Finally, after much discussion, deliberation and procrastination I have purchased and installed a small solar PV (photovoltaic) array and battery bank. At this stage I have 4 x 200 watt panels charging a 225 amp hour 24 volt battery bank with the option to double the number of panels given the available roof space.
My primary motivation at this point is having a robust backup power source for the freezer, solar hot water pump and drinking water pump for when the grid is down. This seems to happen a couple of times per year and when it does fail (often from strong winds) it can take several days for it to be repaired.
April 26, 2014