I've been running a bunch of solar panels for a while. I have about 120 watts of generation so far, a motley assortment of batteries, and assorted cheap inverters. I run battery chargers, cell chargers, laptop computers, LED lights, etc. from this rig on an intermittent basis.

A few things I've learned, FWIW:

1. Start small, test and learn. You will make mistakes -- can't be helped. Better to write off $500 than $12,000.

2. Solar power is much more expensive per watt than grid power. If your only goal is to save money, forget it.

3. Be aware that this market is in enormous flux. Better and less expensive products are coming out every few months.

4. Wean yourself off the grid slowly. Choose some things that will run off solar, and use grid power as a backup only. Cell phones, battery chargers, laptop, LED lanterns, etc. (I think I said that already.)

5. Once you have a modest amount of generation, shape your consumption to match it. This is where you will really save money. Adjust your lifesyle; and buy efficiency, not generation.

6. Be aware that modified-sine-wave inverters are not compatible with some items, and may accelerate wear on the power supplies of others. Shavers, MAC computers, most stereos and TVs, and many computer printers do not play nicely ...

7. Full-sine-wave inverters are on the horizon, at a modest cost. Stay tuned. (Hint: computer UPS units are full-sine-wave converters, and most use an internal 12VDC battery. Perfect item for penny-wise scroungers and recyclers. Or if you're going to be caught in a high-rise during an outage ...)

8. Don't let nay-sayers dampen your enthusiasm. It's a grand and practical hobby, with preparedness and environmental responsibility as bonuses. Nothing sweeter than saying "my office is off-grid." Even die-hard coal-fired cowboys will be curious.

Luck!