BuildItSolar: Solar energy projects for Do It Yourselfers to save money and reduce pollution
This site has a TON of information as well as very many projects to look at. It's full of pictures and explanations, and is (for the most part) easy reading. Pretty much no matter what you are thinking about building, someone has been there before. It has a "Getting Started" sectioin which helps point you in the right direction.
I especially like the "HALF" program section. They even have a no-brainer plan for people who don't like making plans. Best of all, a lot of these projects are easy, cheap, and have super-high paybacks. I am a very hands-on type of person, and don't have lots of money just waiting to be spent. This site is reality based, not all charts and theories, which to me is very reassuring. I can consider projects that I know have worked for others before me.
Welcome and good luck,
Jeff