For those who just want to get into solar power and, in the long run, save money a grid tied system may be the way to go. Once the system is installed there is very little maintenance. About once a year you wash off the panels and the major mechanical and electrical connections should be inspected and tightened as needed but that is pretty much it.

A system with batteries is considerably more expensive and complicated. Batteries require regular maintenance and it isn't just adding batteries. The solar output has to be regulated to charge the batteries. And once charged there has to be a inverter to convert the DC power in the batteries into the AC most of your household appliances require. Last time I looked adding a large battery bank, charge controller, inverter and related equipment can double the cost of a simple grid-tie system.

The good news is that it is possible to get your foot in the door with a small grid-tie solar system and to add to it to get a very capable system. Once a full rack of solar panels is installed it is possible to take the monthly savings on the power bill and put it aside to let you buy a battery bank later. Effectively bootstrapping your way into a fully independent power system of your own.