[Peter from Rutland]

Two of them are here in (m)Assachusetts. Sounds like time to go solar. I’ve already talked it over with a friend of mine in the business. It will pay itself off in seven years with current rebates and tax credits.

[thackney]

It will pay itself off in seven years

Are you confident you will get seven years out of the batteries and solar panels? How much degrading in performance of each happens by that time?

[thackney]

Deep cycle batteries supply all the power used in EV, motive power or RE system applications. One full cycle represents a full battery recharge followed by a complete battery discharge (as specified by the OEM). Battery life is usually measured in cycles – but in practical terms, your batteries should work well for three years from the beginning date of service.

http://www.crownbattery.com/PDF/Safety.First._Deep%20Cycle%20Batteries.pdf