http://www.mindchallenger.com/axial1.html

This will cost a few dollars.  I already had net metering with my 12kw solar array.  I purchased a UL approved wind inverter and routed it through a subpanel with a 20A/two-pole breaker.

There is a reason the cheapest one you found is $6000, and it is not because it is simple.

"I was simply stating that I already have a solution (purchasable UL rated)for most
12/24vdc setups that does not necessitate the regulatory aspects of the prevalent
grid-tie systems that are traditionally sold."

What do you have in mind?  Exactly.

Its true some of the field output is drawn off to power the spinning armature coils when using it as a gen. I suppose if permanent magnets were installed on the armature that were "the exact same strength as the armature coils", then...the field output would be higher.

The way they are worthwhile is when you get a used one cheap at an auction or a salvage yard. Removing the armature coils and using permanent magnets on the armature is called a Zubbly conversion.

It all sounds simple enough; produce it, store it, sell it, buy it back, and use it. Unfortunately, as you will find out if you do all the right experiments and ask the right questions, it is a lot more complex than it sounds.

There's a reason its not cheap to set up and run an RE system - It's a lot of hard work; time, research, and effort. All of that on top of the fact that some of the equipment involved can have hefty price tags hanging from them too. It can be done obviously, but you'll waste a lot of time, energy, and money if you don't have it all figured out before you shell out the cash.

Being a newbie, forget the grid tie for now. That is probably the most headache intensive aspect. As several have pointed out, there are certain components of a grid tie system that have to be very specific (complying with code, etc) and therefore have a tendency to be expensive. Add that to the fact that the returns on such an investment are minimal, and it's not really worth it for the average joe.

Start small; I did mock up designs to understand what all is involved. When I realized just how much was going to have to happen, my end plans didn't look anything like what I had in my head when I jumped in. The result? I am still tweaking the ideas, collecting data, and continuously adjusting the design before I go full throttle with the idea. That's a year and a half after I started seriously contemplating RE...

As for batteries being 'dangerous', well, yes they are. But it's like anything else; you must have a healthy respect for their potential. We didn't get where we are by playing it 'safe' all the way... Understanding what the dangers are and making provision to deal with them is the key. Battery systems are the ideal way right now, mainly because they are simpler and cheaper (for the most part) than the alternatives (grid tie, etc). They come with their own set of issues, but they are easily resolved by a tinkerer, and don't involve things like code to the degree that tying in with your power company does.

Hopefully this helps a bit; I don't want to discourage you, but it sucks worse to see someone make expensive mistakes because they didn't know the pitfalls...