Art - You are correct again! The step-up-transformer would run around $600, I investigated that a month ago. I figure for $600 it would be more of a "backup" thing, especially since where my generator runs (and the house will be), and where the well pump is would NOT be a fun walk in the snow it's up hill and over 100' away. I also have the non-inverter generator that will run my well, that cost me $0 other than about $50 in cable/plugs/outlets to make it all safe So, I`ll have that.

Then, one day, the EU6500 for whole house power

I originally planned to do the inverter thing but a 2k pure sine wave long-term use inverter is about $1800 (outback brand or xantrex), battery bank for any real time usage at least $1000.

Some day, I plan to have the inverter, solar panels, etc, but for now the Honda Generators will work for me when power is out.

We just don't consume much electricity to warrant going solar. Our bill was the highest ever last month at $68. Normally it's $58 or less.

We could cut it by 15-25/month if I swapped to a propane dryer too... but that would just increase my consumption and require a fill-up sooner. We like the idea of using electric dryer so we don't drain a resource that we are limited to on hand.

-Todd