So is paying endlessly increasing (due to rate increases) electrical bills.
Where I am, my electrical coop(s) are real crooks. They managed to get into law a requirement for the owner to have a liability insurance policy. The cost of the policy exceeds even the maximum revenue stream for selling power back (+ net excess generation metering) as an IPP (Independent Power Producer 40 KW nameplate capacity or less) under the Minnesota Statute. If you exceed 40Kw nameplate capacity generation you're classified just as they are and have to negotiate a contract, typically at the "avoided cost rate". Which is the lowest priced rate class, and here, about $0.005 per Kwh (That's 1/2 cent per Kwh). They sell regular service power to the retail customer @ $0.1235. Hence my crook comment.
I decided long ago (1999) that it would be a cold day in Hell and the little devils would go skating when they got 1 miliwatt from me. F'em if they can't take a joke.
Oh, and yes, I have a sizable battery bank of U.S, Battery L16HC XC2's (20 Hour Rate: 420) and ~150 lbs each. The first batch of these wore out after 10 years of service, I abused them, else I'd a got 15 years out them. http://usbattery.com/products/6-volt-batteries/us-l16hc-xc2/ Best "bang-for-the-buck".
To avoid the insurance cost, I run a "hybrid" system. Solar charges the batteries (and a little AirX, which is really just a toy comparatively). If the solar charging system comes up short for the day, I have a Morningstar relay driver that senses battery voltage and turns on some high current (100A each) RV power converters (battery chargers http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F8MC45E?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00) feed by off peak power ($0.048 per Kwh) at night. At 8:30 AM it turns them off in preparation for another solar charging day. This is by far cheaper than running a gas/diesel fueled generator (and a hell of a lot quieter) for "make up" power/charging. The size of the bill at the end of each month is indicative of how "sun shiny" the month was. After 17 years I can pretty much predict what next months bill will be. Even with the converter and inverter losses it's still way cheap power. And I have the peace of mind that everything electrical on the property is UPS'ed.
I've rambled off topic long enough.
I can completely understand this from a be self sufficient / increasing tarrif prices / silly regulations point of view but.... Have you ever done the maths on the total outlay and running / maintenance cost compared to just buying power from the electricity company?
Rich