Solar and wind power are hot topics these days, and most experts agree that renewable energy technology is going to be the next big great worldwide industry. Inventor and futurist Ray Kurzweil (called the “rightful heir to Thomas Edison”) anticipates that wind and solar power will start to catch up with fossil fuels in as little as five years. In the not-too-distant future, all our power will originate from clean sources, such as the wind and sun.

But you can start harnessing the power of the wind and sun right now. There are kits, or manuals, available online that teach you how to build your own wind and solar power generators right in your backyard. These are fun, fairly simple projects. Everything you need is available at your local Home Depot or hardware store.

Here’s a brief overview of the three top-rated kits available today. These can all be downloaded immediately.

Earth4Energy This is the bestselling home solar and wind power kit. It costs $49.97. Everything was created with the complete novice in mind. It even comes with a two-part video series you can download. The website can be found here.

HomeMadeEnergy This kit is popular because it promises to teach you how to build a solar power panel for under $200 and a homebuilt wind generator for under $100. There are no videos–just a manual. It sells for $47. Read more about it here.

Home Made Power Plant This is also $47, but it comes with bonus books. Their website features videos that will give you a good idea of what goes into creating your own electricity. You can view them here.

Creating your own electricity not only saves you thousands of dollars every year, but it also increases the value of your home and helps the environment. Plus, you’ll be equipped with valuable knowledge about a technology that will soon change the way we live.

“Consumers have something new to worry about,” according to a recent USA Today story, “Sharply rising electricity rates due to a surge in coal prices over the past year.” Not only are electric rates rising, but coal is a finite resource, as well as a terrible pollutant.

Solar power is a clean source of energy. Fans powered by solar power don’t cost a thing to operate, they don’t pollute, and they can go anywhere—you don’t have to worry about electrical outlets, wiring, or cords.

And here’s why fans and solar power are the perfect match: the solar fan’s motor is powered by the sun, so the highest speed usually coincides with the time when air flow is needed the most.

The attic fan, especially, is ideal for solar power (since they’re on your roof facing the sun!). And they’re very easy to install. You don’t need an electrician to install wiring or anything like that. Any roofer or handyman can put one in using conventional materials, tools and techniques.

A solar powered attic fan cost approximately $200 more than a conventional attic fan, but that difference in price will soon be made up for in reduced operating costs. After that, you’re saving money—lots of it!

You can buy a variety of solar products online at Real Goods.

There’s also the solar powered gable fan. This is smaller than the attic fan, but can be quite powerful. A single 10 watt unit can fully vent up to 1,200 square feet. A fan like this works great for lofts, workshops, storage sheds, garages, even barns.

Then there’s the solar power roof vent. A vent can reduce the condensation and heat that build-ups in your boat, RV, camper, or van. I know someone who even installed one of these vents in his doghouse!

The best thing about these fans is that they work best when the sun is out, which is exactly when you want them to be in high gear.

Another great thing about these fans is that they’re easy to install because you don’t have to worry about wires, cords, and electrical outlets. They can literally go anywhere!

There are even solar powered portable fans. You can take them outside on your lawn, to the beach, camping—or anyplace outdoors. Again, you don’t need to worry about electricity or cords.

You can buy a variety of solar products online at Real Goods.

Unfortunately, the dark material used on most roofs today absorbs a lot more of the sun’s rays than the wood shingles used in the past century.

A solar powered attic fan ventilates the attic space and dispels the stifling heat. A fan can also create a draft which draws in cool, gentle breezes through the windows below. The hot, stagnant air is swept up into the attic and out through the solar powered fan.

A solar attic fan is also very good at getting rid of excess moisture trapped in your attic. Moisture can cause a variety of problems, from rust and rot to increased bacteria and mold, which can be dangerous to your health. This is why building codes require openings, or vents, in your attic. But these passive vents don’t provide sufficient air flow, so the majority of the time your attic continues to build up heat and moisture.

The solar attic fan is so effective and efficient that newer homes are including them as standard. But it’s really very easy to install a solar fan in an older style home. It’ll save you money and add to the value of your house. After all, electricity isn’t getting any cheaper!