[quote=Jacarandoso]I don’t know too much ,AN . I just wanted the discussion to be laid out properly which it is now.
I would never have batteries with the grid available. At least I don’t think I would . A back-up generator is cheap and the waveform is smooth enough to run a computer easily now too, even on some economical models. Not trying to convince you, just saying.
I think keeping the fact that you are at 32 latitude in mind is important. East county even more so, because we don’t have June gloom, Which seems to have turned into May,June,July gloom.[/quote]
What do you consider cheap when you’re talking about back-up generator being cheap? To compare apple to apple, you would need a back up generator that can produce 120kWh. A quick Google for back up generator get me this product: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=backup+generator&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=11881452205886685817&sa=X&ei=mDZ8TuPvOLDUiAKA8ZCUDg&ved=0CJsBEPMCMAM. 20kWh for $5k. Depend on if I’m using my AC or not, I can be using up to 40kWh/day. So, to just satisfy my peak need, I would need at least 2-3 of this unit. to compare apple to apple, we would need 6 of these, in order to produce 120kWh. You’re looking at about $30k in back up generator. That’s pretty expensive to me.
I do keep in mind that we’re at 32 latitude, that’s why I’m hopeful for solar as well. It’s just not viable option today for me. Also, for us who don’t have a big enough lot to put the panel on the ground to get the maximum sun light, we have to depend on our roof and the direction our houses are facing. Not all of us have ideal roof direction to get maximum sun light.
