I'd assumed the bank was existing (24V), but if you haven't set it up, I'd agree with Chris, seems like 12V is way simplier. We operated on a 12V system for years, and my feeling is it has some real benefits - not the least of which is that there is a whole lot more end-use equipment available at 12V through marine, RE, RV and automotive sources. We still use our 12V Trace inverter in the shop - the pulse-shift, modified wave, heavy weight kind - and it has been bullet proof. Lots of 12V choices for inverters, pumps, electronics, lights, controls, etc.
On an unrelated point, I prefer analog meters as well. For voltage, or something stable I like the digital meters, but for anything that is fluctuating analog tells you more in short order. Try checking a motor capacitor with a digital meter...
Best of luck with your project, ~ks
