06-20-2026, 07:01 AM
Still a lifelong energy hog, but..... Same collector, charge controllers and battery capacity and type as what Kane had mentioned although we went with a 12kW 220-volt pure sine wave inverter to handle 220V electric stove and 60-gallon 220V water heater (on timer), 220V hybrid car charger (charging only during daylight) washer and 220V electric dryer and master bedroom A/C (used at night, if needed for sleeping only). Running two full sized refers and 2 large chest freezers.
Still have HECO power, as back up, however, if ever needed (have not needed for last 1yr and 1/2 or so) we only manually switch over to HECO to handle the load of the house at the time and would not use grid power to recharge batteries. Can also hook up a generator if ever needed but have not made that investment. Solar system as discussed runs main house and small Ohana house and more or less only use propane now for outdoor BBQ grill and a small Paloma style hot water heater for an outdoor shower hookup as well as gas dryer and range in the Ohana house when occupied by family or visiting guests.
All power tools have been battery operated and solar charged for years. Hybrid car - primarily used for short to Hilo and back runs and recharged on solar. Still have a 2001 Ford Escape and 2012 Ford F150 - both kept in pristine shape and well maintained but only used when necessary. All runs anywhere have been scheduled and planned in advance.
Have now replaced all commonly used yard tools with Stihl battery operated products that all use the same battery. In the process of selecting a battery-operated lawn tractor to replace old John Deer hopefully by end of year.
Just completed a 40' X40' "greenhouse" for what will be a massive vegetable garden.
Not going to lie, but, while both my husband and I have significantly reduced eating meats since retirement, still eat some meat and, when required will fly off island for whatever reasons we deem necessary.
Still have HECO power, as back up, however, if ever needed (have not needed for last 1yr and 1/2 or so) we only manually switch over to HECO to handle the load of the house at the time and would not use grid power to recharge batteries. Can also hook up a generator if ever needed but have not made that investment. Solar system as discussed runs main house and small Ohana house and more or less only use propane now for outdoor BBQ grill and a small Paloma style hot water heater for an outdoor shower hookup as well as gas dryer and range in the Ohana house when occupied by family or visiting guests.
All power tools have been battery operated and solar charged for years. Hybrid car - primarily used for short to Hilo and back runs and recharged on solar. Still have a 2001 Ford Escape and 2012 Ford F150 - both kept in pristine shape and well maintained but only used when necessary. All runs anywhere have been scheduled and planned in advance.
Have now replaced all commonly used yard tools with Stihl battery operated products that all use the same battery. In the process of selecting a battery-operated lawn tractor to replace old John Deer hopefully by end of year.
Just completed a 40' X40' "greenhouse" for what will be a massive vegetable garden.
Not going to lie, but, while both my husband and I have significantly reduced eating meats since retirement, still eat some meat and, when required will fly off island for whatever reasons we deem necessary.