The decision to eschew the grid and rely 100% on solar power arrived with little fuss. Here's how it came about:

Over the years I certainly considered independent power an option in a future homestead, being a gadget freak and a closet non-conformist at heart. But the components seemed very high tech and pricey for a small budget. My concern was that it might be too expensive for us and only feasible if the grid was miles away.
But here on our property the power lines pass by 200' from the cabin. Okay, since we practically got it already, the immediate thought was to simply hook up. Then the man from the utility company drove up and estimated an installation cost of $4500.00.
Hold on! I excused myself for a minute and grabbed the Backwoods Solar catalog. In my head I quickly calculated the expense of a modest setup. It turned out to be a couple hundred dollars less than the man just told me...
Add to this the freedom and satisfaction of being self reliant and in charge, so to speak; and basically saying f... you in full view of the power poles marching across our property.
I sent Mr. Utility off with a smirk, and never second guessed not hooking up.

So how is it living with the bare minimum of electricity?

First a quick word about the size of our solar setup. This is a tiny powerplant. The leading philosophy behind everything we do here is simplicity through reduced use of resources.
In other words, any full time household could hardly function on anything less than this, and still claim to live at least part of the American Dream of comfort and convenience.

With that in mind, I can declare success. Dropping the utilities wayward was an altogether brilliant idea. We have learned fully to live with the sun and adjust electrical needs and desires accordingly.