Yes, I should have said "ignoring the embodied energy of the panels & associated equipment". This is somewhat justifiable for the panels since they have a 25+

Yes, I should have said "ignoring the embodied energy of the panels & associated equipment". This is somewhat justifiable for the panels since they have a 25+ year life. Less so for the batteries, which have maybe an 8 year life with good care. We try to burn power as much as possible (e.g. running the water pump) when the sun's up, so it doesn't have to pass through the batteries.