anyone ''off the grid'' power wise ?

[juiceddreadlocks]

Was wondering about helping my parents find more information about creating a renewable, sustainable energy environment at their farm house. They live in a region with unusually high winds most of the time, even according to every wind table I've found. Additionally, their house is on top of a huge hill and the roofs to the barns/sheds get blown off and damaged frequently.

I talked with someone from a company who manufactures wind turbines, and compared what they had to offer to what their energy bills had been running... it looked like it could pay off in less than 10 years, but I'd like to learn of other's experiences with the same thing.

 

[big4life]

There was a series in popular mechanics that follows a family as they try living off the grid. There was a lot of interesting information in it. Most of the people I know have used solar, not wind, for energy sources. I know several that use solar to suppliment their energy needs and they have no issues with it. I think the biggest issue is the batteries that store the energy.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/earth/1820211.html

 

[Phenom78]

Because of the size home I built, I installed a geothermal system in the construction. It essentially moves the heat during the summer into the ground to cool, and cold air into the ground during the winter. I can't judge on a personal basis as of yet, but Im told it is extremely energy efficient.

I'm also investigating a wind system to provide electric. Im told it would be about a 20,000 investment, although by federal law the electric company is forced to purchase any extra output it produces. Im high enough, and the land is sufficient, but the tower is pretty high and I havent as of yet investigated what local laws would allow. I also want to see one in operation first to feel more comfortable with the idea.