from the primitive to the modern survival tech

I came across an article in the Globe and Mail about a means to supply power to off grid back packers.

 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/gadgets-and-gear/gadgets/charge-your-device-off-the-grid-with-sherpa-solar-power-kit/article12513769/

with a little bit of luck I stumbled upon the home site of this little wonder, and a world of Solar Powered Energy Support, based in of all places, Brampton, Ontario, stones throw from here.

http://www.solarflash.ca/

Now, not all stuff is cheap, and Solar Energy, while it is getting better, is not for the small of pocket book, or bank account. But for someone who is willing to start small, and work up, like someone who wants to build by stages a Cordwood or Eco-Home, then this is the ticket.

I can see taking this little wizard,

http://www.solarflash.ca/goal-zero-portable-recreational-solar-products/complete-kits/scout-150-expedition-kit/scout-150-expedition-kit/

as a starting point, in a low tech method of keeping in touch, and perhaps having some light not dependent on a fire or candle. (maybe even a one cup coffee maker ;). This would do until a more permanent habitat were created, that might require even two or three such power supplies, when it would be probable that it would be cheaper to upgrade to a more powerful unit.

This unit is for RVs but it does not mean it can't be used on a stationary base. It is 125 Watt, and is capable of powering an RVs electrical system. This is Solar Flash's description, without price. At the bottom is a link to a pdf file from the maker.
  http://www.solarflash.ca/category/off-grid-battery-backup/off-grid-kits/rvboat-kits/

http://www.solarflash.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/HESRV-SolarFlash-spec1.pdf

for a description and price from a company in Manitoba, try this site.

http://www.evolvegreen.ca/catalog/item/6217815/8808063.htm

As can be seen from the brief links above, there is lots of options for power off grid, without going over board. But one thing is abundantly clear from what little I have learned, it is going to be necessary to bone up on some of this tech, so that I can do it myself. From the Solar Flash site, for a full installation for a cottage, (Stove, Fridge, Micro Wave, TV/Entertainment Unit, Pumps etc,) it is 10,000 for materials and half again of that, for installation of a low end 4.5 Kw Solar Power Source!!

http://www.solarflash.ca/category/diy-grid-connect-solar-kits/4-5kw-diy-solar-pv-kit/

No one said Solar Power was going to be cheap "IF YOU WANT THE CITY IN THE COUNTRY"