I think wind turbines and solar are part of the solution to the problem of achieving energy independence. I also believe that domestic drilling and, in particular, nuclear energy, are also part of the solution.

I live out in the country and I would love to be "off the grid" as others here have mentioned. I'm looking at a smaller wind turbine for my own use. The biggest problem I see with them as they exist now is that it will take a very, very long time for the turbine to pay for it's self...

Solar I'm not entirely sold on. At least not at the current level of development of this technology. I do think it will be a significant contributor to our power grid in the future though.