Hi Binnie
I only use a generator to charge my battery when the solar panels aren't enough, usually from the end of November to sometime iin April, and not everyday. When I get up in the morning I make the determination, based on the weather forcast, what I see outside and my battery voltage, if I am going to run the generator that day. When I do use the generator I only bulk charge through the inverter, a Trace SW4024. To float charge with a generator I feel is a waste of fuel and unnessary noise, although, I might change my mind when I get my 6/1 genset online.
My solar panels are mounted on poles. My small array is a passive tracker mounted on a single pole. The other two arrays are mounted on a 2" horizonal pipe which is on top of 3 posts each in such a way that it allows for seasonal tilting of the whole array. In the winter the angle is steeper and the snow slides off the glass panels. Sometimes when I don't want to wait for the snow to slide off, say if the sun is just comming out after it snowed, I will "bump" or shake the array with my hand to get the snow to slide. I have about 3kw worth of solar panels of various sizes, ages and brands. My oldest go back to late 80s and one panel has the glass broken (mounting accident) but as they get older they still produce electricity, just not a much as when new. I don't know how much I have invested, I've just add panels from time to time as I come across good deals. If I was to purchase everything at once, I would have all the panel of the same make and size, that would make mounting uniform and testing for weak panels easier.
My wind power is not as cost effective as my solar but it makes me feel good to know that I can extract a little power from the passing stroms. And feeling good also comes from not being attached to the grid, from investing and running your own power company, and from hearing your neighbors (1/4 mile away) generator going durning a power outage.
If you are considering going solar and can't do everything at once, then I would start with batteries and inverter/charger and add panels later. By using the inverter to run your house loads and the grid to charge your batteries, you will most likely save money on your power bill. That is what a friend of mine did and after his power bill dropped he investgated and found out that his SW4024 inverter can run house loads more efficiently than the grid power.
Home Power magazine is a good starting point for off grid living.
Good luck, Tim