Thinking of going partially solar.

[jflorey2]

Like I said earlier, the telsa battery itself isn't economically feasible, using a lower cost technology like lead acid instead of lithium ion would be more feasible, lithium ion would be for people who don't have the space.

In many cases, lithium ion (actually LiFePO4, which is similar) is _cheaper_ in the long run than lead acid, since they last far longer.

power goes out after big storms, particularly after ice storms. Because we're on a well no power = no water. The grid is aging and it's going to get more expensive as it's updated.

If you are having short term outages a battery system (with or without solar) can work well. For longer outages you are going to need a generator. And that's even if you add solar as well, because often grid outages correspond to storms which correspond to no sun.

Often well pumps are 240 volts. You will need either a transformer or a 240 volt inverter to support that load, and well pumps require notoriously high startup currents.

[inetdog]

... In many cases, lithium ion (actually LiFePO4, which is similar) is _cheaper_ in the long run than lead acid, since they last far longer....

Well, yes they last longer if you only look at the accelerated aging/cycling tests that the manufacturers have done. There has not been enough calendar time yet to confirm those cycle life figures in an actual PV environment. Not saying that it won't be confirmed, just that it is not yet a solid guarantee. Lead acid chemistry, OTOH, has been around long enough for actual field experience all the way to End Of Life (typically considered to be 80% of original capacity for FLA and AGM).

[CruisnGrrl]

In many cases, lithium ion (actually LiFePO4, which is similar) is _cheaper_ in the long run than lead acid, since they last far longer.

If you are having short term outages a battery system (with or without solar) can work well. For longer outages you are going to need a generator. And that's even if you add solar as well, because often grid outages correspond to storms which correspond to no sun.

Often well pumps are 240 volts. You will need either a transformer or a 240 volt inverter to support that load, and well pumps require notoriously high startup currents.

I'm aware of the well pump needs as stated in first post, needs 1900 w (about 8 amps) at 240V. for the generator I'm not sure i need one that is capable of being able to run everything at once as it can run continuously to top up the batteries from the stuff that has a large draw as most of those things like the well pump only run for short periods.

Well, yes they last longer if you only look at the accelerated aging/cycling tests that the manufacturers have done. There has not been enough calendar time yet to confirm those cycle life figures in an actual PV environment. Not saying that it won't be confirmed, just that it is not yet a solid guarantee. Lead acid chemistry, OTOH, has been around long enough for actual field experience all the way to End Of Life (typically considered to be 80% of original capacity for FLA and AGM).

comparing the life lithium batteries get in notebooks, cellphones and other portable electronics, i'd say cost wise lead acid is better.. i know there's a number of different kind of lithium battery technologies out there but the selling point for lithium to me seems to be power with small size and weight and neither of those factor into the equation for me.