Keep it simple - use a good quality (e.g. Honda) generator to run for 1-2 hours each day to charge up laptops, power tool batteries and a 12v leisure battery for lighting. ("Leisure" type is important, not car battery).
You /could/ add a second battery and an inverter to give yourself more reserves, but above is probably the easiest way. It sounds like solar isn't an option, and hydro is complicated. A generator is very simple for anyone to use.
You'll have to use gas/wood for heating and hot water.
NB Generators are valuable and prone to theft.
You /could/ add a second battery and an inverter to give yourself more reserves, but above is probably the easiest way. It sounds like solar isn't an option, and hydro is complicated. A generator is very simple for anyone to use.
You'll have to use gas/wood for heating and hot water.
NB Generators are valuable and prone to theft.