I have always been one of those guys that likes to do things for myself. I like to tinker and I like to the sense of accomplishment of doing things from start to finish.

I have never designed a home, but I have helped build a few in my day. I have the labor skills, but now I want to try to design my next home and I want it to be green. I would love to go off the grid and live without the worries of how will I pay for electricity.

Anyone have any idea if this is feasible or for my own sanity and safety, should I bring in a professional, if for nothing else just as a consultant?

How novice are you? Have you researched and read about green building technologies? If you know how to lay-out homes and how to build them, you have the bulk of the knowledge in hand. You just need to learn where the added variables are. I say go for it. It could actually be one of the most rewarding things you ever do.

I guess if you are willing to make mistakes and corrections along the way, have patience with every new thing you try and understand your limitations, I don't see why you couldn't do it all on your own. I would recommend that you read and research as much as you can before starting. Know what you are getting into.

So if I want to do this on my own, what programs or books should I be reading? I really want to do this on my own but I want to have the best tools in my box before I start.