If you can do micro-hydro, that's the most cost-effective source of alternative power. I have a 1kW system running at my place, and the cost for the unit was about $2,000 total. I've also got a 6.4 kW solar system installed on my hillside and between the two I've got more power than I know what to do with.
The prices you mentioned for a wind system seem really high - you should be able to get a decent wind generator for around $2K. Keep in mind, though, that the maintenance and upkeep of the wind turbines is a pain in the butt. When they do have to be serviced, you need to take down the whole supporting mast, and that's no small affair. And, because of the nature of the wind turbine, it's not a simple effort to manage the power. Because you have wildly varying wind speeds, you need a good controller that won't fry your battery bank. Finally, if you're in a lightning prone area, you need to employ some serious measures to protect the electronics that power your home.
In my humble opinion, I'd recommend taking a look at some of the deals you can get on eBay for full pallets of solar panels. If you can get pallets of panels for under $4 a watt, the payoff will be really quick. Best of all, the solar system is pretty much maintenance free. From personal experience, even though solar was much more expensive than the hydro power, it's a better deal because I don't need to worry about it. The hydro, while very cool and cheap, spins at a high speed and the bearings need to be replaced every few years - and the screens to keep the muck out of the system need to be cleaned every few days. Once those screens get clogged, your power goes to nothing real fast.