In the past several decades the solar industry has seen rapid expansion in the US, and economic conditions continue to cause it to evolve. Choosing how to begin your first adventure in solar power can be overwhelming. Most of the people I have spoken to over the years have a basic understanding that they need solar panels, batteries, and perhaps a few accessories to run it all. The truth is every situation is different. No two properties or people are the same and for this simple reason each system design has unique requirements.
The first thing I ask new off grid clients is what their expectation is. It is important to be realistic about your goals. Any system should be designed around your needs, but there can be limits. For most people the transition to living off the grid is life altering. Doing simple things like learning to cook without a microwave, or use electric heat, or cooking without an electric range will be an insurmountable obstacle for some. Just remember before you explore your options that there are solutions to most problems you will encounter if you are willing to adapt and be flexible.
The environment will also dictate your design. Northern latitudes require a lower vertical angle for your panels to maximize collection of solar energy. Winter can be exceptionally harsh as the sun vanishes behind tree tops that only months ago did not block the sun. The length of each season, most notably the winter months, will affect how you manage your solar system (and all off-grid systems.) Your dream property will also have its own geography that impacts where you can build, and thus where you can acquire south-facing exposure for sun.
Batteries are the heart of any substantial solar system. Even the best batteries on the market today do not last forever. This said, the battery technology manufactured now is significantly improved over what was available just ten years ago. The choices for battery chemistry today are widely different from what the older homesteads had. Lithium Iron Phosphate (the stable chemistry lithium battery), Nickel Iron (Ni/Fe), Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), and standard deep cycle lead acid are available but the price you pay is directly proportional to lifespan and convenience.
Inverters have also evolved. Keep in mind the warranty and/or support you have available for your inverter should be a factor in your design. There are many options but will the support be available if you choose a less mainstream brand? You must ask yourself this question when you shop for an inverter. Magnum inverters are the industry standard now. Not so long ago predominant companies included Trace Engineering, which became Xantrex, which now belongs to Schneider Electric. Also make sure you know before you plan your system if you need single phase 120V or two phase 240V. Some inverters only give you one but not both phases. This can also impact your design for generator input.
Generators are important for off grid applications. The main problem you run into with a less adequate battery bank and overall solar design will be the need for a generator when you encounter dark winter months or power loads (large draw appliances or devices). In many cases new off grid system owners opt for a large 240V generator when in fact they would save greatly by using a DC (Direct Current) generator that feeds power directly to their battery bank. Generator planning for any off-grid design is equally as important as inverter and battery bank.
Trees are great for an off-grid property. They provide a way to shelter a property from sustained winds, a source of heat (wood stoves), building material (logs or lumber), but they also grow. Remember that your panels might acquire great sun now as the sun easily clears the tree tops but ten to twenty years may change that dramatically. I actually have seen a great 30-year old solar panel location encroached entirely by tree top shadow. It happens, and is something you must pay attention to if you are in a heavily forested area.
Be flexible. Many of the conveniences you accomplished with electric appliances can be switched to propane. There are also some fantastic appliances, mainly built for the RV/Camper industry, that run on propane, direct current, or alternating current (all three). If you are able to adapt and be creative there are many ways you can overcome the basic obstacles you will encounter.
One last note on battery banks: Keep in mind that each battery has its own limitations. Some do not function nearly at all when extremely cold. I bring this up because many of the newer off grid systems are going to customers that want the convenience of Lithium chemistry but in fact have more primitive structures that would benefit more from AGM (which can handle the temperatures).