That kind of a setup is talked about somewhere in the Utterpower link, but your right, it will never be cost effective. If just saving money is the goal then a tank less hot water heater and switching to more efficient appliances and lighting is the answer. Check the link for lots of ideas.
http://www.backwoodssolar.com

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89 300E
79 240D
72 Westy
63 Bug sunroof
85 Jeep CJ7
86 Chevy 6.2l diesel PU

"The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane."
Marcus Aurelius

As to cost effectiveness... how about a water turbine.

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-Marty

1986 300E 220,000 miles+ transmission impossible
(Now waiting under a bridge in order to become one)

Reading your M103 duty cycle:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/831799-post13.html
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/831807-post14.html

I agree.

I have a 12 gallon tankless coil in the jacket water on the main furnace. With proper controls, I have all the hot water I need without the need to keep a separate 40 gallon tank heated.

I found some 20 watt flourescent lights (equavalent to 100 watt incandescent) for $1.69 in Wal-Mart the other day. That's a fantastic value, especially if they last for five years, as claimed (which I doubt).

For what it's worth some of you might want to check out www.mikebrownsolutions.com for some additional ideas about alternative energy. Hope this helps someone.

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1983 300-D turbo
1985 300-D turbo
1959 Harley Panhead chopper
1929 Ford coupe restored
I hang out with Boneheaddoctor at Schuman Automotive OBK#5
All liberals are mattoids but not all mattoids are liberal.

I use compact florescents anywhere I can....I'm lucky to see two years from them....or so it seems anyway.

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Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
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Section 609 MVAC Certified
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"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche