Is anyone using solar panels or wind to power their servers?
I don't know much of wind power but what I've read in residential wind systems in UK some require 8Kph winds just to start producing power. I don't know if they would be a dependable source of power and need separate inverter to solar system. Depends on your location. You could use to assist to power batteries or get credit from feeding back power to grid (depending on price paid to export power). Any generation system connected to grid needs to use approved components and be approved by power distributor.
Much depends on your situation, goals, government incentives and price to feed power to grid.
Here in Australia feed in tariff has gone from 66c per Kwh (twice price of electricity) to 6c Kwh. I was an early adopter 3 yrs ago so I get 66c price. My 3Kw system generates enough credit to pay my electricity (mainly off peak) and gas charges and give me $500 credit per year. But at 6c Kw for feed in tariff I'd be struggling to pay electricity (off peak) and network fees. (What I would have earned $500 in past would only be worth $50 as newer feed in tariff is 1/10 of old price. Lucky I'm signed up for 10yr contract under higher price.
Though my system cost $10K, but newer 3Kw solar systems could be bought for 1/3 price (though cheaper quality panels and inverter) due to increased production and less demand to install.
The best and initial step should be to reduce power consumption in the home, things like energy efficient appliances (eg fridge), evaporative coolers rather than refrigerant ones, good insulation (roof) and draught control (some air needed) and blocking out hot sun in summer. I was using 9Kw electricity consumption per day before solar install (Now I'm still using 4Kwh) , my hot water & heaters are gas. My TVs (2) are 32cm LCD & LED and use 150 & 100 watts per hour.
With electric cars, batteries are expected to drop to 30-40% of current price in 3yrs aprox and newer panels 20% greater efficiency. There are newer panels being developed that are printable (organic PV) which may be heaps cheaper in few years. I think solar will hit it's stride in 3-4yrs.
But here, current government incentive $2500 for install has made 1.5Kw solar system about $1700 which may help bring down electricity cost a little for the price. Do your sums on whats available. You need north (preferably) facing panels or westerly. (east is limited if you get fog) with no shade.
Depends on your goals, situation, budget and government incentives.
My friend who does solar and wind, just bought a house. He's planning solar with batteries and grid connect and charging batteries on off peak electricity at night with half price power, but system will cost somewhere from $10k to $15K. Depends on usage to size of system.
I hope this helps.
I hope this helps