Good strategy essup!
For your potential setup Cecil, I believe a 24V system will be much less expensive. The solar energy part is solvable (not sure yet about the $1,000 design constraint). How much load do you think you will be carrying for your system?
I am curious about pump life. In my limited experience, 12V or 24V linear pumps(which are efficient on power consumption) have limits on longevity. Your system of 24/7 with a narrow margin for error. My system goes down I have weeks, yours goes down and you got, what, hours?!?. I think the pump will drive your system design. Your power may have to be inverted from DC to AC.
Random thoughts from my desk...instead of working....sshhhh don't tell the boss
