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Solar photovoltaics (PV) can be ordered from companies such as Energy Alternatives or Conergy. These systems are expensive but will give you more independence and will greatly reduce your impact on electrical power generation. There are lots of choices to make here such as off-grid, grid-connected, battery backup, etc., so it is a good idea to settle down with a good book or magazine devoted to this subject before spending the money. The Renewable Energy Handbook by William H. Kemp is a very good overview and the Solar Living Source Book is also full of excellent information. Home Power and Solar Today are premium bi-monthly publications with up-to-date products and procedures.

Wind power can be a good companion to photo-voltaic production because when the skies are cloudy it is often more turbulent. To do wind power right though, you need to have a tower or pole that puts the generator at least thirty feet above any obstacle to the wind such as other homes and large trees. There are many smaller homeowner-style turbines appearing on the market for a reasonable price.

If you are lucky enough to have a stream running through your property then you probably want to look into generating some free fuel from the most steady sources of clean electricity, hydro power! Home Power Systems is a company that can help you get on the right track with AC and DC hydro systems

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Although there is some controversy about growing crops for fuel, biofuels can be part of the answer to sustainable energy use. I use vegetable oil that would otherwise be disposed to make my own biodiesel. See some of my biofuel production process here.

Earth energy and geothermal energy, are two types of energy that are derived from the earth. Heat pump technology for heating buildings in winter and cooling them in summer is quite common in Europe and getting more popular in Canada. Learn more about it here.

Selected Reading

Real Goods Solar Living Source Book by John Schaeffer/Gaiam

Renewal Energy Handbook by William H. Kemp

The Passive Solar House by James Kachadorian

Heat by George Monbiot

The Weathermakers by Tim Flannery

The Sauna by Rob Roy

Crossing the Rubicon by Michael C. Ruppert

The One Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka.

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