/11.
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Today's Featured Article - A Lifetime of Farm Machinery - by Joe Michaels. I am a mechanical engineer by profession, specializing in powerplant work. I worked as a machinist and engine erector, with time spent overseas. I have always had a love for machinery, and an appreciation for farming and farm machinery. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Not a place one would associate with farms or farm machinery. I credit my parents for instilling a lot of good values, a respect for learning, a knowledge of various skills and a little knowledge of farming in me, amo
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