Dr D.
I was glad to see that you grew up on a farm, that tells me that you've had some experience around equipment. Your overall plans sound good, going off grid is a long term goal of mine, I don't have the funds to set it all up at once. I've been tracking alternative power for years now and it is more feasible today than ever. I do want to say, remember, this will be a major part time job and once you go off grid, you will be on call 24/7 for emergency repairs and maintenance.
I would advise that you slow down just a little and research a bit more of what has worked well for others. There are many willing to share and tons of sites and books out there with info on being self sustaining. Mother Earth News is a great place to start
http://www.motherearthnews.com/ The Corvallis Farm is an excellent example of a self sufficient farm
http://www.corvallisfarm.com/The one trait that I've witnessed in all successful off grid ventures has been they keep it fairly small and effective, keep it efficient! Especially if you want to compete with the power company.
Another good point,
EVERYONE in the household has to be on the same page and well aware of the system and know it limits. No matter how big you build it, this will be a BIG lifestyle change for all involved.
Last chunk of advise, get a book that is a basic introduction to how diesel engines work and how to maintain them. I have a copy of Audel's Diesel Engine Manual, had it for years, it's hard to find but it's great. If that goes down well, then get a Diesel mechanics handbook, that will be helpful with your tractor too. We can only tell you so much, but if you do your own research and have your own resources, you'll be prepared to deal with the issues on the fly.
George's CD is packed with advise, but it doesn't cover everything. I uploaded it onto my computer and re-organized it so I could find things easier. He includes a manual for AC & DC Generator systems from the Navy that is great. No doubt a wealth of info on his CD, but there is so much more to learn.
Finally, have fun! If you get satisfaction from DIY projects, then you're going to have a blast!
Regards,
Murph'