Wind Generators and Solar Power

Nic and I have talked about living “off the grid” a couple of times. I don’t think we would ever be TOTALLY self sufficient, but I think it would be a way to save money and not rely on the government or private utilities. Don’t get the idea that we are anti government. I know when I was younger, that was the idea I got when I heard of families and groups of people that decided to live like this.
In our situation I think it would be a good idea to stay connected to the power grid. the reasons for this are; if we don’t succeed the first try we wont be left in the dark, and if we do have success, the power we produce in excess of what we use could be credited to our account. Then in times of no sun or wind the credits would be used from the power company and we would still have lights.

I’ve only read a little about what is needed for wind generators. It seems simple enough to give it a shot first, when the time comes. For solar power the price seems to be the inhibitor for most of what I’ve read. Not only the initial price of the solar panels, but the replacement of them also. A good hailstorm comes along and there goes a good bit of money.

If anyone reading has tried or knows someone that has tried this (success or not) please let us know. It will be a few years down the road before we can do this but any information we get is appreciated.