Hi Dennis,
The host of this site sells solar systems and wind systems. I have an alternative energy store online at www.solarpowergeneration.com - about 2.4 kw will supply about half a normal household electricity. You can look at your electric bill and see what your average daily electric use is - for solar you will need depending on your location, about 0.1KW of solar for each 0.2kwh needed per day. If you live in CA or NY you can get some excellent rebates for connecting to the grid. Most solar systems go for about $10/W installed, before rebates, though there is a wide variation. You need about about 10 square feet per 100Watts of solar cells, either on south, east or west facing roofs, or on the ground next to the house. I am not sure about wind systems, though we are selling wind generators. I am an electical engineer and have designed, and made solar cells in school, and am certified in FL for solar electric installation, though this is a start up company. You would probably want a battery bank or a wind system, as a backup, if you are not connected with the grid. I beleive in solar, and I think we should be turning as much as possible to alternatives.
Good luck,
Cathy Sana
>I would like to get completely away
>from using my local gas and
>electric utilities . With the rising
>costs , I feel we are
>being gouged . Could anyone steer
>me the right way ? Would
>solar panels heat my home and
>water? Would wind power give me
>enough juice to free myself from
>PSO? I just began today to
>investigate my alternatives. Some info: avg
>wind speed annually 10.3 mph. From
>1pm to sunset -- strong sunlight
>on west side of house. Any
>help or info would be appreciated.
>