The batteries do have to be deep cycle. I was getting surplus sealed glass-mat telecom batteries for a pretty cheap price, but you gotta dig for the deals.
Breakers, disconnects to code (I wasn't required to go code, but I did, for safety), monitoring equipment, wire sizing, etc... add a lot of safety, but cost more.
My load in the shack in the mountains wasn't a lot, but having the elecktrikity was nice.
/johnny
I’d like to get a small battery system with solar panels to charge. It will probably be a while before I can as I’m putting firearms higher on the list.