Carey,
I am really impressed. You are to be congratulated.
Most of the teenagers that I see are busy trying to shock the world
with their appearance (baggy pants, piercings, etc.)
It is really refreshing to find someone that is interested in more
than video games, texting on their phone and causing trouble.
And from your explanation here, you can carry on a conversation
with any of the experts here!!!
In answer to your question, (the most important aspects of home built energy)
for me it allows me to live where I want. And that is 27 miles from
the nearest power lines.
You just cannot imagine the quiet that exists when you are 27 miles
from the nearest hardtopped road, power lines and phone lines.
If we weren't able to generate our own power, we would have a very
meager existence. It would be like permanently camping. As it is,
we live just like city folks do. We have all the power we need for
TV, computer, microwave, vacuum cleaner, washing machine, etc.
In answer to your unasked question, we use satellite internet.
Again, thanks for being a contributing member of society, instead
of a drain and burden. I salute you!!!!
Ralph