Simple Battery Bank

Just a note on keeping battery charged. You can charge it with a solar panel and charge controller. Unlike wind generators, a solar panel can be mounted low for reduced visibility. In a pinch, you can use an early 70's G.M. voltage regulator for charge controller (cheaper and more rugged). With the simple battery/inverter system pictured above, you can have a sustainable electrical supply for lights, radios, laptop computers, and other low drain devices. Remember though, to keep your lights invisible from outside.

You are absolutely right. There's lots of money being charged by these solar energy companies for things that can be home-built from parts found here and there.

I have a 14.4 Volt 185AMP alternator that is just waiting to be put to use. The voltage regulator from a semi-truck is in the same box.
I'm hoping to use it on a home-brewed system that I will build this summer.