Where do you want to eventually end up with this project and how much are you willing to spend? Some of your "dream list" items are going to require a significant dollar investment to make them go, especially the refrigerator.

If you want to scale this system up to start making more power, I'm afraid that a lot of your current components are going to be unuseable. That Kmart battery was probably around $30 but it's not designed for deep cycles and is inappropriate for a solar energy system. Eventually, you will want true deep cycle batteries, a pair of T105s would probably run $125 or so.

I imagine at 30 watts, your panels are the amorphous type. If you ever want to get serious and put 100 watts or more of panels up, these little 10W panels are not going to be helpful in the new array. You seem to be going the right direction with the charge controller since it is rated for 300W.

I realize the conundrum you are in. You seem to be on a tight budget but want to make this project work. It just seems a shame to be spending money on things that won't serve you well should you want a bigger system. Solar is not a cheap hobby if you want to make enough power to run things like fans and pumps for any length of time.

I built a little system for my garage. I can run lights, a little air compressor, some 110V power tools and a radio. I used scaleable parts and the cost was around $1000. You could start out with a system half this size for about $500 and still be able to scale it up when you got more money. Here's a list and general prices if you're interested, panels might be a little more expensive nowadays.

2. X 80W panels       $700
4. X T105 battery     $250
1500. W inverter      $100

Good luck!

Volvo Farmer

For #3, 12VDC CFLs make the most light for the amps.  But an inverter will allow the use of standard home use CFLs.  One way will be cheaper than the other, depending on how many lights are needed.
Muffin fans throw some air in a small place. Good if you are sitting in one place, not moving around the garage.  Cheap and low power.

For #4, a marine battery (not starting or dual purpose) will give longer life.  More panel is always good, but there is a balance between panel, battery and load.

They can't say no if you don't ask them. ;)

The 120mm computer fans work great as a cooling fan and if you have the skills can be made to work as air chillers as well.

 I did look at a few of the computer cooling fan but the always had a higher consumption that other fans so I steered clear. I'll go back and have a look and a play with them.

Sounds like the best thing to do for the moment is to upgrade the batteries, then just by more panels.

One thing I was particularly keen on finding out is good 12 volt lighting. I have a few LED spot lights but to be honest, a candle produces more light. Maybe it I had 50ish of them could I light the room.  Are there any other good low consumption lights for 12 volts.