You need to be wealthy (amongst other things) to giggle and say,
"it's just easier to pay the monthly bills then it is to cut consumption"

This isn't even an issue of 12v or windpower or anything else along
these line... this is simple common sense... The first step in
everyone's life whether on or off grid, should be to learn how to
reduce their usage.

"So I guess I'm just looking for how anyone can start going green or
using alternative sources of energy without going broke?"

Instead of using your time writing your politicians, and trying to
find other people to pay for it, take charge of your own life, and
find ways to reduce the amount you use. It doesn't matter if you have
0 kids or 26 kids... learning how to reduce your power consumption is
the first and MOST effective way to save money and go green.

You talk about needing to be 'rich'... How do you need to be rich in
order to save money? That is all cutting your consumption is going to
do, save you money. After your consumption is cut back to what is
reasonable, then it is more then affordable to use wind, solar or
other alternatives for generation.

Honestly, every post on this particular thread make me think you are
either totally clueless in the world, or just here to try to
discourage others by making wild claims of how much it would cost .