My wife and I have lived totally off grid for a little over 16 years now. We started with one 85 watt small solar panel and 4 batteries, inverter and charge controller. Over the years we have added to everything and now have 16 panels, 18 batteries and also wind generator producing about 500 watts when the wind blows. Total cost ? Never kept track, but can tell you it was not cheap. Learned a lot of expensive lessons over the years by not haveing a forum like this to ask questions.