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this post was submitted on 13 Mar 2026
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Climate
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You can still order cheap panels and batteries online in the USA. DIY = freedom
I didn't read the article, but to back up what the headline says I have seen the price of batteries dramatically decrease over the last few years. For example, about 3 years ago I got some 200Ah lead gel-type batteries for my solar setup that cost over $400 each, and one of them is already failing. Last year and this year I bought LiFePO4 batteries that are higher capacity for less than the lead ones cost. The first batch was near $400 each for 300Ah LiFePO4 batteries, and this year I got more of the same for about $250 each. Lead is dead for solar. LiFePO4 is very cheap relatively now. The next step is probably Sodium-ion batteries - should be cheaper and more reliable than LiFePO4 batteries.
As someone who has access to about 3kw of solar panels, and wants to cut down on my electricity bill, where did you manage to get batteries so cheap? I've been burned on 18650s from supposedly reliable retailers before...
The usual junk markets like Amazon, eBay, AlliExpress. There are probably better places to shop but I just found deals and bought some without much planning involved.
"But but but ... I make money off you buying oil from me forever! Buy my oil forever so I can say you're nothing without me!"
Here in NM, many of my neighbors have solar panels on their roofs. It makes sense on the surface, but I don't think many of them sprung for the batteries, which are pretty expensive. Since most of them work during the day, you know, when the sun is shining, all they're powering directly is their refrigerator, and whatever else runs when they aren't home. So, they're relying on the buy-back program from PNM to offset the monthly finance charge for the installation, and hopefully lower their electric bill.
They also have the additional cost of removing the solar panels when the house sells, if they lease the panels, because often the solar company won't transfer the lease, and bonus, they don't want the panels back.
The guy across the street has solar panels, without batteries, I asked, and told me his electric bill is "just" $60 a month. Of course, he didn't mention whatever he pays a month for the installation, assuming he financed it.
My bill is $70 a month for two people, no solar panels. I didn't tell him that.
The best use for solar panels is in the summer time powering air conditioning and heat pump heating. Depending on the climate in NM, this might not be the best use time for it.
Batteries dont need to be Elon Musks version. Deep cycle lead acid works just as well.