While many people choose to tackle Do-It-Yourself projects for small things here and there (like reupholstering a chair or even painting the frame of a mirror for a quick update), others consider DIY-ing bigger projects with big payoffs—both to save money AND save the environment.  Go green and save money with DIY green energy projects like solar panels or a wind generator.

Creating and installing DIY solar panels are time-intensive and tricky, but with the right resources, it can be done; even in a weekend!  There are websites that breakdown the process (including what products and tools you need in addition to where to get them) in a simple, easy way.  Some use video, while  others are more like an instruction manual for putting a piece of furniture together.  Shop around, and find the guide that works best for you.  DIY bloggers have endorsed the guides GreenDIYenergy.com and earth4engery.com.

When getting started on your DIY solar panels, it’s important that you first understand the process and basics of solar energy (how it’s produced, etc.).  It’s also helpful to have an idea of what you intend to power with your solar panels.  This will guide you when selecting the products and tools to make the appropriate size, amount, and caliber of panels.

Another way to generate your own power is by harnessing and using the energy created by the wind.  As with solar energy, the first step to DIY wind generators is understanding how wind energy is produced.  Another helpful hint is having a good idea of where in your area you can generate the most power (in other words, finding the windiest part of your area).  This will give you an estimate of how much power the device will actually yield.

One really neat thing about making a wind generator is that while you can buy inexpensive tools to get the job done at a hardware store, a lot of times you can use items from around the house! 

Wind turbines consist of a few different parts (that are easy mini-projects to tackle separately before putting it all together): a set of rotor blades, a rotor assembly, a mounting plate, and a generator.  The blades and the rotor are probably the trickiest part because they require very specific dimensions and other specifications that will vary depending on what size you have in mind and your needs.  While some people make the blades themselves, most get them made.  Everything can be DIY, but don’t beat yourself up if it’s not!!!

In the end, your inexpensive—but highly effective—energy will be worth whatever work and money you put into it.