Since I practically have no wind anymore, my only option for alternate energy is solar or heat differentials.
But solar is not much fun. Wind turbines are fun to build and test. Try building your own solar collector. You just purchase most of the components then plug it all in.
The other option, heat engines, could be fun.
I would like to make a large, LTD heat engine and use the temperature differential between my cold pond and a solar collector. Big project.