Efficiency

[benjamin]

Hello,

I would like to grow some herbs (basil, chives etc.) hydroponically and I have few questions in mind, especially with regards to cost/efficiency.

1. what system should I choose for what crop?
2. what system is cheaper to install (I'm planning to run on solar panels)?
3. what system is cheaper to run?
4. what is the growth rate to be expected from the crop?
5. how do i know what pump power to use per system size?
6. I'm not sure whether i should decide the size of my smallest system based on the installation / running costs (are there cost thresholds or can i safely think of a cost per pot hole?)

If the number of pot holes matters for this estimation, let's say i'd start with 100.

I'm trying to calculate the cost / efficiency of an installation and how profitable it is for me to run it. In short: how soon will I have produced enough to pay back for my installation?

Thank you for your help.