Good call
Solar is only as good as the storage capacity in your battery bank. And of course you have to have a backup generator with automatic switch gear. I'm going with a diesel backup (12kw), but my daughter is going with a propane/gasoline generator. I prefer diesel over propane because of longer engine life and lower maintenance and operating cost over time. Our place gets a lot of wind in the winter and spring when there is a lot of cloud cover. This will help offset the loss of solar.Should really look into propane as a power option though. It is definitely cheaper, and more reliable than solar, and with more longevity. I went into this thinking I'd go solar all the way, but after nearly a year of research into it, I came to the same conclusions Brent (above) did.
I prefer diesel over propane because of longer engine life and lower maintenance and operating cost over time.
Exactly. I always keep a case of Sta-bul around. I just got a little gun shy of propane after paying $6 a gallon last winter during a "shortage". We will be using propane for cooking and heating water, but I can fill the tank in the summer at a lower price, at least until there is another manufactured shortage. My daughter and son-in-law are going solar with propane backup generator. They only need about 3.5 kw, so propane will be a perfect choice for them.Just keep in mind that fuel degrades over time (so you'll need treatment solutions), vs. propane
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