Experimenting with your own money is the most efficient way to learn, no kidding. Keep in mind that with generator you will need a charger as well, and that 2-stroke engines are less fuel efficient than 4-strokes, ask boat people. Louder, too.
Not to advocate against solar - but 100W panel in a permanent cabin could provide enough power for maybe only a tent living. Meaning, no furnace, no fridge, no nothing. Like they say in residential solar systems, go big or go home.
PS: 2 most frequent topics on this forum are - problem with generator or problem with propane fridge.