I suggest funding a solar power system, especially since the newer panels are even more efficient for a lower net cost-per-watt/kWH ratio.
Even on cloudy days the new panels will produce energy.
The panels are usually warranted to produce at least a certain (80% on mine) percentage for a set period of time. (25 years on my 5 + year old PV arrays) so the other considerations would be a charge controller/charger, a voltage inverter (from DC to AC) cabling and batteries for storage.
Of all the items, the batteries will be the main recurring expense as they generally don't last as long as the PV panels. Depending on type of battery, and how heavily cycled they are, batteries can last for 10 years, with proper care and use.
A system which maintains a constantly higher amperage will last longer than a system that has been allowed to be exceedingly discharged. (no less than 80% of capacity)
In my area electricity sells for $0.49USD per KWH ergo solar is the logical solution.
The end result is a self reliant system, independent of the issues associated with distributed power sources, while increasing responsibility for the consumer.
I find the cost/benefit ratio to be in favor of under-funded consumers, especially in the long term.
Even on cloudy days the new panels will produce energy.
The panels are usually warranted to produce at least a certain (80% on mine) percentage for a set period of time. (25 years on my 5 + year old PV arrays) so the other considerations would be a charge controller/charger, a voltage inverter (from DC to AC) cabling and batteries for storage.
Of all the items, the batteries will be the main recurring expense as they generally don't last as long as the PV panels. Depending on type of battery, and how heavily cycled they are, batteries can last for 10 years, with proper care and use.
A system which maintains a constantly higher amperage will last longer than a system that has been allowed to be exceedingly discharged. (no less than 80% of capacity)
In my area electricity sells for $0.49USD per KWH ergo solar is the logical solution.
The end result is a self reliant system, independent of the issues associated with distributed power sources, while increasing responsibility for the consumer.
I find the cost/benefit ratio to be in favor of under-funded consumers, especially in the long term.