did some number crunching this weekend. this project has to be balanced with our wider homestead budget needs. one of those primary "needs" is an expansion of the PV array and an upgrade/expansion to LiFePO4 batteries. I got a quote for 10x Aptos 460w panels and 3x EG4 48v 100Ah LiFePO4 batteries. this will triple our power generation and double our storage, usable capacity & increase round-trip charge/discharge effeciency.

all-in quoted cost: 6,200 this includes shipping. it does not include mounting system or wiring/connections. I will recieve 1,800+/- back in rebates. that brings total cost down to 4,400.

once installed & connected, this should cover 80% to 130% of our daily usage. this will essentially push us into off-grid living. I would want another 300Ah (total 600Ah) battery expansion before I would consider us totally off-grid. this would negate our current 60 to 190 monthly electric bill. we will keep our connection for now, unless service connection fee becomes absurd. redundancy is preparedness.

while this update is not physical construction on the barn, it is an investment directly into the overall project & purpose.

construction & labor on the building itself will likely resume in October, with installation of the furring strips for the steel walls.