Going green can make a big difference in both the value of your home and your quality of life. Choose energy efficient appliances marked with the energy star.. Exchange all light bulbs for the compact fluorescent bulbs that last for seven years and use 75% less energy. Make use of natural light during the day by opening blinds and curtains You can start by supplementing just a portion of your power now and increase your renewable energy usage as time and your budget allow until you reach your goal of getting off the grid. Wind generators for home use are rapidly catching up with solar power. If you produce enough electricity to power all, or at least most, of your household electrical appliances your utility bill will be greatly reduced. You would also be reducing air pollution and lowering your carbon footprint. For those in more urban areas, it is still possible to do this with the noise free unobtrusive vertical axis wind turbines. Adding a small solar power grid and battery bank will allow you to store power for future use. There are solar thermal collectors that are specifically for heating your water from the sun’s energy. .
