First I,d like to say great site!! It seems I found the truth about solar power.It sure seems alot harder to go off grid the I expected!Especially in Northern Ohio.I have read that conservation seems to be the best way to save money on your electric/heating bill.But I like most other Americans want nothing to change in my daily life an save money.But I understand that would take several thousands if not a 100k to even come close to reality. But Im itching to do some kind of solar/wind system. So if anyone had a link or something for a small setup.Something I can get my feet wet with..an hopefully progress into a bigger system.I just dont want to buy a buncha junk .. Thanks alot

You have to make a small system. It is not hard but you need to understand what is going first. Don't just buy stuff and hook it up and hope it works.

A small system for a shed is a good place to start. Assuming it does not have electricity already.

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Making the world a better place just makes sense.

Don welcome to the forum.

Seems like you have done some homework and open to ideas?

Before you invest one cent in Renewable Energy (RE) you need to spend a few thousand in upgrades to your home first. Good place to start from your statement is your home heating/air conditioning system, insulation, windows, doors etc...

You mentioned electric heat, that is a killer if it is resistive heat strips. Just by replacing with a heat pump will cut your heating electric bill by 1/3 minimum. Do the insulation and upgrades to windows and doors and cut it by 1/2. That will pay for itself in 10 years or less, and add positive equity to your property. RE is negative equity and will increase your energy bill 2 to 4 fold, and in your area not likely to ever pay off.

So do the upgrades first, then after your done take another look at things.

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Dereck, PE, MSEE
Moderator

You can visit here for lots of DIY ways to cut you energy usage.

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"I believe that intense beer immersion therapy is the only answer." Oggie

Al Gore - the James Baker of Enviromentalism

Every dollar spent on cutting your power usage saves $4 dollars on solar setup costs.