CJK... the chunky soups still require a pot, but you don't have to wash it if you use the pot for a hot water bath to heat the soup in the can... no cleanup, just throw the can away... remove top of soup, sit in pan, fill water to about 2/3 height, and place over your heat source...bring to a low boil... stir the soup.. it heats and does not burn or require cleaning the pot

gallon plastic jugs don't withstand multiple freeze/thaw cycles without splitting

You could try the spray bottle methode; fill spray bottle with water and dishsoap; spray on whatever needs to clean, clean with brush/sponge, rinse with another spray bottle with just water (a little more powerful sprayer can be handy).

Les...thanks. Hadn't thought about hot water bath.

Interesting article regarding solar power in the post Irma days...
In Florida, You Can't Use Your Own Solar Panels In A Crisis

That falls into that category of do what you need to, and then deal with the legal issues later. Maybe the residents will take this up with their local governments after the hurricane season.

We have a similar power concept in CA, a large percentage of homes have solar panels and if the power goes out, the panels are useless. The idea is that your solar panels send power to the grid during the day, but your home is powered by the grid 24/7.

We are considering installing an off-grid system that would not share any wires with the grid -- batteries and a separate wall outlet. The entire expense would be ours, but the system would continue to power essential items during a neighborhood/area power outage. Thinking...

I don't have solar panels, but an auto-standby generator. That generator has it's own electrical panel, which is connected to the main panel. When the main power goes out, a switch is tripped, and the generator panel is fully disconnected from the main panel,so no power going back out, but those circuits in the house from the generator panel have power.

So, it appears that there is no such system with solar panels?

What would it take to install one? Perhaps a separate panel and a battery system to smooth out the varying input from the solar panels?

A great many homes in Florida and elsewhere are equipped with PV modules and a grid tie inverter.
Such systems reduce utility bills and reduce pollution from the burning of fuel in power plants.

They absolutely rely on a grid connection to work. Such systems simply wont work without a grid connection.
It is not simply a case of "flicking a switch and dealing with the consequences later"

Even if you could find a way to illegally bypass safety features, a grid tie inverter simply wont produce line voltage and line frequency without a grid connection.

If backup power is required, then a different type of system is required, known as a self contained off grid system.
These systems are normally fitted to remote premises without utility service.
I am not aware of any prohibition on installing such a system in grid served premises. They consist of one or more PV modules, a battery bank and an off grid inverter. Rather expensive for standby use, but perhaps worth considering.
Small of grid systems can be purchased for fitting to boats, motor homes, travel trailers, and remote cabins.

My idea for the use of solar is a few panels and deep discharge batteries. Nothing tied into the house. Just something to be able to recharge cells, DVD player etc.

Something I did find quite interesting....Obviously 'local knowledge' is a good thing but this came in REAL handy.

The flooding of our neighborhood was extensive. Not from surge but rain. There were human failures and clogging of the drainage canals.....what helped me? knowing the local roads. Not in the obvious sense but literally in knowing where almost EVERY dip, bump, pot hole etc. were. It allowed use to be able to safely navigate a path out of our neighborhood. It wasn't the usual most direct route. Rather than make a right out of our driveway and a left at the corner, I had to take a left out of the driveway, go to the end of the block, make a right, a right, drive to then end and make a left....not the shortest route but the ONLY one to get out. It allowed us to get out a day earlier than other people. Our son was also impressed with how much knowledge HE had on the roads, not realizing how much he really had been paying attention to the little things. Really get to KNOW where you live.... it may make the difference between inconvenient and impossible.

couple of small things I'd like to add...
the inverter generator's access door to add oil is very small, added a small funnel and cable tied it,extra spark plug, and plug wrench to the handle..

4 slot Nitecore charger and extra phone USB charger arrived... packed with the 2 slot Nitecore and power strip in a small bag

cut new section of fuel line for the squeeze bulb siphon fuel delivery to the 3500w Honda... original had exterior cracks at about 6 years

2200W inverter generator ran neighbor's portable room A/C today without much effort on start up... may have to look into one