Renewable energy- is it just for the rich?

So OK- here goes...

I'd love to harness the energy from the wind and sun and set up my house so at the very least I could produce a significant amount of my own power in a clean, renewable way.

For years I have scanned the internet, worked out what this involves (setting up and cost) and everytime I feel disheartened at the sheer expense of doing this...

There is no way my income could realize even a loan to do something like this yet alone pay one back.

Sooooo- I am looking for ways that small changes could be made within the household

Maybe set up a series of micro power systems- projects that maybe could be achieved financially without the need for loans.

Things that interest me to try out are things like

homemade solar ovens
some sort of home made micro wind turbine that could be made out of junk?
how could one utilize small solar panels (the type you can buy in Canadian Tire) within the household?
rainwater harvesting?

I also like the idea of the system that Nodding Group sell which helps heat your water using the sun and therefore reduces the amount of oil/power you need to heat water in your hot water tank...can something similar be produced at home for a fraction of the cost?

What projects have you done at home that have been successful?

Thanks in advance!