I've got a series of deep cycles with solar power, and also a mobile solar charger with a lithium battery & inverter built in. Comes in a pelican case. Nice little setup.

I do plan on getting the license. I've got some iOS apps to prep with when I've got some down time (read, toilet). When we had the "thousand year flood" last year in SC the radios came in quite handy to communicate (mostly listen) regarding washed out roads, people in distress, etc.