[Shootohoist]

Batteries should not get hot. It decreases life and wastes power. Battery life depends on depth of discharge. 10% - 20% is good and will give 1800 cycles typical. 1 cycle a day.
If you do not want to pay $1000,s of dollars over the next 10 years on batteries plan to reduce energy consumption. For examples turn off the fridge and use ice/thermos flasks to keep food cool. The latest flasks can store at freezing up to 36 hours; use ultra low energy light bulbs; run a tv that burns only 25 or so watts; use a solar oven.

By the way thermos food storage jars are very convenient - you can buy seafood on the beach - pop into the thermos jar and 12 hours later when it is time to cook still perfectly cold.

Solar prices have reduced 50% in the last 3 years. $1500 could buy a system now providing 80% of energy for a family.

Also think of the generating plant - DR has more than enough already causing pollution etc.

yapask1