*Beginner Hydro Set Up*

I'm new at Hydro' growin' so i don't know much about it yet. I'm trying to construct something simple yet effective, and i'm working on a tight budget. I'm hoping to only have to spend cash on nutrients, lights, and pots/growing medium. How doez this sound for my first set up:

I'm thinkin' of usin the deep water culture system on ideally one or two 5-6 ft. plants. Each plant would be in a fairly large net-pot, each in it's own 5 gallon bucket with nutrient solution and air stones.
Since I'm practically broke, I'm not sure what to do about proper lighting. I can't afford an HPS or MH lamp rite now, so i'm wondering if anyone knows a decent alternative?? Does the set up seem feasible?

get soil and pots and spend the rest of the money on a good light instead.

I was considering that too, but i wasn't sure if it would be as fast as a hydro grow. But it would be a better idea to go with soil since i'm short on funds at the moment. Any suggestions on what I could use for lighting to start the plants off while I save up for a HPS lamp?

cfls will do around 30 watts a plant will veg you for a while.

Thanx for the advice. I think I'll try it out.