Well, not really. But we decided to start small and use more natural power for our day to day cell phone/tablet/laptop charging and running.
 
Of course when the power goes out we will now have yet another source of energy to power the basic needs we have. And that is what kick started us, we just went through another storm with yet another power outage.
 
The idea is portability, not having to have a generator outside burning gas and daily use. In fact this generator will sit inside the house because the batteries in it are charged by the panels outside. No noise or exhaust fumes! So we will see! Here is where we are starting...
 
(1) Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Generator (Link)
(4) BOULDER 30 SOLAR PANELs (Link)
(2) Guide 10 Plus Solar Kits (Link) (We bought these for our hiking trips and to charge our cell phones every night)
(4) Light-A-Life 350 LED Lights (Link)
 
Our ultimate goal is to never use the power company again, and in fact generate enough electricity to have them pay us for the power. That is a very tall order and a long way off, but that is the plan. We are friends with two different couples (One couple are Judges another couple are small business owners) and they are at our ultimate goal already. They are our inspiration. 
 
What do you all think? 
 
P.S. I am already dreaming of multiple servers crunching away on free power!! MUAHahahahahahahaaaaaaa

That is very cool. The products seem good and easy to use. Let us know how it goes.

 
Since we had solar panels put on our house, we use a lot less energy, and the bill is wayyyyy less.    

The links don't for me, it keeps saying server not found.
 
It's a good idea to have backup power like this. In my state the electric company charges extra fee to solar or wind turbine customers.

MSim
The links don't for me, it keeps saying server not found.
 

Works for me. IE

Impressive! I approve.

Funny!
 
Ive looking building a steam turbine or Tesla turbine with some kind of geothermal.

Punchy
That's an awesome goal, AB.  Now you just need to move that equipment to Arizona - or at least east of the Cascades: http://maps.nrel.gov/prospector

 
Sweet map thank you! 
 
 

LearjetMinako
 
 
I've actually use some of the Goal Zero products.  I have the Yeti 400 instead of the Yeti 1250.  As for Goal Zero solar panels, for what they are rated for, they are on the high side of pricing.  Check out Renogy for solar panels, 100W 12V for around $150.  Guide 10+ Solar kit I keep with me all the time for when I need to charge my cellphone on the go.  Light-a-life 350 is pretty bright, comparable to the Coleman propane lantern.
 
I had once put together a solar battery backup for power.  It consisted of a 50W 12V solar panel, 2x 6V golf cart batteries, PWM solar charge controller, and a Xantrex ProWatt SW 2000 power inverter.  It was good enough to keep the garage door working and fridge going for 2 days while I went to work.  Since now that I got my shed built, my plans is to expand that system to a full on power source for the shed.  Upgrade the solar panels to 400Watt, add two more 6V golf cart batteries, and upgrade the PWM charge controller to a MPPT for maximum charge efficiency. 

Great information. I would love to learn more or see photos when you get to expanding!

We pay for our power here in the Netherlands but you have the option to choose natural power. I have to admit that it would be nice to be completely off the grid.

1sthurricane
Not totally off topic but what is the best to store your energy?I see people use golf cart batteries and also Marine batteries,is there an advantage to one over the other or is there another way to store?And very impressed with your "off the grid" setup.

https://www.teslamotors.com/powerwall
 
That'll be the best way by far.

Well... The Guide 10's are not impressing us as of yet. I got one charge out of them and then I can only get 5 minutes of charging capacity after being in the sun all day. I must not be doing something correctly.
 
This is exactly why we are testing now instead of going live with a hiking trip and assuming they work.