Water. It is probably the most underutilized of the three major renewable energy sources (the others being solar and wind). Strangely enough, it also has the potential for being the most reliable and powerful; you’ve just got to harness all that energy somehow. Here are a few links to help you in that endeavor:

• RE-Energy.ca has plans for a very small micro hydroelectric generator. It’s more like a school science project, but it could be very helpful as a starting point if you want to build you own generator and have had minimal experience.

• Oregon.gov has many tips for helping you determine everything you need as well as how much power is available from the water source.

• THIS site gives step-by-step instructions although they are a bit vague.

• And THIS site has quite a lot of information about all types of micro hydroelectric systems.

Wind power is a wonderful source of energy, IF you can harness it. It’s even better if you can harness it cheaply, and that’s easier to do if you can build your own turbine. So, here are a few links to help you in your turbine adventures.

• THIS man built his own turbine in rural Arizona. His article has pictures and links throughout the process.

• Instructables also gives step-by-step instructions with photos.

• THIS SITE has things to consider before you begin making your own wind turbine.

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There are a few articles that show how to build a solar panel much cheaper than you could buy one. Here are a few links:

• TheSolarPlan.com has an article with photos.

• THIS SITE gives instructions as well as links to places where you can obtain the materials online.

• THIS ONE tells how to make a solar panel for heating your water.

Is it really worth it?

Usually generators have higher costs per KWH compared to other sources of electricity. This means that, in most cases, the income earned from generator-made electricity that it sold back to the utility company is less than the income that must be put into the generator for fuel, maintenance, and permits.

Another thing that is worth looking into is the required equipment. Special equipment or specialized generators are needed to synchronize your electrical system’s output to the the grid. More equipment is necessary to quickly disconnect you system from the grid when problems occur. This is very important!

One last thing to glimpse at is the overall desirability of it. Net billing laws were established for renewable energy sources, and engine generators do not usually qualify. This means that, in order to set up your generator, you would have to establish it under a power purchase agreement. This type of agreement usually pays at an “avoided cost,” or about 2-3¢ per KWH. It also sends you through a whole bunch of regulatory hoops.