What are the Pro's and Con's of a 48v system?

[BilljustBill]

The local electric Co-op has guidelines for a grid tie, but their yearly costs, as well as rules and regs are so written, at this point I don't want to get mixed up with them.

I've accumulated two used 120 watt mono panels, four new 100 watt multi. panels, and two new 90 watt mono panels. All eight panels are 12 volt. Also, I've gathered steel, ball bearings, carbon fiber rotor blades, and DC motors for one or two small wind generators. I have to still purchase wind and solar controllers as well as larger DC/AC inverters.

If I'm starting a PV system, with a possible small 500w win-gen, from scratch, what are the Pro's and Con's of building a system and battery bank based on 48 volts?

Thank you for your help,
Bill

[Mike90250]

Pro: Much lower current density, less surge demand on the batteries. (when you start that motor, your batteries have to supply the starting amps into an inverter, a 48V system is 1/4 the amps of a 12v system)

Con: kiss the cheap stuff goodby. No $50, 2KW MSW inverter (12V only)
Limited selection of battery chargers @ 48V
No automotive accessories, 12V lights, fans, cig lighter plug adapters.