Worth converting from 24 to 48 volt system?

[openplanet]

I currently have:

*24 volt, 405ah battery bank in the form of 4, 6 volt batteries in series
*2 series strings of 3, 295 watt panels (about 110 vdc comes in to the controller)
*Classic 200
*lights, ceiling fan, and 'fridge are 24vdc
*24v, 2kw inverter

I'm planning to add two more strings of 3 panels each and another Classic 200. I could double my battery capacity with either

*two parallel 24v strings of 4, 6 volt batteries, or
*a single series string of 8 batteries for 48 volts.

In either case they'll all be new batteries. I understand that (1) it's better to avoid parallel battery strings if possible, and (2) the controller is more efficient as the input voltage is closer to the battery bank voltage. In order to convert to 48vdc I'd need to (1) sell my 24v 2kw inverter and purchase a 48 volt unit, and (2) purchase a DC-DC converter to run my 24v loads.

Here's the question: Given the above, are the benefits of going to 48vdc worth the cost?

Thanks!

[Mike90250]

Yes, I'd do it in a heartbeat