JD> If you want a supplement to your solar-electric system, I'd suggest
 JD> looking at wind power. Seems like it's usually windy during the worst
 JD> periods for solar power. 
Well, have given it some thought, but my land is in a deep ozark
hollow, and despite the lack of protection from the cold north
wind against the house that i see, I also see it is not suggested
as a preferable wind power site.  Dunno how important terrrain is
in wind site selection.
The deepness of the hollow has a superb summer benefit. Only 100
miles north of Little Rock, it is some 10-14 degrees cooler.  As
the forest canopy continues to grow, get higher, and denser, I
expect to see the time of day when the sun no longer penetrates
to the ground to move from 4PM more twards 3.
As soon as that happens, the natural buffer from the earth has a
cooling effect on the air, which as it cools, slides down the side
of the hill, a house in a dry wash will feel a funnel effect, and
a constant 3 mile breeze from 4 pm til well after dark.
Of course, it also happens in the spring and fall, so that on a
clear night, especially when the trees are bare, for the air to
be chilled and frost lower level gardens severely.  My experience
is that the growing season is 3 weeks shorter both spring & fall.
 
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