@judi
The first key to doing any change over to a resource like wind, solar, and hydro, is to first become familiar with conserving electricity. Change bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs(CFL), install wood burning stove, and ceiling fans. After you bring down your energy bill. You then do figure out how much energy you will use each month. There are energy availability charts. Google can provide certain charts depending on where you live. They will show you the amount of solar energy available throughout the year.
So depending on what natural resources and how much determines on what and how much of an energy producer you will need. This is where local communities and neighbors come in. Your house might not be an optimal place for solar panels. Maybe a couple of trees shade a good portion of your roof for 6 months out of the year. Maybe your neighbor has a clear shot of the sun for 12 months out of the year. It is time we get together with our neighbors and work together. It might not be affordable for one person, due to lack of available resources, natural and man made(cash). But if your neighbor has the natural resources, but not enough of the man made(cash), if you chipped in, you both could afford it. I think communities need to focus on producing their own electricity, start building warehouses to process silicon, to make solar cells.
I know this is going to sound like extreme advice, but our financial system is crumbling. I know that people say,“but it always comes back.” But I got news for you. The system doesnt want people to retire. All of this retirement money that is invested in the market, is toast. When all the baby boomers retire, the bill will be $55 trillion. What better way to not pay that debt, then by not letting people retire. If you could understand this and the way our money system (watch at least the first 20 mintues to see, after the first five, you’ll be hooked anyway) it is going to collapse regardless. My advice, take all of the currency you possibly could right now(retirement, stock,etc.) and invest in producing your own electricity. I believe it will make the coming “depression” much easier to handle.