I have been doing some research into making more and more of my electrical needs solar and the thought that it would have it's advantages in Sit X came into my perpetually buzzing mind. However, with the whole system relying upon batteries for storage of power, is this a false hope? Would it be like a vehicle where it's a great thing to have while you have the fuel for it and be utterly unusable after, or is there ways people have found to keep this means of power perpetually working for them?

For me I'll be upgrading my BOV with 2 big trojan battery's and recharged from solar panels and the engine battery.
So diesel and solar will be working hand-in-hand.
Diesel is unlikely to run out as quickly as the doom mongers make out.
Less vehicles use diesel and it keeps for a lot longer too.
It's also stored more than petrol is...

Diesel is easier to bio fuel as I've been told. But then again, my my 1980 Chevy small block will run off Vodka so I'm sure any powerplant could be modified.

As far as the batteries, most use a deep cycle style of battery to store the power. These are not bad, but in my experiance need to have their water checked quite a bit. Unless you foot the bill for the solar power batteries. They are substancially more expensive. As far as their reliability... We'll have to get someone with better knowledge than I.

Depending on what your going to be trying to run off it?

I use a solar panel about 11" x 18" and keep the adaptors for my phone and laptop with me, on float trips, 7-9 days-had no problems!

Did need to limit my use on PC alittle though, 4-6 hours a day...

And if it rains or you flip the boat, well your just kinda "in a tight spot"

One possibility would to build a system that utilizes solar power for immediate usage as well as to move water to a higher elevation for storing via a pump, and to use micro-hydro to generate power on demand during the dark hours.

Same could be done with wind.

Just an idea off the top of my head. I know you'll lose efficiency by running through multiple systems, but if we get knocked back to the stone age, it's better than nothing.

Look there are numerous systems you could emply,i suggest a mixture would be good.

Firstly use capacitors. These quickly discharge their stored power.

Secondly you can emply a system that seperates water into oxygen and hydrogen, this can be used in a generator.

The third is slightly unconventional but you can pump liquid up to a high area and then store it. When you need energy it falls down, turning a proeller and producing energy.

Many of these systems mean you lose energy, especially the third system but for storage they are all good in combination. I doubt they could run say a fridge long term but they could provide light to LED lamps and hot water occasionally.

Oh you should deffinately invest in solar water heaters, depending on where you are in the world.