There are 2 basic approaches to consider.
There's Pros Cons on both sides but appropriate application for purpose is fuddled when it comes down to it. Quite often by the instant rice mentality of I want it now, cheap and easy.
1) the conventional "component" system.
A conventional system comprises of a Solar Charge Controller, Inverter/Charger, Battery sub-system and of course solar panels. Additionally several smaller components to connect it all called "Balance of System".
** Example from Will's diagrams.
Building a vehicle mounted solar power system? Let me help.
www.mobile-solarpower.com
2) the "All in one systems"
These include the solar controller, inverter,some have single or dual VAC input to take charge power from Grid/Genset. They are mostly High-frequency using MOSFETS which have limitations, mostly handling inductive loads like motors (fridge,freezer,AC and similar preloaded compressors due to the high start surges & spikes. See more below. They are cheaper, easier to install and obviously less balance of system stuff.
- the Big Gotcha ! It's "On" or "Off" and their efficiency isn't great.
- if you do not need inverter because you are away (weekend cabin for example) but want solar to continue on its own,tough.
** Examples from Will's diagrams.
MPP and a few other manufacturers now sell a "complete off grid system in a box" that has: AC Inverter Solar Charge Controller AC Battery Charger Automatic Transfer Switch (if grid power is...
www.mobile-solarpower.com
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IF this is a precursor to House electrification it's a good way to dip the toes into the pond.
You can go with Mid-grade goodies and build a nice simple system to handle the "shop" But using tools machinery and such you'll need Low Frequency for optimal performance. High frequency is actually hard on motors you can actually hear a sound difference as they staring which is bad for them as well. Like running a drill off a dimmer switched circuit.
PLEASE READ THIS LINK.
Understand the difference between high frequency and low frequency inverters with this quick article.
www.magnum-dimensions.com
Hope it helps, good luck.