DIY Home Energy

During this campaign season, we’ve been hearing a lot of talk of a future based on green energy. Almost everyone acknowledges that we need to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, and the realities of global warming and environmental degradation are pushing government officials to think about cleaner options.

But it’s not just government big-wigs who are trying to figure it out. Some homeowners are taking matters into their own hands, and creating their own green energy. In San Francisco, the DIY home energy movement is taking off, with some support from City Hall.

Reporter Amy Standen introduces us to the Bay Area residents on the cutting-edge of home energy, and gives us a tour of the wind, geothermal and solar thermal projects right in their backyards. She produced this story for KQED's QUEST radio series. Click here to listen.

(Photo by Amy Standen)