Don't spread FUD.
If your'e scrappy and hustle you can get an 8kW array (US or EU panels) with hybrid inverter + mounting for $8000 USD. The battery depending on chemistry will be another $2000 - $6000 - also factoring in sizing, depth of discharge, etc.
Theres no maintenance if you install properly, maybe occasionally dusting off the panels if your climate is like that.
The payback ~2 years at 95%+ utilization if you're paying $0.10/kW from the utility
You have to change the battery often, it will last only few cycles, your 2 years is misleading, more like 10 years if you pay $0.10 per khw and 20 years if $0.20 per khw. Panels last only 10 years or so, some trolls say 20 years which is also misleading cause okay 20 years and 30% of what used to offer at beginning, panels degrade with time, you have to change them. There is no end to solar power maintenance.