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Re:Ask HN: Recommendations for Home Solar Install? by hanklazard on Thursday July 22, 2021 @01:31PM (#27921796)
That’s helpful to know about the minimal alteration to my existing panel, the costs of upgrading even just that can be significant.

We also have a lot of electrical appliances and I wonder if my situation might be similar in regards to whether a battery or two would make sense financially. However, one of my goals is to have more of a backup situation in case of power outages on the grid so I may be willing to pay more for this capacity.

Re:Ask HN: Recommendations for Home Solar Install? by giantg2 on Thursday July 22, 2021 @01:47PM (#27922019)
Yeah, it could be good as a backup. I got a small generator and installed an interlock in the panel for about $500. It's enough to run important things sporadically like the refrigerator and microwave, or can run 2 space heaters. Not perfect, but would get us through. So far we haven't had to use it for the 3-4 years I've had it (other than maintenance once per year).
Re:Ask HN: Recommendations for Home Solar Install? by hanklazard on Thursday July 22, 2021 @03:16PM (#27922986)
Sounds very practical. Maybe I’m a bit early for the all electric self-sustainable home revolution :)