raysdad, both brands will be very close on energy use, your number must be looking at the Amore Bay!!!!. i can't answer ths solar question, but can tell you the D1 is very well insulated, I also own one personally, used every day do not notice on my utility bill.When you are looking at the energy ratings they are not a rated at the same rates, they usually will give you the average yearly cost with different killowatt per hour charge,,, But again both these brands are very good,