Just making plans, for now

Whoa - slow down there!!!!!! While you might be excited to start buying high cost items now, it's kind of hard to shop for an item that you have no idea what kind of system you are going to need!

Your money is probably better spent at being saved so you can make a large downpayment (or pay cash) for your dream property. And technology has been making leaps and bounds. The solar panel of today, might be alot cheaper and more bang for your buck in the future. (Yes, there's always the chance the crap will hit the fan, but if it does, where are you going to put your solar panel and things with no property?!?) As solar panels are being manufactured, new improved ways of making them will occur which will probably end up with solar panels being cheaper in the future. (Think tv's. Back 9 years ago when we needed a new tv, we got a "state of the art" (at the time) rear projection tv. I believe we paid around $1400.00 for it. It just gave up the ghost this year, and we found a flat screen tv, larger than our old tv (but it takes up LESS room) and we paid less than $800.00 for it!)

Life also has a way of getting in the way. Right now you might "think" you know what you want to do, but 2 - 3 years from now, your life might change directions and be something totally different. Save your cash.

__________________
Michael W. Smith in North-West Pennsylvania

"Everything happens for a reason."

A quick note on solar panels. They are really really cheap now, due to the economy crash. China has huge stockpiles they are trying to get rid of because purchases dried up over here. A friend of mine who owns a solar store says now is the time to buy panels. (But panels only.) The rest of the system should be customized to your needs/ site, and those prices will come down.
Panel prices will be soon increasing, some already have. This is due to the rise in silver costs.
Don't go buying whatever though. There are good deals if you keep your eye out though. (including buying an entire shipping container from China and selling what you don't need.)
I know, I know, buying local (or at least from your country) is better. But..... only for some things!!!!

1. Get out of Debt while ...
Building skills.
Collecting how to books.
Reading everything on homesteading that you can get your hands on.
Store 1 year supply of food. (store what you eat)

2. Save money...buy property.

3. Plant trees and build house.

4. Buy "extras". (solar panels, tractor, critters, ect.)

Also, if those chains include a wife/husband wait to buy property until AFTER the divorce!!!!