Solar Panels
We have decided to buy a TT as we spend quite a bit on hotels, but we've also figured it would be a good way to reduce our costs for awhile so as to focus on paying down debt and saving $$$ for a home...
Forum Discussion
I truly like the idea of being self sufficient in things I can and want figures to get an idea of how deep is worthwhile and looking at wind as well in conjunction to solar.If you break out a pencil and calculator, you'll find that utility power delivered through a cord is going to be the cheapest power available.
When considering alternative energy as either an adjunct or direct replacement for utility power, the largest cost of that alternative energy is going to be the capital to initially buy it and it's operating costs. Solar has little to no operating costs but does have a capital investment. The capital investment is high for the amount of power returned. Generators have larger operating costs but return pretty good power for the investment. Wind should not enter your considerations as there is very little power returned for the capital cost.
Currently, average customer utility rates for Texas is $0.10/KWH. Cost of 1000W of solar is about $1000-$1200 if your labor is free. A good 3000W genset is $1000. You know what gas costs. You'll use a few gallons every day if running on generator alone.
