05-30-2013, 02:37 AM
I'll address relative cost, since I've been off-grid this entire time.
Built my first system for about $3K, it met all our needs, batteries lasted 3.5 years:
$3000 / 42 = $71.43/month
Replaced batteries ($800). Assuming another 3.5 years worst-case:
$3800 / 84 = $45.24/month
On top of that, maybe another $100/year in gas, mostly during Dec/Jan when there's not quite enough sun (and whenever I run the big power tools).
Note that HELCO's "burn-off" of extra funds (in order to avoid paying dividends) is copied right out of the State's playbook; the govt often "moves money around" to avoid the mandated refunds and/or tax rate decrease.
Built my first system for about $3K, it met all our needs, batteries lasted 3.5 years:
$3000 / 42 = $71.43/month
Replaced batteries ($800). Assuming another 3.5 years worst-case:
$3800 / 84 = $45.24/month
On top of that, maybe another $100/year in gas, mostly during Dec/Jan when there's not quite enough sun (and whenever I run the big power tools).
Note that HELCO's "burn-off" of extra funds (in order to avoid paying dividends) is copied right out of the State's playbook; the govt often "moves money around" to avoid the mandated refunds and/or tax rate decrease.