A lot of people don't know how easy it is to build your own solar panels from materials that are readily available at your local hardware store. It's easy, it's inexpensive and it's even encouraged by your local electric company.
If you want to create alternative energy without having to buy expensive ready-made devices, the first thing you should do is decide what type of energy makes most sense for your home. Alternative energy generally comes from renewable natural resources. The most common sources are solar, wind and water. The location where you live is an important factor to consider when choosing the type of energy source that is best suited to your home. For example, if you live in a desert area such as Arizona, solar energy is the logical choice. People who live on the plains are great candidates for wind power and anybody who happens to have running water on their property can take advantage of the power of water.
Of course, the best possible scenario is when you can take advantage of at least two sources of alternative energy. The winning combination of both solar and wind power can provide you with a more consistent source of alternative energy than just one or the other. Solar panels work best when the sun is shining, and they still work to a lesser degree on a cloudy day, but on a stormy night solar panels aren't much help. If you also have a wind turbine, it will take over on that stormy night when the solar panels are at rest. Wind power really shines when the sun does not!
Once you know what type of energy you want to harness, all you need is the right instructions to tell you what materials you need and how to put it all together. Find a quality eBook on the topic that will tell you everything you need to know to create your own alternative energy at home, gather your supplies and enjoy one of the most rewarding projects you've ever undertaken!
DIY Solar Panels and Windmills Building Guides
Earth 4 Energy
Make your own solar panels or wind turbine.
More info here
Home Made Power Plant
There are some other guides for DIY wind and solar generators, but all of those that I've read don't get into the same details.
More info here