David Walking Turtle

I have several links about making your own PV panels. The cells themselves are relatively cheap to buy. The devil is in the details of building framework, wiring, converting DC to AC, etc.

I also have a link to a dynamically new wind turbine thats likely to gain popularity in a short span... if youre looking to supplement off-grid alternatives to go with your solar.

The entire asheville region, up to and including counties west to the Cherokee reservation and rural mountain regions have been steadily increasing the cost and price of living/moving. Its long been a vacation spot for out-of-staters and summer cabin occupants. Im in central NC and am looking towards the western mountain areas in SE KY, TN, WV or SW VA, NW SC.... VA is strongly getting my vote... cheaper taxes on most things, and a certain stretch NW along the I-77 interstate offers some great tracts of beautiful land.

I think this film (aside from the religious overtones) makes for some very good permaculture lessons to learn.

http://backtoedenfilm.com/
The theories and results are sound, and its so amazingly simple. I have been following the lessons in my own garden ( and a container veg garden at that) to much success. Due to my physical limitations I cannot incorporate this into an actual "in-ground" approach... but if it can work in 48 5-gal containers... Im sure it could work normally as evidenced in the video.