Solar Stuff...

[Great-Kazoo]

This one in particular is C1D2 rated for hazardous locations in the oilfield which makes it more expensive (rated parts are pricey).

One that isn't C1D2 could be built for:
1x - 275 Watt Panel - $200 + shipping
12x - 215AH 6VDC Batteries - $1400 + freight, unless you buy local.
1x - Charge Controller - Anywhere from $50 (chitty) to $1500 (fantastic) - Don't buy the cheapest, Morningstar gear (PS-30, $125 on amazon, depending on your panel voltage and how many) works pretty well. Outback gear is my choice for home systems.
1x Battery box - The one pictured is $400, rubbermaid trunks work pretty dang well actually, and aren't that expensive.
1x Rack of some sort - could be built by ones-self for less than $100.

Total: $2000 assuming a rubbermaid trunk runs $150 (probably high), $100 for a rack solution, and expensive shipping for the panel and charge controller.

Given only 275W of solar, the 1290AH battery bank is a bit ridiculous. As I said that situation required that the batteries could last, and recover easily, through 10 days of no sun. If I were building it as a temporary power solution for preparedness, I would half the battery bank. That would save you $700 odd dollars.

Before you buy more, at $1.4/watt, look at these guys. Mono/Polycrystaline panels can be had for much less than that.

So i see numbers like yours only higher, much higher thrown around. Exactly what would my $2K get me storage wise IF and when power goes down . The generators are out of gas and propane back up runs out?

We've had an interest in solar as secondary supply. Unfortunately, when the monthly cost is more than our mortgage and something we'd never recoup savings wise. It's hard to justify spending anything.

Would it be nice for our next home, sure. Again cost are still higher than the results.

Please enlighten me, and others here.