I recently attended a course with a local solar PV and wind Turbine company. I
did a case study of my own situation. I calculated that at the moment I use
about 15kW/day. I worked out that if I cut my consumption to 5kw/day I could
go off grid using PV and Wind for about €24,000.00
Since I don't have that kind of money I won't be going off grid any time soon.
Its still the case at the moment that it cannot be financially justified to
go off grid unless you have no grid connection or simply have a passion for
the idea.
Its a much more sensible option to go grid tied if you can arrange a good
tariff structure. The same €24,000 will just about get you a 3Kw wind turbine
which can supply almost all of your electric needs and if you can avail of
carbon credits - make a bit of a profit.

On the subject of projects. I built 4m2 of concentrating solar panels this
summer. Cost about €1,500 with tank and plumbing (all DIY). Unfortunately
since I completed the first panel in May and the second about 3weeks ago, the
sun just disappeared. I would estimate we have had as little as 10days
continues sun all summer. It has been so bad that I cannot even assess
whether the system is working properly (it is thermosyphon).