700 dollars solar setup for a remote cabin | Alternative Energy | Forums

He has a neat setup. I looked at his costs and the prices of batteries have doubled but panel prices have dropped drastically. I like the idea of the 12V light by the bed so he can leave his inverter turned off and still use a light.

If I had my druthers I would be using an outhouse as well, smaller fridge, and a hand pump so that our electricity loads would be much lower. I think I would have a hard time convincing the wife to lose all of the conveniences, however.

If there is one thing that I have learned is that every woman I have encountered expects a flushing toilet. I don't think my wife fully understood all of the infrastructure needed for the flushing toilet -- well, well pump, solar to support the water pump, running water lines, septic tank and field, now you need to worry about freezing pipes, etc.

The decision to have a flushing toilet (with running water) is a big $$$ decision.