If you really want to put yourself in the position of being more self-sufficient in the case of society totally breaking down, scrap the idea of solar electric generation. Instead, put together some type of wood-fired steam engine electric generating system. (Of course, somebody will need to get a boiler operator’s license for your own good. It will show you have enough knowledge to keep from blowing yourself up.)
With your access to inexpensive batteries, you’re in a better position than most people to also store some of the electricity you’d generate.
The boiler thing has some real possibilities. We have our own source of wood, so that in and of it self is very helpful.